Jonathan

Scott

Journeyman Trai Essex is expected to start on Big Ben’s blindside while Ramon Foster fills in for Doug Legursky (shoulder) at right guard. Essex will be in the spotlight against a Texans front seven that is bringing the heat through three games.

Gilbert left yesterday’s win in the first half and didn’t return. He was replaced by Jonathan Scott.

“I didn’t like the way he prepared this week,” Tomlin said. “I wanted to make a point that it wasn’t what we like.” It sounds like the Steelers are sending a message to Gilbert that he needs to do a better job with his preparation. If he can put in a good week of practice, he should have no trouble regaining his starting job.

Kemoeatu turned in a disastrous season while playing through a nagging knee injury, and Scott lost his job to rookie Marcus Gilbert. At $25 million over the cap -- according to team president Art Rooney II -- the Steelers can save $2.4 million on Kemoeatu, $2.2 million on Scott, and $2.5 million on McFadden. NT Casey Hampton (partially torn ACL) and ILB James Farrior are also on the bubble.

Scott was severely overmatched as a desperation five-game starter when Max Starks was released prior to the 2011 season opener. Now that Starks has been brought back as insurance for rookie Mike Adams, Scott was a luxury at $2.2 million. The Steelers can use that money to bridge the gap on Mike Wallace’s multi-year deal.

Scott signed with the Lions in July, but was released with an injury settlement. He appeared in 12 games for the Steelers last season, starting five. Scott would provide experienced, if ineffective depth behind J’Marcus Webb and Gabe Carimi.

Scott began his career in Detroit as a fifth-round pick back in 2006. A swing tackle at best, the 29-year-old may have to beat out Corey Hilliard and the oft-injured Jason Fox for the final O-Line roster spot.

Scott was signed in July, but ended up missing the entire preseason. Scott appeared in 12 games for the Steelers last season, starting five, but was overwhelmed in pass protection. He’s likely nearing the end of the line.

A bottom-10 tackle in Pro Football Focus’ rankings, Carimi got flat out embarrassed by 49ers DE Aldon Smith in Monday night’s loss, getting tossed around like a rag doll. Carimi is less than two years removed from being the No. 29 overall pick, but unless he’s playing injured, there’s simply no excuse for the way he performed in Week 11. A change is likely coming for Week 12.

The Bears were waiting until after Week 1 so they wouldn’t have to guarantee Scott’s contract. The ex-Steeler brings some veteran depth to the table as he has 29 career starts under his belt. J’Marcus Webb and Gabe Carimi are locked in as the Bears’ starting tackles.