Alan

Faneca

The Steelers can’t afford to lose another lineman after Kendall Simmons went down in the preseason. Pittsburgh ran-block very well in week one.

This was expected; the work isn’t mandatory. Faneca probably won’t return to Pittsburgh until training camp.

“I’ll be there. I don’t think I’ll have bells on, but I’ll be there,” Faneca said Wednesday. Faneca, who is unhappy he doesn’t have a contract extension, says he won’t make waves with his complaints when he shows up.

Alan Faneca has to love this. Simmons’ agent says the sides hope to get a deal done before Week 1. Faneca wouldn’t rule out signing long term with the Steelers in an interview Thursday, but there have been no serious talks.

The sides aren’t expected to reach an accord this year but when they do, Big Ben will likely become the highest-paid Steeler in club history. The Post-Gazette speculates that the Steelers’ unwillingness to extend guard Alan Faneca may be in preparation for Roethlisberger getting a huge contract.

There had been speculation the Steelers would be more willing to negotiate after having question marks in other areas on the offensive line. The five-time Pro Bowler will play this season and then look for a new team.

Simmons, who is in a contract season, will likely receive a big pay day on the 2008 market along with left guard Alan Faneca and right tackle Max Starks.

Way to go out. Faneca says he won’t cause a problem this year, but his action and talk hardly support his case.

They could certainly use some bulk upfront to help their running game. The Cardinals are also expected to pursue Faneca, 31.