Kendall

Simmons

The first-round pick from 2002 had an MRI yesterday that revealed a slight tear in the ligament. He will seek a second opinion next week from Dr. James Andrews. Keydrick Vincent steps into Simmons’ spot on the O-line.

Chukky Okobi or Keydrick Vincent will likely take over. The Steelers offensive line collapsed last season because of injuries. Simmons is the first to go down this year.

Both are in contract years. Simmons is in the hunt to replace retired Jeff Hartings at center but is behind Chukky Okobi and possibly Sean Mahan at the moment. Starks will face in-camp competition from Willie Colon.

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.

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.

Simmons isn’t a dominating player but did well to hold off Sean Mahan and Chris Kemoeatu for the starting right guard job during training camp. He was previously under contract for 2007 at a $900,000 base salary.

Several NFL teams are monitoring Simmons, according to sources, and he is upbeat about how well he is getting around. He is working out with the Auburn football team and hopes to be back in the league soon. There are sure to be injuries around the league and he should get a nibble.

This is a surprise as it was thought Simmons would just get a one-year deal considering he was coming off an Achilles injury. But the Pats are obviously pretty high on the former Steelers guard. He earns a $280,000 signing bonus, $620,000 this season, $755,000 in 2010 and $900,000 in 2011.

The Pats value versatility in all their backup players, and Simmons fits the bill as a center/guard hybrid. He’s likely available for the league minimum.