Nick

Eason

The 6-1, 303-pound Eason opened the year with the Denver Broncos, but was released last week.

“I realized that I could probably help myself and extend my career if I lost a little weight,” Eason said. The difference is huge. I feel a lot quicker now. I have a lot more endurance.” The 32-year-old graded out poorly as a run defender in 2011, according to Pro Football Focus.

Eason, 34 in May, was out of the league this past season after appearing in all 16 games and making nine tackles in 2012 with the Cardinals. The former fourth-round pick of the Broncos registered 128 tackles and seven sacks as a reserve across ten seasons with the Broncos, Browns, Steelers, and Cardinals.

Outside of Troy Polamalu, Smith is quite possibly the MVP of Pittsburgh’s defense because of his versatility, so it’s a brutal loss for the Steelers heading down the closing stretch. Tomlin did not name a replacement, but veteran backups Travis Kirschke and Nick Eason should see additional snaps.

Journeyman Nick Eason will likely get another start against the Ravens.

The Steelers are getting healthier at other positions, but will still be hard pressed to carry Smith on the roster into mid-January. Travis Kirschke will likely move into the starting lineup at strong-side end, with rookie Ziggy Hood and Nick Eason rotating in. Smith is 33, but still a highly effective run stopper with some pass-rush ability. His loss is significant.

The club made a wink-nod arrangement with Eason to re-sign after Sunday night’s thrashing of San Diego. He’ll resume his run-stopping reserve role.

He was let go to make room for practice squad RB Isaac Redman. Eason, who signed with the Steelers as a free agent in 2007, was inactive for the first three games of the season.

Kirschke was already replacing Aaron Smith, who is done for the year with a shoulder injury. Nick Eason stepped in for Kirschke last week. Beat writer Ed Bouchette called Kirschke’s injury “bad,” but he does have an extra week to heal as the Steelers are on a bye.