Trai

Essex

Essex has started 24 games over the past three seasons in Pittsburgh, but performed poorly. The former third-round pick will compete for a roster spot as a swing-type reserve. Essex turned 29 years old in December.

Already benched once earlier this season, Kemoeatu got a reprieve in Thursday’s win after Maurkice Pouncey suffered a high-ankle sprain. He made his presence felt in all the wrong ways, however, committing three penalties while fouling up a goal-line plunge. Even if Pouncey remains sidelined, Trai Essex is expected to get the start at left guard against the 49ers. At this point, it’s fair to wonder if Kemoeatu will see his $3.58 million salary in 2012.

A perennial under-performer, the 29-year-old Essex might finally be done in the Steel City. A seventh-round pick out of Colorado, Clemons is likely headed to the practice squad. The Steelers currently have just four wideouts on their 53-man roster.

29-year-old Essex knows Colts OC Bruce Arians’ offense from their days together in the Steel City. Essex is a legitimate candidate to start at right tackle in Week 2 with RT Winston Justice trying to overcome a Week 1 concussion.

The Colts obviously didn’t like what they saw when Essex was brought in to play right guard in the second half last week. They’re keeping Seth Olsen over him.

The Steelers’ line is underperforming and is now ravaged by injury. Essex was just signed off the street last month and would be a liability on Ben Roethlisberger’s blind side. To make matters worse, he would be facing off with elite pass rusher Mario Williams.

This can be taken as good news. If Scott had a high-ankle sprain, he would certainly be out for this week. Tomlin also called RG Doug Legursky (shoulder) questionable, even though said he plans on playing this week. If Scott can’t go, Trai Essex would get the start at left tackle.

His status is currently unknown. Were Pouncey to miss Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, the Steelers would be forced to start journeyman G/T Trai Essex at center with regular backup Doug Legursky out indefinitely with a toe injury.

He will be a backup this season, probably at right tackle.