COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ben Roethlisberger likely will have better job offers than to coach the Steelers offensive line next year, but the retiring quarterback has opinions on how that unit should be configured.
Speaking on the WDVE Morning Show, Roethlisberger said Friday that rookie Dan Moore Jr. is the long-term answer at left tackle. The future Hall-of-Famer thinks rookie center Kendrick Green also can be a valuable contributor, but that the Steelers should consider switching him to guard.
“KG is a guy ... we put a lot on him this year,” Roethlisberger said of the Illinois product. “A guy who didn’t play much center even in college. I truly — and I’m not a coach, I’m not going to make these decisions —I think KG at some point should probably get moved to guard, and he will dominate this league at guard because he has that extra fire and passion.”
The third-round draft pick, selected to replace retired Maurkice Pouncey, has struggled mightily in the middle of a rebuilt and often maligned offensive line. In 15 starts, he’s been graded as one of the league’s worst centers by Pro Football Focus. Everything from missed blocks to being overpowered by defenders to the occasional errant shotgun snap has plagued Green, who made the conversion from guard to center as a rookie.
Currently on the Reserve/Covid List, Green did not play in the Steelers’ 26-14 win over the Browns after suffering a calf injury midway through the 36-10 loss in Kansas City. J.C. Hassenauer started at center against Cleveland and, whether coincidence or not, Najee Harris responded with his best rushing performance of the season, running for 188 yards.
Roethlisberger, who’s been sacked 37 times, fifth-most in the league, thinks Green’s feisty style would be better suited at guard. He’s recommending no such position change for Moore, a fourth-round pick who’s started all 16 games at left tackle.
Moore was excellent on Monday night in neutralizing Myles Garrett, who had little impact on the game. His performance was especially good considering he played most of the game with a high-ankle sprain that likely will keep him out of the regular-season finale.
“He’s got heart, he’s got passion, he’s smart and he’s very, very good,” Roethlisberger said. “He’s going to be the left tackle of the future for this football team and he’s going to be very good at it. He cares about his job. He cares about protecting the quarterback, and that’s what you want in a lineman. He’s going to sit there for a long time at left tackle.”
Roethlisberger, who will play his final regular-season on Sunday in Baltimore, said this rookie class will grow as a group in the next few seasons. There’s little question who will lead it.
The quarterback was effusive in his praise of Harris, who set the franchise rookie rushing record on Monday night, and ranks fourth in the NFL with 1,172 yards.
“Special, special player,” Roethlisberger said of the running back. “He doesn’t say a lot. Maybe that will change when he gets more comfortable . . . but he’s the ring leader of that group in terms of his play.”
FROM FRIDAY PRACTICE
• The Steelers practiced in their field house due to the snow.
• The club got good news ahead of the Ravens game as leading receiver Diontae Johnson, who had been in COVID protocol, was activated.
• Roethlisberger isn’t the only distinguished veteran who’s likely in his final season with the Steelers. If he gets COVID clearance, Haden could be playing his last regular-season game with the Steelers on Sunday.
The 32-year-old cornerback is finishing up his fifth season in Pittsburgh, and he remains one of the club’s most popular players among his teammates.
Haden has been limited to 11 games this season due to injuries, but he continues to be an impactful player when in the lineup. Linebacker Alex Highsmith cited Haden’s game-saving tackle in the final minutes of the win over the Titans.
Rookie defensive back Tre Norwood said Haden has been a blessing for him and other youngsters on the squad.
“Just having that guy in the room and being able to learn from him in meetings and going out in practice . . . and being able to watch him and seeing how he goes about things,” Norwood said of the three-time Pro Bowler.
THE INJURY REPORT
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
• Moore, linebacker Buddy Johnson (foot) and Iaaiah Buggs (illness) did not practice on Friday. Green and Haden remain in COVID protocol. They would need to be activated by Saturday at 4 p.m. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler also is in the virus protocols.
