Steelers: Jesse James could have bigger role than expected

The Steelers could be leaning on Jesse James this season a lot more than they initially thought they would.

This offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Ladarius Green in the free agency period to replace Heath Miller. Green is tall, fast, and provides Pittsburgh with an unfamiliar asset that Ben Roethlisberger would have the benefit of using to tear apart opposing defenses.

Unfortunately, the news has broke that he has been missing practices due to headaches, and not the ankle injury that many believed to be keeping him on the sidelines.

Now, people might roll their eyes when they hear the word headache, and think of it as very temporary.

In football, headaches can often mean something else. Multiple blows to the head, and concussions can lead to serious issues later in life, including CTE, a disease caused by multiple severe blows to the head.

Players like Ken Stabler, Frank Gifford, Mike Webster, and Junior Seau have been linked to the disease.

People more close to the situation have stated that retirement is potentially in the cards for Green. While that would be extremely unfortunate for fans, and of course, Green himself, who has barely had the opportunity to play the sport he’s dedicated his life to, it’s also important to respect his decision, and realize that it could be the right one if he chooses to retire.

If Green does leave the game, the hole will be more visible in Pittsburgh. As the philosophy has said so many times before; Next Man Up, and Jesse James is that man.

Jesse James will be entering his 2nd season after being drafted in the 5th round out of Penn State. James enjoyed a pretty good rookie campaign for a guy drafted as late as he was, even though he only reeled in 8 receptions, 56 yards, and a single score. He saw the field a few times, and put his name out there, which is all he needed to do.

In his minimal time on the field, he proved that he has the potential to be a reliable target down the road. He’s not quick, he’s not elusive, but nor was Heath Miller, who will surely go down as the greatest tight end in Steeler history, for now.

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He’s got a big frame, standing at 6’7″ and 261lbs, and has big play potential. He does need to work on his blocking skills, and release, but he has everything a player needs to succeed in the league, and quickly.

While it would be extremely unfortunate if Green was forced into retirement at such a young age, especially never hitting the field in the black and gold, but even though the Steelers are by no means deep at the tight end position, Jesse James is a guy who can come in, and do his job, which is all the Steelers need right now to put themselves in position to hoist a 7th Lombardi Trophy.