Trai Essex News

Every weekday, jaguars.com Senior Editor Vic Ketchman tackles the fans' tough questions.

It has been quite a year for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. In February, he entered the rarefied ranks of National Football League quarterbacks with two Super Bowl rings.

For the past few years, the defensive line of the Minnesota Vikings has lived up to the marauding nature of their namesakes.

It is hard to imagine Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians diagramming a run play such as the "Packers Sweep" legendary coach Vince Lombardi drew up more than 40 years ago.

Both are on track to play Sunday barring any setbacks this week. Polamalu has missed the past four games because of a sprained knee, and turf toe has sidelined Parker for the past two Steelers ' games.

For the first time since just before halftime of the Week One victory over the Tennessee Titans, Troy Polamalu is expected to return for a full practice this Wednesday.

Has the NFL gone overboard in trying to protect quarterbacks? Steelers coach Mike Tomlin deftly sidestepped that question last week, but subtly sent a message while he was at it.

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to get their heads on straight or the 2009 season could end quicker than many expect.

Below LIONS QUOTES - Click on Link Opening statement: "Mission accomplished for us.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger talked a good game as the guest host of a pro wrestling show but didn't get into a match, observers said.

In the NFL , you take small victories as they come. The Steelers are 1-2 this season after winning Super Bowl XLIII.

Left tackle Max Starks isn't one of them. "It is just like saying that television is a distraction," Starks said.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker Let's dig into the mailbag. Nate Barnes from Greensburg, PA wants to know if the Pittsburgh Steelers should give rookie Kriag Urbik a chance to start at right guard over Trai Essex .

Defending champs get a bad rap. Four of the past five NFL champs came back to win division titles the following year, with the Steelers of 2006 the exception.

Steelers vs. Bears Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears Date : Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009 Kickoff : 4:15 p.m., ET Site : Soldier Field Chicago, Ill.

Hey Ed, just wanted to know your thoughts on the Steelers and their draft busts in the third round: Anthony Smith, Willie Reid and Bruce Davis.

Steelers offensive tackle Willie Colon took part in the Lupus Loop for the third straight year, a walk that benefits the Lupus Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, and the longer he is involved the more he understands the importance of his role.

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Great, G Trai Essex was beaten by DT Jason Jones. C Hartwig and T Colon stood side by side while Essex looked on as Roethlisberger was being pursued by the defense and sacked by Jones.

One of the biggest free agent moves of the NFL offseason was Washington's signing of former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse pretends to blow his nose on a"Terrible Towel". Game plan What the Steelers will do: The Titans play a soft, two-deep zone which should allow QB Ben Roethlisberger, who passed for 329 yards and two touchdowns in a meeting Dec.