Tomlin expects cornerbacks Lewis and Allen to play in Steelers vs. Bengals

Cornerback Ike Taylor will miss his third game in a row, but Coach Mike Tomlin said he expects cornerbacks Keenan Lewis and Cortez Allen to play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Lewis aggravated a hip injury in the loss to the Dallas Cowboys and did not return, but Tomlin said he "optimistic he will get some work" in practice this week and start against the Bengals.

Same with Allen, who did not play against the Cowboys because of a hip flexor injury after replacing Taylor in the starting lineup a week earlier. Taylor has a hairline fracture of his right ankle and has removed the protective boot from his foot.

But it is possible he won't play again unless the Steelers make the playoffs.

Cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, who sustain a separated shoulder against the Cowboys, was placed on injured reserve. His place on the 53-man roster was taken by former Gateway High School and Penn State cornerback Justin King, who was signed as a free agent.

King, 25, worked out for the Steelers several weeks ago.

The St. Louis Rams drafted him in the fourth round in 2008. He played for the Indianapolis Colts this season before they released him after the fifth week

Tomlin also said right tackle Mike Adams, who has missed the past three games with a high-ankle sprain, has been cleared to practice. His progress will be gauged to see if he can play against the Bengals, Tomlin said.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/steelers-sign-gateways-justin-king-at-cornerback-666851/#ixzz2FRG8OtUI

Our secondary really needs Ike back. While Lewis has come in to his own, Ike's leadership and coverage opposite Lewis is sorely missed.

Getting Adams back is bolster to the offensive line, but really it doesn't matter if the o-line is healthy if the offense isn't on the same page as a unit.

Two words for Haley and Ben this week: Heath Miller

Its great to hear that those two will be back, especially Keenan. It is also great to hear that Mike will be back for the O-line, we need all the depth we could get.