3rd Round Pick DL Ellis Could Make His Debut Monday Night

With defensive end Ropati Pitoitua’s availability for Monday night in question, Jets third-round defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis could make his NFL debut against the Dolphins, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said on Friday.

“I think it’s looking that way,” Pettine said via Connor Orr of The Star-Ledger. “I think this is a team that I know will try and establish the run. It’s a pretty good offensive line we’re going against and again, not sure of Ropati’s eligibility.

“I could see this being the week, he’s certainly getting the reps in practice, but that decision has yet to be made. He’ll be ready to go.”

Pitoitua has not practiced this week due to a knee injury.

A third-round pick out of Hampton, the 6-foot-5, 346-pound Ellis had seven tackles, including one for a loss, and a pass defensed in the preseason, but has been unable to crack the team’s 46-man roster on gamedays.

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Steelers’ Smith out, Ravens’ Birk in for Round 3

Published: January 15th, 2011 | Tags: AFC Divisional Playoffs, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu, who has been dealing with an ankle injury, is active for the AFC Divisional showdown with the rival Baltimore Ravens Saturday, as expected. Polamalu was a full participant in practice for the first time Thursday and was listed as probable on the team’s final injury report. He missed games in Weeks 15 and 16 while dealing with ankle and Achilles injuries, but he returned in Week 17 to face the Cleveland Browns.

Cornerback Bryant McFadden (abdomen) participated fully in Friday’s practice and is set to go as well.

Steelers DE Aaron Smith wasn’t ready to come back from a triceps injury he suffered in Week 7 and has been ruled out.

For the Ravens, center Matt Birk missed a two days of practice this week while dealing with a knee injury but will be active. He was listed as questionable, along with cornerback Chris Carr (thigh), who will also suit up after being limited in practice this week.

Safety Tom Zbikowski has been ruled out with a back injury.

Ravens
WR/KR David Reed
S Tom Zbikowski
LB Jason Phillips
DT Arthur Jones
G Bryan Mattison
TE Davon Drew
TE Dennis Pitta
DT Lamar Divens

Steelers
Charlie Batch (No. 3 QB)
RB Jonathan Dwyer
DB Crezdon Butler
OT Chris Scott
OT Tony Hills
DT Steve McLendon
DE Aaron Smith
LB Jason Worlids

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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