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Tuesday, June 11, 2002

By Ed Bouchette, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Herman Moore is here and Terance Mathis arrives tonight, but that does not mean Troy Edwards is on his way out, Coach Bill Cowher insisted yesterday.

The Steelers will take a look at Moore and Mathis, two receivers in their mid-30s, the next two days to try to determine if they have enough left to help as a No. 3 or 4 receiver in 2002. If so, the Steelers will sign one of them to the veteran minimum salary of $750,000.

Even if that happens, Cowher said Edwards isn't necessarily through.

"It should not be looked upon as an indictment against any of our players we have right now," Cowher said. "We have the two starters; we have Troy Edwards, who has had a very, very good off-season. He's been out here, hasn't missed a practice, has looked very good.

"Antwaan Randle El has looked very good, particularly in the role he is in. Lee Mays has flashed, Lenzie Jackson has done well. But certainly when you look at Herman and Terance Mathis, you have two veteran guys. We lost a guy in Bobby [Shaw], who is more a veteran guy.

"We'll see how it plays out. Certainly it's nothing more than exploring the players that are out there and seeing if we can add a veteran player to the mix. Again, that would create very good competition among that group and give us some experience. We'll see how it plays out. We're pleased with the receivers we have, and we're just looking at this as a chance to upgrade the competition level and talent at that position."

Gaining strength

Halfback Amos Zereoue has gained most of the weight he lost when he was diagnosed with a cyst on his liver, but he won't be tested until training camp.

"All the reports are that he will be [fine]," Cowher said. "It's a thing right now where he is running, his weight is back. It's more right now the contact. We have to be very careful. We have to make sure the liver is healed up. I talked to John Fung, a good friend of mine, and there is not a better liver expert than him. He assured us to be careful right now that he doesn't get contact on that particular part of the body."

First in line

Oliver Ross was running as the first right guard in the first mandatory minicamp practice yesterday, but he will have to hold off Keydrick Vincent and No. 1 draft pick Kendall Simmons to earn it.

"Right now, Oliver is the starter," Cowher said. "We're going to give Kendall a good look and also Keydrick. We'll see how this thing materializes in camp."

Ross might become the No. 3 offensive tackle, even if he wins a starting job at guard.

No shows

The only players not at practice yesterday were those in NFL Europe and rookie free agent fullback Albert Tuipulotu, who had a final exam to take at Portland State and is expected to arrive tonight.