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Unlike the other all-time great safety in the division, the Steelers' Troy Polamalu is committed to playing this season. But Polamalu did acknowledge to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he thinks of the end of his career "all the time."

"People have asked me how many years do you think you can play? My reaction is always, when you live day to day, it's hard to talk years," he said. "It's always been my mantra in life, whether it was my first year as a rookie or year 10, I just live day to day."

It's fair to say that Polamalu, who turned 31, has fewer years ahead in his playing career than behind him. But that won't impact this season. The fact that Polamalu was there for voluntary workouts will.

Polamalu usually skips these practices because he prefers working out with his trainer in Los Angeles. He said he chose to come this year "for obvious reasons."

"We had a lot of our major leadership leave, people that we count on," he said. "I think it's nice for the younger guys to see a familiar face, and, honestly, to get myself better."

This older Polamalu might think of retirement more, but he is also more mature and responsible. He understands the effect of losing the likes of James Farrior, Aaron Smith and Chris Hoke on defense. He understands that the Steelers need him in Pittsburgh and not on the West Coast.

General manager Kevin Colbert said at the NFL owners meetings that he couldn't identify who would become the new leaders on this team. "We're looking for that right now," he said.

Well, the Steelers looked at one when they saw Polamalu entering team headquarters for a workout in May.

Nearly a full month into free agency, the Steelers finally signed their first player Tuesday. It was -- yawn -- Leonard Pope.

Not excited about adding a backup tight end? Well, this is essentially a repeat of last year, when the Steelers' big free-agent signing was wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery. Let's face it, Steelers free agency contains as much action as a Sarah Jessica Parker flick. Everyone knows this, and that's why no one is wringing their Terrible Towel over the inactivity.

The Steelers find players in April, not March. They hit on first-round picks every year -- at least in recent memory -- and develop undrafted prospects into starters. No one has built their team through the draft quite like the Steelers this decade. If the season started today, only one of the projected starters (safety Ryan Clark) joined the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent.

The Steelers need this remarkable track record in the draft to come through for them again. In some ways, this is the most important draft of the Mike Tomlin era. I'm not saying this is a crucial draft in terms of finding immediate starters. But the pressure is on the Steelers to find "potential" starters for the 2012 season.

The organization lost a piece of its history when it parted ways with wide receiver Hines Ward, linebacker James Farrior, defensive end Aaron Smith, nose tackle Chris Hoke and guard Chris Kemoeatu this offseason. Some have downplayed these departures because none were major contributors last season. Farrior was a part-time player, Ward was being phased out, Kemoeatu was benched and Smith and Hoke were both injured. The Steelers, though, could have used their experience as backups this season.

The loss of these veteran safety nets makes injuries a major concern. Two starters -- running back Rashard Mendenhall and nose tackle Casey Hampton -- are candidates to start the regular season on the physically unable to perform list (and miss at least the first six games) after ACL surgeries this offseason. Tomlin has expressed concern about whether right tackle Willie Colon and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders can shake their injury histories. And the Steelers have to be worried about Maurkice Pouncey's ankle, LaMarr Woodley's hamstrings and Doug Legursky's shoulder.

If Hampton is placed on the PUP, the starting nose tackle would likely be an out-of-position Ziggy Hood. If Legursky is hurt, the current top backup at guard is John Malecki. If Colon goes down, the Steelers have to turn to the often-struggling Jonathan Scott. If Sanders can't play, the third receiver would be ... well, no one right now. These are all painful scenarios for the Steelers.

This is where the draft comes into play for Pittsburgh. Taking the right college player has always kept the Steelers in the mode of reloading, not rebuilding. No one knows whom the Steelers will select with the 24th overall pick. It could be Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower, Georgia offensive lineman Cordy Glenn, Stanford tight end Coby Fleener or someone not even linked to Pittsburgh. Based on the Steelers' history, the only certainty is that the pick will become an impact player.

Since 2000, the Steelers' first-round selections have been wide receiver Plaxico Burress, Hampton, guard Kendall Simmons, safety Troy Polamalu, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, tight end Heath Miller, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, linebacker Lawrence Timmons, Mendenhall, Hood, Pouncey and defensive end Cameron Heyward. The only one who didn't quite live up to expectations is Mendenhall, and he is hardly a major disappointment, having led the team in rushing for the past three seasons. This great run is more amazing when you consider that only two (Burress and Roethlisberger) were selected in the top half of the first round. Even the Ravens, who are known for excelling in the draft, have had two busts during this span with quarterback Kyle Boller and wide receiver Travis Taylor.

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert, one of the underrated decision-makers in the NFL, can't explain this string of success.

"We've been fortunate," he told reporters at the NFL owners meetings. "We are capable as anybody of making a mistake. We never keep score. There's only one score that matters and that's the last game of the year."

If the Steelers had been keeping score, they would realize their success goes beyond the first round. They have come away with current starters in the second round (linebacker Woodley), third round (wide receiver Mike Wallace), fourth round (cornerback Ike Taylor), sixth round (wide receiver Antonio Brown) and seventh round (defensive end Brett Keisel). And don't forget about the undrafted finds like Legursky, right guard Ramon Foster and running back Isaac Redman.

This is why the Steelers don't have to write a $100 million check to free agents. This is why the Steelers can sign one player in the first 28 days of free agency and not sweat about it. Pittsburgh's way of business is about patience and faith. The Steelers believe in their front office to select the right college players and they believe in their coaching staff to develop them. It's a proven system that has led to five AFC North titles in 10 seasons and three trips to the Super Bowl during that span.

As players come and go, the Steelers' goals never change. Like Tomlin always preaches: "The standard is the standard."

"If you have a desire to be in this league for a length of time, you are going to roll with the punches and the ebb and flow, the evolution of the game," Tomlin said at the NFL owners meetings. "Thankfully, I've been in the game long enough to see a little bit of that. Those who are able to sustain success are pliable and flexible."

And the organizations that are able to sustain success are often quiet in free agency and make the most noise in the draft.

Our ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter put down his BlackBerry for a few minutes to address the Steelers' draft in his latest mailbag . This is what Schefter had to say when asked about Pittsburgh's priority in the draft:

This draft is so deep at defensive tackle that it's easy to see the Steelers looking in that direction on draft day. The one thing about Pittsburgh's defense is that it's aging, quickly -- the Steelers need an infusion of youth and talent. Then again, they also could use some reinforcements to help protect Ben Roethlisberger. But the needs along the defensive line would seem to be the most pressing and if there's a bona fide prospect available, Pittsburgh could pounce on him.

There's no question that the Steelers have depth issues on the defensive line. Nose tackle Casey Hampton (ACL) might start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which would sideline him for the first six games. Defensive end Aaron Smith was released and longtime backup nose tackle Chris Hoke retired.

According to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. , the top defensive tackles in the draft are: Memphis' Dontari Poe, LSU's Michael Brockers, Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox, Michigan State's Jerel Worthy and Cincinnati's Derek Wolfe. Poe and Cox are expected to be drafted before the Steelers pick at No. 24. Most mock drafts have the Steelers taking Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower in the first round.

I've given my grades out to all the AFC North teams after the first wave of free agency was complete. Now, it's your turn.

Give me your grade and a two-line assessment (good, bad or indifferent) of how the Steelers have fared so far this offseason. You can also send your grade and comment to the AFC North mailbag.

This is our final installment of the week-long series, and I will post a fans' report card on Monday.

Here's a recap of the Steelers' offseason:

KEY PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

None

KEY PLAYERS ACQUIRED

None

KEY PLAYERS LOST

WR Hines Ward, LB James Farrior, DE Aaron Smith, CB William Gay, NT Chris Hoke, G Chris Kemoeatu, CB Bryant McFadden, WR Arnaz Battle, P Daniel Sepulveda.

» AFC Assessments: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

Cincinnati Bengals

Key additions: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, S Reggie Nelson, G Travelle Wharton, CB Jason Allen, CB Adam Jones, DE Jamaal Anderson, DE Derrick Harvey

Key losses: DE Frostee Rucker (Browns), G Nate Livings (Cowboys), G Mike McGlynn (Colts), DE Jonathan Fanene (Patriots), WR Andre Caldwell (Broncos)

Grade after first wave of free agency: B. The Bengals were the most active team in the division and they should have been. Cincinnati entered free agency with more than $50 million in salary-cap space, which was more than the rest of the AFC North combined. The Bengals upgraded at running back and left guard while bringing back their top free-agent priority in safety Reggie Nelson. The biggest knock against the Bengals is they didn't make a splash by signing a high-profile free agent like guard Ben Grubbs or wide receiver Robert Meachem.

The prize of the Bengals' signings is running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who is an improvement over Cedric Benson. Green-Ellis isn't known for breaking long gains, but he is a force in the red zone and has never fumbled in the NFL. Wharton is a step up from Nate Livings at left guard because he is a strong run-blocker who will open holes inside. The biggest losses came on the defensive line, where Cincinnati will miss Frostee Rucker on run defense and Jonathan Fanene in the pass rush.

What’s next: The Bengals can still close the gap between the Ravens and Steelers because they have two first-round picks in the draft (No. 17 overall, which came from Oakland in the Carson Palmer trade, and No. 21). Even with the signing of Wharton, Cincinnati needs a right guard and could have a shot at the top interior offensive lineman coming out of college. Stanford's David DeCastro is one of the safest picks in the draft and would start immediately for the Bengals.

The second first-round pick could be used on a wide receiver or a cornerback. The Bengals surprisingly didn't add a free-agent wide receiver to pair with A.J. Green. Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill or Baylor's Kendall Wright should be available in the bottom third of the draft. Another need is cornerback because Cincinnati could use an eventual replacement for Nate Clements, who is entering his 12th season. Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick, the second best corner in the draft, has a chance of sliding to the Bengals.

Cleveland Browns

Key additions: DE Frostee Rucker, LB D'Qwell Jackson, CB Dimitri Patterson, DE Juqua Parker

Key losses: RB Peyton Hillis (Chiefs), S Mike Adams (Broncos), G Eric Steinbach, OT Tony Pashos

Grade after first wave of free agency: C. Browns president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert said they were building this team through the draft and they weren't joking. The Browns desperately needed to improve at quarterback, wide receiver and right tackle. But Cleveland's offense came out of the initial wave of free agency empty-handed. Blame the Washington Redskins. The Browns attempted to move up in the draft to take Robert Griffin III, and the Rams instead traded the second overall pick to the Redskins. Cleveland reportedly pursued wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, and both took high-priced deals from Washington.

The Browns provided more help to the defense in free agency. Frostee Rucker will make an impact in stopping the run, which was the biggest weakness on the NFL's 10th-ranked defense. Juqua Parker, who has 31.5 sacks over the past six seasons, will team with Jabaal Sheard to give Cleveland a strong rush coming off both edges. The Browns didn't try to keep Peyton Hillis and Mike Adams from going elsewhere.

What’s next: Offense, offense and offense. Did I mention offense? The Browns need a quarterback but there's no one worthy of the fourth overall pick. Cleveland could trade down to select Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill or wait until the second round for Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden. The big decision comes if the Browns stay put at No. 4. Cleveland's choices are Alabama running back Trent Richardson or Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. The Browns could use either one because they don't have a starting running back or a No. 1 wide receiver.

Cleveland has a second first-round pick as a result of last year's trade with the Atlanta Falcons. The Browns need to target a wide receiver (if they don't take one earlier in the first round), right tackle or outside linebacker with the 22nd overall pick. Baylor receiver Wright, Mississippi offensive tackle Bobby Massie and Nebraska outside linebacker Lavonte David have been linked to Cleveland.

Baltimore Ravens

Key additions: C Matt Birk, ILB Jameel McClain, OLB Brendon Ayanbadejo, CB Corey Graham, S Sean Considine

Key losses: G Ben Grubbs (Saints), OLB Jarret Johnson (Chargers), DE Cory Redding (Colts) and CB Domonique Foxworth

Grade after first wave of free agency: D. The Ravens lost three starters (Ben Grubbs, Jarret Johnson and Cory Redding) from last season's AFC North champion team and have yet to add anyone to replace them. It was a rough start to free agency for Baltimore, which didn't sign any of its first three visits (guard Evan Mathis, defensive end Mark Anderson and receiver-returner Ted Ginn Jr.). The toughest part of free agency was when the Ravens failed to sign Mathis, who re-signed with the Eagles, after Baltimore had just lost Grubbs.

Baltimore was able to keep two free-agent starters, Matt Birk and Jameel McClain, and boost a struggling special-teams group that allowed three touchdowns last season. The Ravens signed Cory Graham, a Pro Bowl special-teams player from the Bears; Brendon Ayanbadejo, a three-time Pro Bowl special-teams standout; and Sean Considine, who played special teams for three seasons under John Harbaugh in Philadelphia.

What’s next: The Ravens' biggest need is at left guard, but there might not be one that warrants being taken at No. 29. Wisconsin center-guard Peter Konz's stock has slipped recently even though he can play guard right away before switching to center in future seasons. It's hard to pin down a player for Baltimore, which can go in a lot of different directions in the first round.

The Ravens could take the best wide receiver available (especially if he's a returner) because they need a third target who can eventually take Anquan Boldin's starting spot. They could take a safety because Ed Reed turns 34 at the start of the season and Bernard Pollard is a free agent next year. And they could take an offensive tackle because they don't have a reliable backup and Bryant McKinnie is a free agent in 2013.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Key additions: None

Key losses: CB William Gay (Cardinals), LB James Farrior, NT Chris Hoke, G Chris Kemoeatu, DE Aaron Smith, WR Hines Ward

Grade after first wave of free agency: D. It's been a quiet free-agency period so far for the Steelers. Then again, it's usually quiet for the Steelers at this point in the offseason. The only team that consistently does less than the Steelers in free agency is the Green Bay Packers.

The Steelers avoided a failing grade because they've lost only two starters from last season's playoff team. James Farrior was cut in the team's salary-cap purge, and William Gay left as an unrestricted free agent. What Pittsburgh really lost in trimming $25 million to get under the cap was veteran depth and leadership. Injuries would force young players to step up into starting roles.

What’s next: There are question marks at running back, guard, inside linebacker, nose tackle and cornerback. Despite all of those needs, the consensus has been Pittsburgh will draft Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower if he's available at No. 24. He has a great combination of size and speed and excelled in a 3-4 defense in college. It seems like Hightower would be the perfect fit for Pittsburgh.

There's no chance that Memphis' Dontari Poe falls to the Steelers, but there some quality nose tackles in the draft. Those who should be available after the first round are: BYU's Loni Fangupo (second round), Washington's Alameda Ta'amu (third round) and Alabama's Josh Chapman (fourth round). The Steelers likely will become active later in free agency, especially in retaining their own players. Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, running back Mewelde Moore and quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch could potentially return to the team.

When a player gets released by a team -- especially one who has been with the organization for a long time -- it's painful and can often lead to bitter feelings. That's why gestures, like the one by former Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith, really stand out.

Smith, 35, who had been with the Steelers for 13 years, bought a full-page ad in today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to say goodbye to the organization and its fans. The last Steelers player to do this was Alan Faneca in 2008, according to the Post-Gazette.

A 1999 fourth-round draft pick by the Steelers out of Northern Colorado, Smith was possibly the most unheralded figure on the Steelers' defenses. From 2000 to 2008, when Smith had double-digit starts, Pittsburgh ranked in the top 10 in defense all nine years including four as the top-ranked unit. During his career, Smith had at least four sacks in six seasons and is 10th on the team's all-time list with 44.

But injuries lessened his impact in recent years. Smith's 2011 season ended in October when he was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury. It was the third straight season that injuries have limited Smith. He played in only 11 games spanning the 2009 and 2010 seasons because of shoulder and triceps injuries and appeared in just four in 2011.

Here is what Smith wrote in the ad today:

Dear Steelers Fans,

As of today, I am no longer a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I leave the field and Steelers with no regrets, and am grateful to have played for such a tremendous organization. I feel truly blessed to have spent my entire professional career in the best town, playing for the most loyal fans who have loved and supported myself and my family.

The last 13 years of our lives have been special because of the people who cheered me on, and I am truly fortunate to have been a part of the Steelers, the City of Pittsburgh and the Steelers Nation. You have opened your arms and your hearts to us as a family and we will never forget that. Your support, enthusiasm, love and dedication are gifts I will carry with me my entire life.

I may no longer be on the Steelers active roster, but I will always be a Steeler and will never forget the people who made it all worthwhile -- the fans, the Rooneys, the front office, the equipment guys and trainers, my teammates and family. Thank you for supporting me over the last 13 years, and I hope you will support me in whatever future path life will take me on.

We plan on making Pittsburgh our home and I will endeavor for the rest of my days to find a way to thank each and every one of you personally for all that you have done and meant for me and my family. You cheered for me for 13 years and now I cheer for you for the rest of my life. You will always be in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to have the job of a lifetime. You will always be in my heart.

Your friend always,

Aaron Smith and Family, No. 91

Baltimore Ravens

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said the team is not interested in Peyton Manning, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Would Randy Moss be a fit for the Ravens? John Eisenberg of CSNWashington.com mulls it over.

Cincinnati Bengals

Fullback Chris Pressley agreed to a two-year extension, Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes.

Time is running out for the Bengals to re-sign safety Reggie Nelson.

Reedy also wonders if former local high school standout Luke Kuechly could fall to the Bengals in April's draft.

Cleveland Browns

How will Peyton Manning's release affect the Browns and a possible trade up to No. 2 in the draft to select Robert Griffin III? Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer runs through the scenarios.

Joe Haden and Joe Thomas are in the running to don the cover of "Madden NFL 13."

Pittsburgh Steelers

Four veteran Steelers -- Hines Ward, Aaron Smith, James Farrior and Chris Kemoeatu -- have been officially released, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Baltimore Ravens

Terrell Suggs weighs in on the New Orleans Saints' bounty program with Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun.

The Sun's Matt Vensel wonders if Arian Foster's new deal will impact contract negotiations with Ray Rice.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are hopeful wide receiver Armon Binns can go from scout-team star to contributor.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer sees the Bengals selecting Stanford offensive lineman David DeCastro with their first-round pick next month.

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland linebacker Scott Fujita might have been involved with the New Orleans Saints' bounty program, according to NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas.

Cornerback Joe Haden and offensive tackle Joe Thomas will represent the Browns in the online voting for the "Madden NFL 13" video game cover, writes Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said removing emotion from the equation was important when the team decided to part ways with Hines Ward, Aaron Smith and James Farrior.

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says it wasn't a surprise that the Steelers didn't use the franchise tag on wide receiver Mike Wallace.

Baltimore Ravens

Bounties in Baltimore? John Eisenberg of CSNWashington.com puts a few anecdotes under the microscope.

Cincinnati Bengals

Will running back be a priority for the Bengals in free agency and/or next month's draft?

University of Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead is a player the Bengals are intrigued by and could see selecting in the middle rounds.

Cleveland Browns

Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer shares more than a few thoughts on the latest with running back Peyton Hillis.

Joshua Cribbs has a unique take on how the Hills-CIA story came to light.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Larry Foote tells Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette it was "devastating" to see the departures of Hines Ward, Aaron Smith and James Farrior. "We're all grown men, but we've been lucky enough to make a good living playing a kids' game. Most of us have been playing since we were 8 years old. When they tell you it's time to hang up your cleats, it's tough."

Think James Harrison is paying attention to how the NFL handles the bounty sanctions against the New Orleans Saints?

There were two roster moves made in the division, and neither come as a surprise. The Steelers released defensive end Aaron Smith (according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter), and the Ravens cut cornerback Chris Carr (according to the NFL Network).

Both were based as much on performance as salary-cap ramifications. Smith, who is scheduled to make $2.1 million this year, has seen four of his past five seasons cut short by injury. Carr, whose 2012 salary was $3 million, was injured soon after signing four-year, $14 million deal (included $3.8 million signing bonus) this summer and never regained his starting spot.

What's next for the Steelers and Ravens?

The next to go in Pittsburgh is likely inside linebacker James Farrior, one of the top leaders on the Steelers defense. His agent indicated that the "percentages" aren't with the Steelers keeping Farrior. "He wanted to retire a PS [Pittsburgh Steeler] but he is healthy and ready [and] wants to play," agent Ralph Cindrich posted on Twitter. Farrior, 37, is scheduled to make $2.8 million in 2012, the final year of his deal.

The next to go in Baltimore is expected to be cornerback Domonique Foxworth, who has only played two games the past two seasons. The knee injury that put him on injured reserve the past two years could force him to retire at the age of 28. Foxworth declined to talk about the knee last month. Asked if it could stop him from ever playing again, he said, "That's a tough question." Foxworth, who is scheduled to make $5.6 million in 2012, could seek an injury settlement.

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

In the wake the news that wide receiver Hines Ward will be released, inside linebacker Larry Foote and defensive end Aaron Smith are projected to be the next Steelers cut, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Smith, who is scheduled to make $2.1 million this year, has seen four of his past five seasons cut short by injury. Foote, who would make $3 million this year, is expected to get released while declining starter James Farrior would remain.

Hensley's slant: It's been speculated for months that the Steelers would part ways with Smith and either Foote or Farrior to create more salary-cap room. Neither of these moves come close to stirring the emotions of the Steelers' fan base like the release of Ward.

BENGALS: Cincinnati's draft history says the Bengals aren't going to trade up to select Alabama running back Trent Richardson, according to the team's official website. The Bengals traded up once in the first round in their existence, and it resulted in the drafting of -- get ready to cringe -- running back Ki-Jana Carter. Cincinnati also has taken a running back four times in the first round: Archie Griffin in 1976, Charles Alexander in 1979, Carter in 1995 and Chris Perry in 2004. Hensley's slant: This is not surprising, but it's still disappointing. Adding Richardson would have given the Bengals their own version of the triplets with quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green.

BROWNS: Running back Peyton Hillis fired his third agent in a year after parting ways with Kennard McGuire, ESPN's Josina Anderson reported. "If we can work something out with Peyton we will," Browns general manager Tom Heckert told Anderson. "Did he have some rough patches during the season? Yes. Were there stretches where things were blown out of proportion? Yes. Honestly, I feel like a lot of that was blown up in the media. Now, of course things will still come down to the money, but we'll just have to wait and see." Hensley's slant: This is the same agent who tried to deflect heat off Hillis this past season when he said he was the one who advised the running back to sit out a game because of strep throat. Hillis then fired him less than two weeks before the start of free agency. When a player cuts ties with an agent, it's usually when the player wants more than the agent thinks he is worth. This is another sign of Hillis' volatility.

RAVENS: Comcast SportsNet's John Eisenberg doesn't expect the Ravens to bring back inside linebacker Bart Scott, who spent seven seasons with the team. From all indications, the Jets are prepared to part ways with Scott, ESPNNewYork.com reported. "Scott will play somewhere in 2012, but probably not in Baltimore," Eisenberg wrote. "The Ravens want to get younger and faster at their signature position, not older and slower." Hensley's slant: I would be shocked if the Ravens decided to bring back Scott. He isn't the same linebacker that left Baltimore after the 2008 season. Scott's diminishing skills caused the Jets to take him off the field on passing downs. The addition of Scott would only slow down the Ravens.

Football Outsiders analyzed the biggest holes facing each AFC North team going into the offseason. While I can't reveal everything because it's an Insider post, I'll provide the most interesting nugget of information for each team.

BENGALS: Running back, guard. This is a no-brainer because the starting running back (Cedric Benson) and the three guards that started the most games (Nate Livings, Mike McGlynn and Bobbie Williams) are unrestricted free agents. Best note from Football Outsiders: Livings and McGlynn combined to blow seven run blocks that directly resulted in negative yardage.

BROWNS: Running back. Honestly, Football Outsiders could have named every position on offense. Running back stands out because of injuries and ineffectiveness. Peyton Hillis, Montario Hardesty and Chris Ogbonnaya all failed to provide big plays in the running game. Best note from Football Outsiders: The Browns ranked 30th (2010) and 32nd (2011) in second-level yards by running backs. They also ranked 24th (2010) and 31st (2011) in open-field yards.

RAVENS: Interior offensive line, special teams. Everyone knows the Ravens could have major holes with center Matt Birk and left guard Ben Grubbs becoming free agents. The best observation was the struggles of the special teams, especially the coverage teams. It could get worse because four of Baltimore's top five tacklers on special teams are set to become unrestricted free agents: Tom Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Jameel McClain. Best note from Football Outsiders: According to Football Outsiders, the Ravens' special teams went from a No. 4 ranking in 2010 to 30th this season, which has to bother a former special-teams coach like John Harbaugh.

STEELERS: Defensive line. Nose tackle Casey Hampton is coming off ACL surgery, and defensive end Brett Keisel severely hurt his groin in the playoff loss at Denver. Backup nose tackle Chris Hoke retired and defensive end Aaron Smith could be next. Best note from Football Outsiders: Early indications suggest that Ziggy Hood will slide over to nose tackle in place of Hampton, Cameron Heyward will start in Hood's old spot on the strong side, Keisel will return at right defensive end.

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

The criticism from fans and the media is nothing like the shots that Browns quarterback Colt McCoy is taking on the field.

McCoy has been sacked 13 times in the first six games of the season and has been hit 38 times, which is the sixth-most in the NFL. As The Associated Press pointed out, the teams whose quarterbacks have been hit the most (St. Louis, Seattle and Miami) have all had their starters knocked out of games.

“He’s fine,” Browns coach Pat Shurmur said. “I was just with him and he looked good. I didn’t see him run today, but he was walking straight.”

It would probably take an injury to force McCoy out of a game. Browns president Mike Holmgren supported McCoy as his starter for this year, but he was noncommittal beyond that.

“I see that as a great thing,” McCoy said of Holmgren's comments. “I think that’s how he sees every person on our team and if he wouldn’t have said it, I would have said the same thing. I evaluate myself after every game and especially after every season. You have to go back and look at things that were good and bad."

Hensley's slant: No one can question McCoy's toughness, but they can certainly question his arm strength. His 5.46 yards per attempt ranks 33rd in the NFL. Cleveland won't scare many defenses if McCoy can't prove he can beat them deep.

• BENGALS: The Bengals players didn't criticize Carson Palmer in their first comments since the disgruntled quarterback got traded to Oakland. “You hope that guys go and do well but I’m worried about guys in this locker room and how they play,” Whitworth told The Cincinnati Enquirer. “I think more guys are excited to hear about the draft picks we got and the future of this team is better.” Hensley's slant: Come on, Bengals. Admit that you grinned just a little bit when Palmer threw three second-half interceptions. Tell us you laughed when one of his picks was returned for a touchdown. People have taken so much pleasure in the Bengals' misery over the years that they should be able to do the same when the tables are turned.
• STEELERS: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ron Cook said that Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith could go down as one of his most favorite sports figures of all-time. Smith needs neck surgery, which could end his career. "If I could be like him and live my life like he lives his, I'd die a happy man," fellow Steelers defensive lineman Brett Keisel once said. Hensley's slant: It's a sad ending for Smith, whose past three seasons have been cut short by injuries. But his body obviously has worn down after playing a full 16-game season for eight years.

Note: The Ravens weren't included because of multiple blog posts from Monday night's game.

Defensive end Aaron Smith was placed on injured reserve today, which ends his season and perhaps the career for the unsung hero on the dominant Steelers defenses over the past decade.

This marks the third straight season that injuries have limited the 35-year-old Smith. He only played in 11 games between the 2009 and 2010 seasons due to shoulder and triceps injuries and appeared in four this season before a foot injury shortened it.

The move probably signals the end of a career for Smith because the Steelers already have his replacement in 2009 first-round draft pick Ziggy Hood, who has excelled in Smith's absence.

Smith, a 1999 fourth-round draft pick by the Steelers out of Northern Colorado, was possibly the most unheralded figure on the Steelers defenses. From 2000 to 2008, when Smith had double-digit starts, Pittsburgh ranked in the top 10 in defense all nine years including four as the top-ranked defense. During his career, Smith had at least four sacks in six seasons and finished 10th on the team's all-time list with 44.

Undrafted rookie defensive end Corbin Bryant was promoted from the practice squad to take Smith's spot.

A look at Friday's injury report and what it means:

BENGALS

Out: MLB Rey Maualuga (ankle)

Doubtful: WR Ryan Whalen (hamstring)

Questionable: CB Kelly Jennings (hamstring), LB Dontay Moch (foot)

Probable: SS Chris Crocker (knee), TE Donald Lee (groin), RB Brian Leonard (groin)

Impact: Cincinnati suffered a major blow when Maualuga was declared out after he sprained his ankle in Thursday's practice. The timetable for his return is unknown. Dan Skuta gets his second career NFL start. ... For the Colts, four starters are questionable: RB Joseph Addai, LT Anthony Castonzo, RG Ryan Diem and CB Jerraud Powers.

BROWNS

Questionable: CB Joe Haden (knee), C Alex Mack (illness), CB Josh Cribbs (knee), OT Tony Pashos (ankle), LB Titus Brown (ankle)

Probable: DB Eric Hagg (knee)

Impact: Mack returned to practice with limited participation, which provides some hope that he could play Sunday. If Mack can't play, Steve Vallos would start. Haden hasn't practiced since spraining his knee, but coach Pat Shurmur refuses to rule him out. If Haden is sidelined, Dimitri Patterson would start at cornerback. ... For the Raiders, two starters -- CB Chris Johnson and DE Matt Shaughnessy -- are out. Two others are questionable: FS Michael Huff and MLB Rolando McClain.

RAVENS

Out: WR Lee Evans (ankle), CB Chris Carr (hamstring), CB Jimmy Smith (ankle), SS Tom Zbikowski (concussion)

Questionable: LG Ben Grubbs (toe)

Probable: WR David Reed (shoulder), LB Dannell Ellerbe (thigh), FS Haruki Nakamura (knee), RB Anthony Allen (thigh)

Impact: Evans will miss his third straight game, which means Torrey Smith will continue to start alongside Anquan Boldin. With Zbikowski out, Bernard Pollard starts against his former team in the Texans. Grubbs' foot got stepped on during practice but he should return Sunday. David Reed might also resume his kickoff return duties. ... For the Texans, WR Andre Johnson was ruled out as expected. There were 19 players listed as probable, including quarterback Matt Schaub (right shoulder) and RB Arian Foster (quadriceps).

STEELERS

Out: LB James Harrison (eye), NT Casey Hampton (shoulder), DE Aaron Smith (foot), LG Chris Kemoeatu (knee), RT Marcus Gilbert (shoulder), LB Jason Worilds (quadriceps), RB Mewelde Moore (ankle)

Probable: FS Ryan Clark (quadriceps), DB Cortez Allen (ankle)

Impact: The Steelers will be without Harrison, Hampton, Smith and Kemoeatu for a second straight week. That means Lawrence Timmons starts at OLB along with replacements NT Chris Hoke, DE Ziggy Hood and LG Doug Legursky. Jonathan Scott, who struggled at LT, fills in for Gilbert at RT. ... For the Jaguars, two starters could be sidelined. CB Derek Cox is doubtful and LT Eugene Monroe is questionable.