News: Steelers defensive lineman Brett Keisel totaled three tackles (two solo), one sack and one pass defense Week 12 at Cleveland. Keisel has three sacks in his last three games.
Analysis: Keisel has been a regular on the Steelers' defensive line for years, but he usually doesn't have the stats to be a reliable Fantasy IDP option. He is mostly a low-end flier when healthy.
News: Steelers defensive linemen Brett Keisel notched his first two sacks of the season in Week 10 against the Chiefs. Keisel finished with a season-high eight tackles in the 16-13 win and was also credited with a pair of QB hits.
Analysis: Keisel had only finished with more than three tackles in one other game thus far, so these types of performances are rare for the veteran. As an interior linemen, he doesn't usually out up big numbers and should only be active the deepest of IDP formats at this point in the year.
News: Steelers defensive lineman Brett Keisel was not in uniform for Thursday's final preseason game against the Panthers, after suffering a mild ankle injury during the team's previous preseason game.
Analysis: Keisel has missed at seven games over the past two seasons, as the 33-year-old is starting to wear down a bit in his 10th NFL season. The Steelers obviously hope to have him healthy by the time the season starts, and that looks like it should be the case. Keisel has three sacks in each of the last three seasons, so Fantasy owners should consider him just a low-end option in IDP formats.
News: Pittsburgh defensive lineman Brett Keisel left in the first quarter of Saturday's preseason game at Buffalo with a left ankle injury and is questionable to return. Keisel, who is entering his 10th NFL season, recorded one tackle before departing.
Analysis: Keisel is coming off his third consecutive season with three sacks as injuries have begun to chip away at the imposing 6-foot-5 defensive end. He is not a major option for tackles and should be left on waivers in all Fantasy formats to begin the upcoming season.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel had two tackles, one coming in the form of a sack, in Week 8 against the Patriots. The Steelers would win the game, 25-17.
Analysis: Keisel now has 19 tackles on the year to go with three sacks. Fantasy owners in IDP leagues shouldn't be too impressed with this performance though. Keisel is still just a low-end DL option moving forward.
News: Pittsburgh DL Brett Keisel registered six tackles and two sacks during the Steelers' 17-13 victory over Jacksonville in Week 6 on Sunday. Keisel had four solo stops as he posted his first sacks of the season. Pittsburgh finished with five sacks on Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert in the game.
Analysis: Keisel has collected three sacks in each of his past two seasons, but has been slowed by a knee injury during the early part of his year. The 33-year-old likely won't surpass five sacks during the entire season and should be viewed as a low-end option in deeper Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Steelers DE Brett Keisel said his knee injury is healed. "I'm good," he said. "I feel really good. This has been a really good week of practice. My knee has held up great, so I will be back out there in action." Keisel missed the past two games but will start Sunday against Tennessee.
Analysis: Keisel might be a starting DL for the Steelers, but he doesn't rack up a ton of sacks and is mostly a very low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that he anticipates DL Brett Keisel (knee) returning for Sunday's game, sooner than expected. "His availability and participation in the early portions of the week are going to guide us," Tomlin said.
Analysis: Keisel has never been a big source of sacks and has yet to record one this season. He isn't a particularly good Fantasy IDP option even when healthy. Keep him reserved until further notice.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel is officially inactive for Week 4 at Houston because of a sprained knee. The Steelers ruled him out for the game on Friday.
Analysis: Keisel has never been a big source of sacks and has yet to record one this season. He isn't a particularly good Fantasy IDP option even when healthy.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel has been ruled out for Week 4 against the Texans. Keisel missed Week 3 due to a sprained PCL in his left knee.
Analysis: Keisel does not post enough stats to be considered a high-end option in Fantasy so keep him stashed away in deeper IDP formats until he is able to return.
News: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that DL Brett Keisel (knee) could return to practice this week. However, he added his availability for Sunday's game remains doubtful.
Analysis: Keisel remains merely a low-end option in IDP formats when healthy. Until he's back and can prove both healthy and productive, he should only be stashed in deeper formats.
News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers DL Brett Keisel has been diagnosed with a sprained PCL in his left knee. He will be considered questionable for Week 3 against the Colts. "We will see where the week takes us," coach Mike Tomlin. "But he is probably questionable, at best."
Analysis: Keisel remains merely a low-end option in IDP formats when healthy. Now that he's dealing with a knee injury, he should be reserved until further notice.
News: Steelers DE Brett Keisel twisted his left knee Sunday in Week 2 against the Seahawks, but left the game in the second half merely as a precaution. He expected to get an MRI.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Keisel and hopefully he will be OK. When healthy, Keisel has minimal Fantasy value in the majority of leagues, and he should not be used in Week 3 at the Colts.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel will return to the starting lineup in the Week 13 game against the Ravens after missing the last three games with a hamstring issue.
Analysis: Keisel is a big part of the Steelers NFL-leading defense, but doesn't do much to help out Fantasy owners. He can continue to be ignored in all IDP leagues.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel (hamstring) was inactive again Week 12 at Buffalo. He hasn't played since Week 6.
Analysis: Keisel is a big part of the Steelers defense but doesn't do much to help out Fantasy owners. He can continue to be ignored in all IDP leagues.
News: Pittsburgh DL Brett Keisel is expected to play on Sunday against Buffalo, but he was downgraded to questionable on Saturday. He has been dealing with a sore hamstring the last few games.
Analysis: Keisel doesn't do much to help out Fantasy owners on Sunday. He can be ignored in all IDP leagues.
News: Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel is expected to play at Buffalo after missing all but a few plays of the last five games with a sore hamstring.
Analysis: Keisel does more to help the Steelers stuff the run than help Fantasy owners. Keep him off of rosters despite his return.
News: Pittsburgh DE Brett Keisel missed the Week 11 game against Oakland with a hamstring injury, reports NFL Network. Keisel was ruled inactive for the game against the Raiders.
Analysis: Keisel isn't having the best season and a lot of that is due to the injury he's currently missing time with. He has 12 tackles and one sack in six games. Keisel is a low-end Fantasy flier when healthy.
News: Steelers DE Brett Keisel (hamstring) is back practicing on a limited basis but he isn't optimistic about his return Week 11 against the Raiders. "I probably should have waited a little more last week instead of trying to go in practice," he said.
Analysis: Keisel is having a down season, primarily because of the injury. He has just 12 tackles and one sack in six games. He has never been a great pass rusher, but he usually has been solid against the run and can rack up the tackles. Keisel is a low-end Fantasy flier when healthy.
News: Steelers DE Brett Keisel will not play in the Week 10 game against the Patriots, he is inactive with a hamstring injury. He was doubtful on the injury report, so the move is not a surprise.
Analysis: Keisel is more of a run stopper more than pass rusher in Pittsburgh's 3-4 defense. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor the situation to see if he will be able to play in the Week 11 game against the Falcons.
News: Steelers DE Brett Keisel left Week 9 against the Bengals with an apparent hamstring injury. He did not return in the 27-21 win.
Analysis: Keisel is more of a run stopper more than pass rusher in Pittsburgh's 3-4 defense. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor the situation for more details as they become available.
News: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin announced Tuesday that starting DE Brett Keisel will not play Sunday in Miami because of a hamstring injury he suffered in a Week 6 win over the Browns.
Analysis: Keisel is more of a run-stopper in their 3-4 scheme than someone who gets to the QB, but his presence is vital to the Steelers defense when he's healthy. Be sure to bench Keisel in deeper Fantasy IDP leagues for Week 7.
News: Steelers DE Brett Keisel injured his hamstring against Cleveland in Week 6 and didn't return, and his status for Week 7 at Miami will likely be questionable. "Brett Keisel appears to be the only one who could be an issue moving forward," coach Mike Tomlin said Monday.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Keisel heading into the game with the Dolphins. He's more of a run-stopper in their 3-4 scheme than someone who gets to the QB, but his presence is vital to the Steelers defense.
News: Steelers DE Brett Keisel (hamstring) was hurt in the first quarter in Week 6 against the Browns and didn't return. He had two assisted tackles before leaving the game.
Analysis: Keisel is an important part of the Steelers' defensive line, but he has never been much of a sack artist in his career. He is more of a run stuffer. Keisel has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel recorded a season-high five tackles in Week 4 against the Ravens. He entered play with just five tackles over his team's previous three games.
Analysis: Keisel had a rare interception and touchdown for him in Week 3 against the Bucs, but was not as fortunate in Week 4. He remains a low-end IDP option going forward.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel intercepted a pass and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown in the Week 3 win against the Bucs. "I had great blocking. It was a fun play. I haven't scored since I was, like, 18 years old in high school, so it really felt great," Keisel said. He also was credited with a solo tackle.
Analysis: Keisel is usually a Fantasy reserve in IDP and should not score many more TDs this season. The INT was the first of his career. Leave Keisel off of rosters despite his TD in Week 3.
News: The Steelers have announced the following players as inactive for Week 17 at Miami: WR Joey Galloway, DL Brett Keisel, DL Ra'Shon Harris, DB Trae Williams, QB Charlie Batch and DB Troy Polamalu.
Analysis: Polamalu's knee is still bothering him, so be sure to continue to bench him in IDP leagues. The rest of these guys have no Fantasy value.
News: Steelers DE Brett Keisel missed a third consecutive day of practice because of a neck injury and might not play Sunday at Miami. Keisel is listed as questionable, but Steelers players rarely play after not practicing all week.
Analysis: Keisel is a decent option in IDP formats but Fantasy owners might need to look elsewhere if he misses the game.
News: Pittsburgh DL Brett Keisel recorded two sacks of Denver QB Kyle Orton on Monday night in a Week 9 victory. Keisel added two tackles.
Analysis: Keisel has 28 tackles on the season in eight games and three sacks. He is not considered a solid Fantasy IDP option at this time because games such as the Monday night contest come few and far between. He's not recommended as anything but a low-end flier for Week 10 against the Bengals.
News: Notable Steelers defenders from Week 7 vs. the Vikings include: LB Keyaron Fox (four total tackles, interception return for a touchdown), LB LaMarr Woodley (two total tackles, fumble return for a touchdown), LB James Farrior (15 total tackles, sack), LB James Harrison (seven total tackles, two sacks), and DE Brett Keisel (four total tackles, sack, forced fumble). Safety Troy Polamalu added six solo tackles.
Analysis: Of these defenders, Harrison, Polamalu, Farrior and Woodley are anywhere from great to decent IDP league options. Fox might get some looks if LB Lawrence Timmons misses playing time with a leg injury. The Steelers are on bye in Week 8 and play at Denver in Week 9.
News: Defensive end Brett Keisel has signed a five-year contract, becoming the eighth player to reach a new deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers since they won the Super Bowl in February. Because the Steelers have a policy of not negotiating during the regular season, Keisel is expected to be the final player signed before the Sept. 10 opener against Tennessee. Keisel signed his new contract on Monday.
Analysis: Keisel is projected to start at right defensive end for the Steelers. He had 41 tackles and one interception last season. Keisel is a good rotational end for Pittsburgh, but doesn't rack up a ton of stats. He has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Pittsburgh DL Brett Keisel played in Saturday's preseason game against Buffalo and recorded a tackle.
Analysis: Keisel is projected to start at right defensive end for the Steelers. He had 41 tackles and one interception last season. Keisel is a good rotational end for Pittsburgh, but doesn't rack up a ton of stats. He has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Steelers DE Brett Keisel was held out of Thursday's preseason opener against the Cardinals with a calf injury.
Analysis: Keisel is projected to start at right defensive end for the Steelers. He had 41 tackles and one interception last season. Keisel is a good rotational end for Pittsburgh, but doesn't rack up a ton of stats. He has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Steelers QB Dennis Dixon (3rd), DB Fernando Bryant, LB Bruce Davis, DL Scott Paxson, DL Orpheus Roye and DL Brett Keisel have all been ruled inactive for Week 15 at Baltimore.
Analysis: Most of these players are reserves for the Steelers when active and don't contribute enough statistically to matter in Fantasy even when healthy. Leave them reserved Week 15 and likely longer.
News: DL Brett Keisel has been ruled out for Week 15 at Baltimore.
Analysis: Keisel has no Fantasy appeal. Leave him on waivers until he is healtyh and able to do more statistically.
News: Steelers QB Dennis Dixon, DB Fernando Bryant, LB Bruce Davis, DL Scott Paxson, DL Orpheus Roye and DL Brett Keisel have all been ruled inactive for Week 14 vs. Dallas.
Analysis: Most of these players are reserves for the Steelers when active and don't contribute enough statistically to matter in Fantasy even when healthy. Leave them reserved Week 14 and likely longer.
News: Steelers DE Brett Keisel will miss his second consecutive game due to a knee injury Sunday against Dallas.
Analysis: Keep Keisel reserved in all leagues. When healthy he has minimal Fantasy value.
News: The following Pittsburgh Steelers players are inactive for Week 13 playing at New England: QB Dennis Dixon (3rd QB), DB Bryant McFadden, DB Fernando Bryant, RB Najeh Davenport, DL Bruce Davis and DL Brett Keisel.
Analysis: Davenport is just a role player in the Steelers' running game. Don't count on him for relevant Fantasy stats. None of these players ever does enough statistically to matter in Fantasy. Leave them all on waivers.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel could miss three games, including Week 13 at New England, with a sprained medial collateral ligament. Coach Mike Tomlin also doesn't know if cornerback Deshea Townsend (hamstring, doubtful) or cornerback Bryant McFadden (broken forearm, questionable) can play. Smith has missed six games due to persistent back pain and Tomlin said Tuesday he remains "status quo."
Analysis: Keisel is a key not only to stopping the run but mounting a pass rush, although Nick Eason and Travis Kirschke filled in effectively when Keisel missed most of four games with a calf injury. Really, the Steelers DST remains too dominant for any of these injuries to ruin its Fantasy appeal. You should probably keep it active even with the tough matchup against the Patriots.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel left Week 12 against the Bengals with an apparent knee injury. He recorded five tackles, including one solo, before leaving.
Analysis: Keisel has one sack on the season, and he doesn't get enough tackles to matter in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers regardless of the injury.
News: The Steelers listed RB Carey Davis, QB Dennis Dixon, LB Andre Frazier, DL Nick Eason, DL Casey Hampton and DL Brett Keisel as inactive for Week 5 at Jacksonville.
Analysis: None of these players does enough statistically to matter in Fantasy even when active. Leave them all on waivers.
News: The Steelers announced Tuesday that DLs Brett Keisel and Casey Hampton have already been declared out for Week 5 at Jacksonville.
Analysis: While the loss of these two guys is key for the Steelers, neither of them contribute much on the Fantasy side of things, so continue to ignore them in all formats.
News: The Steelers listed QB Dennis Dixon, WR Limas Sweed, LB Donovan Woods, DL Casey Hampton and DL Brett Keisel among their inactives for Week 4 against the Ravens.
Analysis: None of these players contributes enough statistically to have Fantasy value when healthy. Leave them all on waivers.
News: Pittsburgh DE Brett Keisel (calf) will miss a second successive game in Week 4 when the Steelers face the Ravens.
Analysis: Keisel doesn't see the field often enough to be considered for Fantasy play.
News: Steelers QB Dennis Dixon, WR Limas Sweed, DB Deshea Townsend, LB Bruce Davis, LB Donovan Woods and DL Brett Keisel are all inactive for Week 3 at Philadelphia.
Analysis: Townsend is the only starter among Week 3's inactive, and when he is healthy, he is merely a low-end Fantasy DB. Most of these inactive players have little to no Fantasy value and should be kept off Fantasy rosters.
News: KDKA.com out of Pittsburgh reports that Steelers DL Brett Keisel will be out of action for two months after injuring his calf in a win over the Browns in Week 3.
Analysis: Keisel isn't much of a pass rusher and barely had any Fantasy value before getting hurt. Now, you can just completely ignore him.
News: Steelers DE Brett Keisel left Week 2 at Cleveland with a calf injury in the first half. He didn't record a statistic.
Analysis: Keisel isn't much of a pass rusher and doesn't deserve a roster spot in any Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel appeared in all 16 games in 2007 with 39 tackles (23 solo) and two sacks. Keisel is a run-stuffer and not considered much of a pass rusher.
Analysis: Keisel is a low-end DL in IDP leagues. He should not be drafted or added in any leagues in 2008.
News: After going nine straight games without a sack to open the season, Steelers LB Brett Keisel has now gone two straight with one. He also had five tackles Week 12 against the Dolphins.
Analysis: Keisel is not a premier pass rusher and has little to no Fantasy value. Leave him on waivers.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel totaled five tackles (four solo) and one sack -- his first of the season -- during a Week 11 loss to the Jets. Keisel now has 22 tackles.
Analysis: Keisel is not a premier pass rusher and has little to no Fantasy value heading into Week 12 against the Dolphins.
News: Notable Steelers defenders from Week 2 vs. Buffalo include: LB James Farrior (10 total tackles), CB DeShea Townsend (eight total hits), DE LaMarr Woodley (four solo tackles, sack), LB Larry Foote (three solo tackles, sack, forced fumble) and DE Brett Keisel (five total tackles, sack). Troy Polamalu had one assist.
Analysis: Despite the low stat, Polamalu remains a good Fantasy IDP option. The same goes for Farrior and Foote. Woodley is a nice reserve in keeper leagues. The rest of the players can be considered unusable on a regular basis Fantasywise. The Steelers play vs. San Francisco in a battle of unbeaten teams in Week 3.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel started all 16 games for the first time in his career and rewarded the team with a career-high six sacks. He also added 59 tackles (39 solo) and recovered one fumble.
Analysis: Keisel should be considered a No. 3 DL in IDP leagues. Hopefully he can reproduce these numbers again in 2007.
News: Notable Steelers defenders from Week 15 at Carolina include: LB James Farrior (eight total tackles, sack), LB Larry Foote (five total tackles, sack), DE Aaron Smith (three tackles, sack), DE Brett Keisel (1.5 sacks, three tackles), LB Clark Haggains (three total tackles, one-half sack), CB Ike Taylor (two total tackles, interception) and DB Anthony Smith (two total tackles, interception). LB Joey Porter had one tackle.
Analysis: Of these defenders, Farrior, Foote and Porter are worth using in IDP league play vs. Baltimore in Week 16.
News: Notable Steelers defenders from Week 10 include: LB James Farrior (10 tackles, forced fumble), LB Larry Foote (11 total tackles, one forced fumble), DE Brett Keisel (eight total tackles, sack) and Joey Porter (five total tackles).
Analysis: Farrior, Foote and Porter are reliable Fantasy LBs, while Keisel is a low-end DL option in IDP play.
News: DE Brett Keisel is off to a good start in his first year as a starter. He leads the team with 11 quarterback hurries to go with two sacks.
Analysis: Keisel has put together a decent season thus far, and his Fantasy value has increased but not enough to start him in IDP play.
News: Steelers DL Brett Keisel (ribs) has been upgraded from questionable to probable for Week 6 vs. Kansas City.
Analysis: Keisel has put together a decent season with two sacks, but he remains a backup in Pittsburgh so his Fantasy value is limited in IDP leagues.
News: Two key Pittsburgh defensive starters, linebacker Joey Porter and cornerback Deshea Townsend, left practice Wednesday with injured hamstrings. Coach Bill Cowher listed each as questionable for Sunday. "It could be a game-day decision for both players," Cowher said. "We'll work on contingency plans if they can't go." Also, Steelers DL Brett Keisel (ribs) is listed as questionable for Week 6 vs. Kansas City.
Analysis: This could be potentially devastating news for the Steelers defensive unit. The team cannot afford to lose another game, so getting Porter, Townsend and Keisel healthy for Kansas City will be crucial. On most weeks it would still be safe to say start the Steelers DST, but with a bevy of injuries to key players, you might want to start another DST. Keep an eye on the injury situation before making a decision.
News: The Steelers got six sacks, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries against the Bengals. LB Larry Foote had nine tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. DB Deshea Townsend had seven tackles, an interception, sack and fumble recovery. LB Clark Haggans had five tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. DB Ike Taylor had an interception. DE Aaron Smith had five tackles and a sack. DE Brett Keisel had a sack.
Analysis: Analysis: The Steelers are off in Week 4 and face a tough matchup in Week 5 against San Diego. Still, they create plenty of turnovers and sacks, so start them every week.
