Steelers QB Hodges to start
PITTSBURGH — It’s officially “Duck season” again in Pittsburgh.
Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that rookie quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges will start on Sunday when the Steelers (6-5) face Cleveland (5-6).
Hodges came on in relief of an ineffective Mason Rudolph in a 16-10 victory over Cincinnati, throwing for a 79-yard touchdown to James Washington on his third snap that gave Pittsburgh the lead for good.
Tomlin stressed the decision is for one game only and did not commit to starting Hodges for the rest of the season. Tomlin added the decision was based on a variety of factors but downplayed the role of Rudolph’s ugly confrontation with Browns defensive end Myles Garrett at the end of Cleveland’s 21-7 victory on Nov. 14.
The start will be Hodges’ second this season. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 132 yards with a touchdown and an interception while filling in for an injured Rudolph in a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 13.
Polamalu among Hall semifinalists
Safety Troy Polamalu, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and linebacker Patrick Willis are first-year eligible players among the 25 semifinalists of the modern era for the Pro
Football Hall of Fame.
Also on the list, which will be cut to 15 on Jan. 2, are previous finalists John Lynch, Steve Atwater, Tony Boselli, Steve Hutchinson, Isaac Bruce, Edgerrin James and Alan Faneca.
Five former players will be elected to the class of 2020 on Feb. 1, the day before the Super Bowl. They will be inducted into the Canton, Ohio, shrine in August.
The Hall also will induct 10 senior candidates, three contributors and two coaches in a special centennial class in 2020.
There are 14 defensive players, 10 on offense, and one special-teamer, Steve Tasker, who also played wide receiver for Buffalo.
Titans LB Wake placed on IR
The Tennessee Titans have placed five-time Pro Bowl linebacker Cameron Wake on injured reserve after the 37-year-old veteran was hurt late in their win over the Jaguars.
Wake signed a threeyear contract in March. He had 2½ sacks in the opening win over Cleveland, giving him 100½ for his career. Wake played in nine games this season.
The Titans also placed defensive back Chris Milton on injured reserve. They filled the spots by promoting a pair of undrafted rookies in outside linebacker Derick Roberson, a Sam Houston State product, and cornerback Kareem Orr from the practice squad.
Odds and ends
Falcons running back Devonta Freeman returned to practice for the first time since suffering a sprained foot. Wide receiver Julio Jones, who suffered a shoulder injury in Atlanta’s loss to Tampa Bay last week, did not participate in Tuesday’s practice. … Ravens center Matt Skura has been placed on injured reserve after sustaining a knee injury in Monday night’s 45-6 win over the Rams.