Allen is likely to have role vs. Chargers

It looks like the Steelers will have two rookie safeties playing key roles against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday night at Heinz Field. Marcus Allen is expected to dress and play for the first time this season, joining fellow rookie and firstround pick Terrell Edmunds, who will make his 11th start of the season at strong safety. Allen, the team’s fifth-round pick out of Penn State in the spring, will fill in for Morgan Burnett in the dime package. Burnett’s status officially is listed as doubtful due to a back injury.

When Burnett missed four games earlier in the season, the Steelers used secondyear cornerback Cameron Sutton in the dime defense. Allen is known as a solid tackler and run defender.

Injury news

Outside linebacker Bud Dupree (pectoral) went through a full practice Friday, but he is listed as questionable for the Chargers game. Dupree indicated Friday that coach Mike Tomlin will make the decision before the game. Right tackle Marcus Gilbert will miss a sixth consecutive game with a knee injury. Matt Feiler will take his place in the starting lineup. Feiler is back in the lineup after missing the Broncos game with a pectoral injury. Defensive end Stephon Tuitt, who missed the past two games with an elbow injury, is not listed on the injury report. Cornerback Cameron Sutton is listed as questionable with a personal issue. He did not practice Friday.