STEELERS Punter Miller may need surgery

Josh Miller has a painful shoulder that could mean the end of his season.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers know all too well what special teams mistakes can mean in big games. That's why a late-season change in punters might be more worrisome to them than to most teams.
Josh Miller, one of the AFC's most reliable punters, couldn't practice for a second straight day Thursday because of a painful shoulder injury and may need season-ending surgery.
The Steelers could place Miller on the injured reserve list as early as today, meaning he would miss the rest of the season. The Steelers (8-5-1) play Monday night at Tampa Bay (11-3).
A possible replacement is former Denver punter Tom Rouen, was released recently by the New York Giants. He worked out Thursday in Pittsburgh, after the Steelers determined that Miller's condition was worsening to the point that he might not be able to punt effectively.
"He's not getting any better, so we'll have to make a decision soon and see where his status is," coach Bill Cowher said Thursday. "We may have to make a move if he's not going to be available to us."
Miller averages 41.2 yards per punt on 55 attempts, with a 33.1 net average and one block.
Range of motion affected
Miller had left shoulder surgery several years ago, but the current problem is in his right shoulder. The degenerative condition can cause arthritis, and has become so painful that Miller is finding it difficult to reach for snaps.
"I can't even pick up my daughter, and she's 18 months old," Miller said.
"It started bothering me in Week 3 and it's just gotten progressively worse," Miller said. "It's a shoulder and you're probably wondering how it affects the punt, but you've got to catch the ball. You've got to get the drop. And when you kick, the arm does a full circle to power yourself through. It could be a problem. The strength in it's not too good."
The biggest concern is if Miller plays with the injury and can't stretch out to catch a high snap, thereby leaving the Steelers vulnerable to turning the ball over deep in their own territory.
Cowher hasn't said if the Steelers might consider using one of their other players, such as kicker Jeff Reed or quarterback Kordell Stewart to punt. The Steelers once used Stewart as a punter during his "Slash" days.
No experience
Reed has never punted in competition, not even in high school.
"It's a totally different motion than kicking field goals," Reed said. "It works different muscles [than punting]. But if I have to do it, I'll do it. It's not something I dread doing, I just don't want to hurt this team with a bad punt."
Special teams mistakes dogged the Steelers last season, when the Patriots scored on a blocked field goal and a punt return in the AFC championship game.
Steelers running backs Jerome Bettis (knee) and Amos Zereoue (thumb) also didn't practice Thursday, but Cowher said they are expected to be ready. Wide receiver Hines Ward (hamstring) resumed practicing.