STEELERS Guard returns to boost the line

Kendall Simmons, out with diabetes, has returned to bolster the offensive line.
LATROBE, Pa. (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers' patchwork offensive line, which gave up a safety and five sacks to the Detroit Lions two days earlier, welcomed the return of right guard Kendall Simmons to the practice field Monday, even if it was only for a few plays.
Simmons, sidelined for the past two weeks after being diagnosed with diabetes, alternated plays with his backup, Keydrick Vincent, as he tried to regain his strength and stamina.
"It just isn't where it needs to be right now, so I've got at least three weeks until the real deal to get my strength where it needs to be at," Simmons said. "That's all I'm concerned about right now. I'm not worried about the rest of it."
Shed 30 pounds
Simmons lost more than 30 pounds before camp, falling to 305 pounds, but says he doesn't think playing at a lighter weight will affect his performance. In fact, Simmons said he can't afford any extra weight unless it's muscle.
Simmons and the Steelers said the key to his return will be his blood-sugar levels, which he has been checking twice a day. Checks during and after practice will likely add to the total.
"When the level's high, I get tired quick and then my eyes get blurry," he said. "When it's low I start sweating a lot and shaking. I know the symptoms and the way I feel and what to look for."
"I've been doing good. It's just been going up and going down. Conditioning-wise, I feel I'm in pretty good shape. I get tired a little fast but that'll come in due time."
Coach Bill Cowher said Simmons will likely split time with Vincent until trainers feel his blood sugar is under control.
"We'll see how he is by the end of the week," Cowher said. "He seems like he did pretty well. I think there was a little anxiety. He said he was more nervous than anything. After he gets a couple days in and isn't worrying about it or thinking about it, I think he'll be fine."
Not ruled out Saturday
Cowher hasn't ruled Simmons out of Saturday's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but Simmons is simply hoping to play in one of the three remaining games.
"I'd like to at least get a game in, to at least knock the rust off," he said.
Simmons had a little help during practice on Monday by a shove from a defensive lineman that Simmons said was unnecessary but "brought the old Kendall back."
Last year's first-round draft pick, Simmons moved into the opening-day lineup, started 14 games at right guard and was voted the team's Rookie of the Year by the Pittsburgh chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America.
Simmons wasn't the only new face in the offensive line Monday. Free-agent Todd Fordham, who'd missed Saturday's game after undergoing an MRI on his elbow, returned to practice and alternated at right tackle with Oliver Ross.