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Steelers LB Foote back to starting role

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FILE- In this Sept. 9. 2012, file photo, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) is wrapped up by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote (50) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Denver. Foote embraced the challenge of replacing James Farrior, then went out and did "Potsie" proud, recording 12 tackles and forcing a fumble as one of the defensive bright spots in Pittsburgh's season-opening loss to Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

By WILL GRAVES

AP Sports Writer

PITTSBURGH (AP) Larry Foote still stops by the special teams meetings, partly out of habit, partly out of loyalty.

It wasn't so long ago - less than a year actually - that the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker found the gatherings mandatory, all part of life as an NFL backup, even one with a decade in the league and a pair of Super Bowl rings.

The 32-year-old Foote, now back in the starting lineup following the release of longtime defensive anchor James Farrior, had 12 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in a season-opening 31-19 loss to Denver.

Not bad for a guy who spent the last three seasons as the football equivalent of duct tape, filling in wherever necessary whenever one of his teammates went down.

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Updated September 13, 2012

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