Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Tackle Mike Adams Learning on the Fly

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Mike Adams was standing on the sideline, minding his own business when his NFL career got a kick-start.

A minute after Pittsburgh Steelers starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert went down with a hyperextended right knee early in the season opener against the Broncos, Adams found himself lining up across the line from Denver's all-everything linebacker, Von Miller.

Adams and the rest of the offensive line were roughed up late in a 31-19 loss. The film session was long and painful, with offensive line coach Sean Kugler giving the second-round draft pick out of Ohio State some very pointed criticism.

Adams responded with a tenacity that proved he was serious about this whole NFL deal.

Good thing considering Gilbert is out indefinitely with an ankle injury and Adams will make his first start Sunday when Pittsburgh (2-3) travels to Cincinnati (3-3).

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