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Offensive tackle Trent Scott embraces unique role for Steelers

Chris Adamski
| Friday, December 9, 2022 3:11 p.m.
AP
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Trent Scott warms up before a game against the Buffalo Bills earlier this season in Orchard Park, N.Y. A backup tackle, Scott has seen increasing usage as a tight end or extra tackle as this season has gone on.

When offensive lineman Trent Scott got to Pittsburgh and joined the Steelers, he was familiar with a player he in some ways replaced, Zach Banner.

What he was not familiar with was a unique and colorful term the Steelers use to describe what has become his role.

“Yeah, ‘nipple rubber,’ man,” Scott said with a chuckle after a practice this week.

“I actually heard that (term) for the first time here. That’s the way it goes around here.”

Told that the first time many in the media heard it was from former Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner, Scott said, “Well, ‘Coach T’ (Mike Tomlin) definitely took that and ran with it.”

For six snaps during last week’s win at the Atlanta Falcons, Scott was used as an extra offensive tackle — a.k.a., “big tight end,” a.k.a., “nipple rubber.”

The term comes from the fact that linemen who report to that role are technically lining up as tight ends. That means they are eligible receivers. But because as offensive linemen they are wearing numbers in the 50s, 60s or 70s, they must report to an official that they intend on lining up as a sixth linemen — as in, an eligible receiver. And to do this by way of an effort to highlight the uniform number, players taking the palms of their hands and brushing them up and down their chest.

Hence, nipple rubber.

“I can do it all,” said #Steelers newest offensive lineman Trent Scott, “but it’s just a matter of what they need or what they ask me to do.” https://t.co/9Bal4ePOlo

— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) June 29, 2022

Most Steelers fans remember when Banner was doing this with regularity in 2019. Banner became a fan favorite because the crowds at then-Heinz Field would roar in approval when the referee would announce, “Number 72 has reported as eligible.”

Coincidentally, Scott also wears No. 72. And for four of the 13 snaps in which he’s been the extra tackle this season, the Steelers were at home. But if last week’s game is any indication of how the offense is evolving, the fans at now-Acrisure Stadium might get an extra dose of “Mister Eligible” when the Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens at 1 p.m. Sunday.

“It’s big time. That’s big time,” Scott said with a wry smile when told about how Steelers fans embraced Banner performing his new duties. “Hopefully I can get up there and get the crowd like that for me.”

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During games when Scott was the “nipple rubber” against the Falcons, the Steelers had 29 rushing yards on five carries in addition to an incomplete pass. (Scott also played one snap at right tackle in place of a briefly injured Chuks Okorafor).

Of course, what everyone wants to see is if Scott goes out on a pass and is thrown to. Scott said he has gone on routes at times either with the Steelers or when he previously played as a “big tight end” with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Will he get thrown to this week?

“You never know,” Scott said with a smile. “As a big man, you always want a ‘Big Man Touchdown.’ ”

Another one of the players Scott was brought in to replace as a reserve offensive lineman, Joe Haeg, was thrown a pass in the end zone in the Super Bowl while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during February 2021.

“That,” Scott said, “woulda been the ultimate Big Man Touchdown.”

However, odds are astronomical Scott gets into the end zone for the Steelers. But as a five-year NFL veteran of 58 games and 19 starts at three positions, he’s content being useful as a swing reserve lineman active on gamedays for the Steelers in 2022.

“Since I’ve been here,” Scott said, “like you always want to do, I just want to put my hand in the pile and find a way to contribute to help the team win.”

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