Steelers notebook: Tackle Villanueva vows to be better

Offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva wasn't satisfied with his performance when he replaced the injured Kelvin Beachum during last Sunday's 25-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals at Heinz Field. But his confidence grows as he prepares for his first career start this Sunday at Kansas City.

“I think I could have played better,” Villanueva said. “A lot of times, in your first NFL game, it's a little surreal, and you're not as involved in game preparation. I could have been way more physical, and I could have finished plays a little better. I know how to fix it. I could have been more consistent on the field.”

Guard David DeCastro is confident the offensive line won't miss a beat with Villanueva. However, he has advised the Army veteran to play aggressively.

“He's already gotten some action, so it shouldn't be much of a shock,” DeCastro said. “He just needs to play fast. If you're going to make a mistake, do it going full speed. He can't afford to hesitate because it's the worst thing he can do.”

While Villanueva is excited about his first start, he still has visions of Beachum writhing in pain after suffering a season-ending knee injury.

“When Beachum was on the ground, you're thinking you don't want to see a guy end his season like that,” he said. “We're all hoping he'll be fine.”

Injury updates

Will Allen, who missed Sunday's game with an ankle injury, sat out Thursday's practice. Also, defensive end Stephon Tuitt (knee) and quarterback Mike Vick (hamstring) didn't practice.

Linebacker James Harrison (not injury related), tight end Matt Spaeth (not injury related), and cornerbacks Antwon Blake (thumb) and William Gay (not injury related) returned to practice.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (knee) was limited along with cornerback Cortez Allen (knee). Linebackers Jarvis Jones (hip) and Ryan Shazier (shoulder), both of whom missed Sunday, were full participants. According to coach Mike Tomlin, Shazier could play at Kansas City after missing four games. But there remains uncertainty about Jones, who missed nine games last season with a wrist injury.

“I'm feeling good and moving much better,” said Jones, who was injured in the Steelers' 24-20 win over the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 12. “I've been rehabbing real good, so I feel a whole lot better.”

New QB, no change

The Steelers offensive linemen are confident Landry Jones can get the job done in his first career start at Kansas City. That, of course, hinges on whether or not Tomlin is convinced Roethlisberger is healthy enough to play.

“Landry is a guy who is smart enough to manage the game,” guard Ramon Foster said. “It's our job to make him comfortable.”

“We expect him to be mentally prepared to get the job done,” right tackle Marcus Gilbert said. “There shouldn't be any fall off.”

Kansas City coach Andy Reid isn't expecting the Steelers' offense to look any differently than it did before Roethlisberger was injured.

“You prepare for the system,” Reid said. “They're different guys. Their games are different. They're both pretty good. Actually, they have three good ones (including Mike Vick).”

KC: A trap game?

The Steelers agree that Kansas City is much better than its 1-5 record. The Chiefs lost to three unbeaten teams: Denver, Green Bay and Cincinnati.

“Our expectations were much higher than this, no question,” Reid said.

The Chiefs' only win was at Houston, and they have dropped both home games. The Steelers are 2-1 on the road, beating St. Louis and San Diego.

Ralph N. Paulk is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at rpaulk@tribweb.com or via Twitter @RalphPaulk_Trib.