Scouting the AFC North: Joe Haden’s Status Still Unclear, & Mike Wallace Certain will Play Significantly

August 24, 2012; Cleveland, OH USA: Cleveland Browns defensive back

Browns Pro Bowl corner Joe Haden is still unsure about his status entering week 1 with a potential suspension looming if his appeal fails. He was originally suspended for four games for testing positive for Adderall, a stimulant commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but is on the NFL’s banned list of performance-enhancing drugs. His appeal has been heard, and the team is awaiting word if he will be suspended the first four games against the Eagles, Bengals, Bills, and Ravens. However, its now being reported Haden is expected to be available for Sunday’s opener against the Eagles, but beyond that is still unknown.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin wouldn’t confirm that wide receiver Mike Wallace will start after practicing only one day, but it is evident that Wallace will get considerable playing time, despite his recently concluded holdout.

The Ravens released reserve TE Matt Balasavage with an injury settlement.

Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis appears to have earned a starting job after William Gay departed via free agency, while Cortez Allen looks to be locked-in to the nickle-back role.

Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com is predicting an 11-5 record for the Bengals, one year after they made the playoffs for the third time in six years, but haven’t made back-to-back playoff appearences in over two decades.

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