Steelers LCB Cortez Allen (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday night's Week 2 game against the Bengals. Allen didn't practice all week and remains day to day. Curtis Brown (illness) is also not expected to play and listed as doubtful. William Gay will start at left cornerback, with rookie SS Shamarko Thomas moving into the slot in nickel packages.

Steelers LCB Cortez Allen (ankle) remained out of practice Friday. Allen hasn't practiced all week and is doubtful for Monday night against the Bengals. The Steelers are currently using rookie SS Shamarko Thomas as the No. 3 corner in nickel packages.

Steelers LCB Cortez Allen has resumed practicing in training camp. Allen underwent "minor" surgery on his right knee two weeks ago. He recovered on schedule. Allen flashed big-time ability as mostly a sub-package player in 2012 and will be Pittsburgh's full-time left cornerback this season.

Steelers LCB Cortez Allen will miss at least "a couple of weeks" after undergoing "minor" surgery on his right knee. "This surgery was a minor procedure and will have no long-term effects on his return," coach Mike Tomlin said. "We look forward to his (rehab) process and having him back on the field in a couple of weeks." Knee scopes typically cost players 2-4 weeks, although everyone recovers from them differently and players are susceptible to setbacks afterwards. Allen is being counted on for a huge role, replacing FA loss Keenan Lewis at left corner.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports the Steelers plan to use CB Cortez Allen in the slot on nickel downs, and bring in William Gay to man the outside opposite Ike Taylor. Per reporter Mark Kaboly, the Steelers believe Allen has the speed to cover receivers, and the size to cover tight ends. A 2011 fourth-rounder, Allen stands in at 6-foot-1, 196 pounds with 4.51 wheels. He's taking Keenan Lewis' spot in the starting lineup. Allen played 563 snaps last season, grading out positively in Pro Football Focus' ratings.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers have "high hopes" for CB Cortez Allen, and believe he "(may) even surpass" the play of Keenan Lewis. Lewis departed in March to sign a five-year, $26 million deal with the Saints. It's unlikely the Steelers actually believe the 24-year-old Allen will be a better option than Lewis, but he is coming off a season where he notched two picks and three forced fumbles in just 563 snaps. The Steelers could do worse for a replacement opposite Ike Taylor.

The Steelers are expected to turn to Cortez Allen as their starting left corner if Keenan Lewis walks in free agency. ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley considers Lewis "difficult" for the Steelers to retain because they're tight up against the cap and he's a "rising player at a coveted position." Allen appeared in all 15 games last season, starting three and forcing five turnovers (three forced fumbles, two interceptions).

Steelers projected starting CBs Cortez Allen and Keenan Lewis are both nursing hip flexor injuries this week. The matchup for the Cowboys passing game keeps getting better. While Lewis is expected to play Sunday, Allen's status is in question. Third cornerback Curtis Brown was benched for ineffectiveness last week after getting toasted by Bolts slot receiver Michael Spurlock.

Cortez Allen will take Ike Taylor's (ankle) spot in the starting lineup. Per the Beaver County Times, the Steelers believe Allen "can be a star." The 2011 fourth-round pick was burned twice in the first half against the Ravens, but bounced back in the second half as the Steelers' secondary shut down Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith. Curtis Brown will slide into Allen's old nickel corner role while Taylor rehabs.

Coach Mike Tomlin cited 2011 draft picks Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown when asked about replacing the departed William Gay at left cornerback. "We drafted them a year ago with the potential of these things in mind," said Tomlin. "They've been a part of our program." Keenan Lewis is first up on the depth chart, however, after impressing as the nickel back last season. While Tomlin is giving the early "nod" to Lewis, all three are in the mix.