Pittsburgh Steelers, Santonio Holmes is Suspended

Coach Mike Tomlin told reporters today that Holmes will be on the Steelers' inactive list for the game. He declined to say whether Holmes had been suspended without pay, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"At this point we've chosen to name him as inactive," Tomlin said, according to the Post-Gazette. "His situation has created somewhat of a distraction and we want to minimize that as much as we can and remain focused on the task at hand."

According to the Post-Gazette, Tomlin told Holmes during a meeting today that the wide receiver won't be allowed on the Steelers' sideline Sunday and he should report back to work Monday. Holmes declined to comment to the newspaper.

Nate Washington is to replace Holmes' in the Steelers' lineup.

Holmes' production this season is debatable, though. He's second on the team with 22 catches, and is tops with a 16.4 yards per reception average; however, he rode high expectations into this season, and has not turned into the 12-touchdown receiver many thought he'd be. There are still 10 games to play, but judging by recent events in the NFL (Faulk), it looks as though Holmes will only have nine more.

Fan Pulse: News of Holmes' arrest broke late Thursday night, but fans at Pittsburgh Live are already commenting on the situation in high volume.

Fantasy Football Impact: Holmes has been a disappointment to fantasy owners this year, and with the distraction of his arrest, he's a tough start against an outstanding Giants defense Sunday.

Injury Watch: Left tackle Marvel Smith has not practiced this week, and is likely to miss his second game in a row. For the second straight week, Max Starks will replace him. Running back Willie Parker has practiced on a limited basis, and his status is uncertain.