Hours Before Kickoff: Week 8

There are dozens of reasons why a draft prospect’s stock drops. Slow 40 time, out of shape, lack of ideal size, character problems.

Diagnosed with a form of cancer.

Marcus Cannon was an imposing offensive tackle for TCU projected as an NFL guard. He was agile for a big man and had great strength. Cannon was rated as a second round pick.

But during his physical at the NFL Combine, doctors discovered Cannon had non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a treatable cancer with a 90 percent recovery rate. Cannon immediately was marked a health risk and his stock plummeted.

Cannon had to wait until the fifth round when the Patriots selected him with the 138th pick. To New England, getting a player with a second round grade so late in the draft was a value too good to pass up, even if Cannon doesn’t play a snap in 2011.

Despite difficult odds, Cannon is practicing with the team after three months of chemotherapy and six weeks on the physically unable to perform list. He is one of four players participating in team activities, joining running back Kevin Faulk and defensive tackles Ron Brace and Brandon Deaderick.

Head coach Bill Belichick has three weeks to evaluate the quartet and decide whether to add them to the active roster or place them on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

2011 was expected to be a red shirt season for Cannon as chemotherapy can take a lot out of an individual. A few weeks ago, Cannon’s doctors told him his cancer was in full remission. And last week the Patriots’ medical staff cleared Cannon to return to practice. For the two-time All-Mountain West performer, just returning to practice is a tremendous feat.

According to Cannon, he maintained his weight and strength through treatment, which is remarkable because chemotherapy causes fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Cannon pushed himself every step of the way. He kept eating and he never skipped a workout. That means the 6-5 358-pound Cannon scouts saw manhandling defensive ends and plowing through linebackers at TCU is the same Cannon competing against teammates behind Gillette Stadium.

Being away from contact for so long has Cannon rusty. It’s one thing to keep the weight on and maintain gym strength. It’s another thing to throw that weight around and apply functional strength to the field.

If Cannon makes the active roster, it would be a remarkable story of determination for a player that refused to give up on his dream of playing in the NFL. If Cannon is placed on IR, his dream will have to wait a year.

One thing for sure is Cannon will work hard and be ready to play when his time comes. Tests couldn’t show how much heart Cannon has.

A few things I’m looking for:

It’s Still a Curtain: Even if made of steel, running backs can run through curtains. Don’t back down and attack Pittsburgh’s defense head-on.

Picking on Me: Third corner Leigh Bodden was cut on Friday. Whoever replaces him will see a lot of passes come his way as Pittsburgh tries to create mismatches.

Polamal-who?: The offensive game plans in the past have negated Troy Palomalu’s impact. Make him a non-factor again.

The Patriots lean heavily on the ground game and wear out the Steelers.