PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons has a high ankle sprain that will keep him out of an exhibition game Thursday against Carolina and possibly the Sept. 10 opener against Tennessee.

Timmons, the Steelers' first-round draft pick in 2007, is replacing Larry Foote at inside linebacker after starting two games at outside linebacker this season. Foote signed with the Lions during the offseason.

Timmons wore a protective boot on his left foot Tuesday. His injury can sideline a player from several weeks to a month.

Timmons will be replaced by Keyaron Fox, who would also move into the lineup next week if Timmons can't play.

PITTSBURGH — Third baseman Neil Walker, the Pittsburgh Pirates' first-round draft pick in 2004, has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.Also recalled on Tuesday was right-hander Virgil Vasquez, who was 2-5 with a 6.09 ERA while starting seven Pirates games from June 26 to Aug. 1.With playing rosters now expanded for the rest of the season, the Pirates are expected to call up more players once Indianapolis' season ends on Monday.Walker, 23, hit .264 with 14 homers and 69 RBI in 95 games, missing six weeks with a knee injury. Much of his production came in August, when he hit .339 with 4 homers and 14 doubles and drove in 29 runs.Walker starred at suburban Pine-Richland High. He was a catcher until being converted to a third baseman several seasons ago.