UpdatedAug 25, 2011 7:02 PM ETPITTSBURGH (AP)Daniel Sepulveda was minding his own business, chowing down onhis pregame meal before the Pittsburgh Steelers played atWashington two weeks when he looked up at the televisionscreen.''They're saying Coach (Mike) Tomlin has 22 returning startersand the only competition battle is at punter and I'm saying,`Alright, sounds good,''' Sepulveda said with a laugh.It says something about the stability on the defending AFCchampions and Sepulveda's own injury-riddled career that the battleto keep his job is among the top storylines heading into Saturday'spreseason game against Atlanta.Sepulveda is in the midst of the first real test of his career,at least the first one that didn't involve the trainer's room.Jeremy Kapinos, who filled in late last season after Sepulveda torethe ACL in his right knee for a third - yes, third - time, isauditioning for the full-time gig.The two have kicked to a virtual dead heat so far, their numbersnearly identical. Sepulveda is averaging 46.6 yards on five punts,with Kapinos averaging 48.6 yards on five punts.Drawing clear for either player has been difficult, which putsthe two punters in an unusual situation. They may be the onlyplayers on the team who don't want the Steelers to score on everypossession. At least in the preseason anyway.''In the regular New Orleans Saints Jersey Authentic season when you don't punt, that's great,''Sepulveda said. ''In the preseason when you don't punt, it's nofun.''Neither is rehabilitating a troublesome right knee for the thirdtime in eight years.Sepulveda tore the ACL for the first time just before hisfreshman year at Baylor. He did it again in training camp threeyears ago. It was more of the same against Baltimore last December.He knew the outcome the second he felt the familiar pain in Authentic Pittsburgh Steelers Jerseys hisknee.Sure, he could have gone the ''why me'' route when he was tolddoctors needed to go in and fix the damage on his already scarredup right leg. Yet the 27-year-old Sepulveda isn't much intoself-pity, something he attributes to his deep faith and theconfidence that comes from already working his way back twicebefore.The lockout helped in a way. He was able to get through thesurgery and the first two months of rehabilitation before thelockout prevented him from working out in Pittsburgh. That was fineby Sepulveda, who went home to Austin, Texas and did his ownthing.By then, he was well versed in the various strengtheningexercises required to get back in shape.''It was fun to get away,'' Sepulveda said, ''and just beyourself.''When the lockout ended, it didn't take long to hear from theSteelers, who re-signed him. But this time, they didn't guarantee ajob. Sepulveda knows his numbers are more than good enough to keephim in the league - Official Eagles Jersey Shop Online he was averaging a career-best 45.5 yards lastseason when he the injury occurred - yet NFL Reebok Saints Jerseys he also knows he needs toprove he's healthy.He certainly looked it against the Redskins. Walking out ontothe field for the first time in nine months, he boomed a 62-yarderthat bounced at the Washington 5 and rolled to within inches of thegoal line before being downed.''There's a lot of doubts, there's a lot riding on it, can hekick?'' Sepulveda said.It was a moment of exhilaration, one he didn't appreciate untilhe saw it later on tape.''You practice knowing you're not going to feel the same whenthe game is on,'' he said. ''You're always focusing on yourmechanics. In the game, you just go. When you see yourself in thegame hitting it, like `I didn't feel it, what happened?' You knowyou're doing it right.''Sepulveda feels as good as he's felt at any point in his careerand credits Kapinos for keeping him focused and stirring thecompetitive juices. Though they're up for the same job, they'veforged a friendship. They're both left-footed and dedicated totheir craft.Yet there's only room on the roster for one of them and theyboth NFL Football Saints Jerseys know it.Kapinos has matched Sepulveda nearly kick Cheap Ravens Jersey for kick. Theirmonthlong duel has also allowed Official Steelers Jersey them to remain fresh. They'resplitting the duties during practice, and Sepulveda says his kneefeels better than Baltimore Ravens Jersey Outlet the inside of his tibia on the same leg, the onethat gets sore from overuse.His career is most definitely alive and kicking. For good hehopes.