The Steelers annual conditioning test is now over and head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media after it concluded. Tomlin told reporters that it was a conditioning evaluation today and no pass or fail was given. He did say that wide receiver Hines Ward, left guard Chris Kemoeatu and tight end Eugene Bright would start training camp on the PUP list. Ward is coming off thumb surgery that he had done following his stint on Dancing with the Stars and Kemoeatu has some swelling in one of his knees.
Overall Tomlin said he was pleased with the condition of players today, although it was reported that running back Jonathan Dwyer and wide receiver Limas Sweed struggled today and both where tapped out early. Veteran tackle Flozell Adams was also apparently asked to stop early, but that might have been a courtesy tap. It appears that nose tackle Casey Hampton survived as well.
As far as the draft pick signings, Tomlin said all rookies have been signed except for 1st round pick Cameron Heyward and 3rd round pick Curtis Brown. He added that the Steelers currently have 86 total players on the roster including rookies, so that means there are 4 spots open right now.
Tomlin was asked about the comments linebacker James Harrison made in his interview with Men\’s Journal and Tomlin said he thought comments made about commissioner Roger Goodell were inappropriate and the comments about his teammates was not a major issue in locker room.
Tomlin was asked about the release of tackle Max Starks and wide receiver Antwaan Randle El and said that they were necessary business maneuvers.