Day fourteen was the type of day at Steelers training camp that we all hate to hear about as rookie sensation 7th round draft pick Baron Batch has likely torn the ACL in his left knee late in practice today. Batch reportedly got his foot caught in a seam after finishing a run. The injury has not been confirmed yet by the Steelers, but judging by the reaction of Batch and several of his teammates, it will be shocking if it is anything but that. The Steelers were practicing on the field turf today likely because all of the recent rain in Latrobe. We wish Batch the best as he is a breath of fresh air to Steeler Nation and already a fan favorite.
Mike Tomlin held his first preseason game press conference this morning but did not reveal anything earth shattering. He did say that Chris Kemoeatu, Eugene Bright, Cortez Allen, Bryant McFadden, Emmanuel Sanders and Mario Harvey will not play Friday night. The starters are expected to get about 10 plays and he gave no word on what the quarterback rotation will be following the exit of starter Ben Roethlisberger. You can watch the whole Wednesday presser on Steelers.com.
The Steelers made a minor roster move today as they released receiver Adam Mims and signed Kenneth Moore to take his spot. Moore likely will get a few looks in the return game, but do not expect him to make the roster as he is merely a camp body.
Albert Breer has a story up on how players on the Steelers defense will approach the season with the new hitting rules.
Don Banks writes that the Ravens are determined to finally solve their problem against the Steelers. Good luck with that.
Looks like Redskins tight end Chris Cooley will miss the game Friday with a sore knee, but quarterback John Beck still has not been ruled out. Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly and safety Oshiomogho Atogwe might sit out as well for Washington.
Before you read any farther, I highly suggest you listen to the post practice report from Pittsburgh AP sports writer Will Graves. Will has been following the Steelers closely since they arrived in Latrobe and you can follow him on Twitter at @WillGravesAP. Will tells me what went on at practice today and gives his first hand account of the knee injury suffered by B. Batch today. I hope to have Will back on again sometime in the near future and I thank him for his time.
[audio:https://steelersdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/will-day-14-training-camp.mp3]
Direct Download Here: Will Graves Wednesday Post Practice Interview
As far as Wednesday practice went, left tackle Jonathan Scott did not seem hampered today by the ankle injury he sustained on Saturday as he had some good battles today with rookie Cameron Heyward. The starting line left to right today was Scott, Doug Legursky, Maurkice Pouncey, Chris Scott and Willie Colon. Ramon Foster also was back and got work at right guard and C. Scott also received work at the left guard spot as well with Kemoeatu still on PUP. Foster claims he will play Friday after suffering a mild concussion on Friday. The second string line consisted of Tony Hills, Foster, Legursky, C. Scott and Kyle Jolly. Hills was whipped twice in drills by Heyward. Marcus Gilbert had a good go of it against James Harrison, while Ziggy Hood had a great day in drills on the defensive side of the ball.
Mike Wallace was sidelined again today as was Limas Sweed. Wallace ran after practice and said he should be back on Thursday. Hines Ward, Antonio Brown and Arnaz Battle were the first team receivers today. Undrafted rookie Terrence McCrae reportedly made some nice grabs today while tight end Jamie McCoy had a tough day with a few drops. Curtis Brown remain sidelined and Jason Worilds sat early with a reported hamstring injury. Harvey also remains sidelined with a wrist injury.
Byron Leftwich ran the second team offense today while Dennis Dixon was third in the rotation. Charlie Batch worked fourth in limited snaps.
