Day 13 of Steelers training camp is in the books and here is your daily recap of the days news and practice report.
It was reported last night that free agent tight end Reggie Kelly was visiting Latrobe today, but Kelly has left without a contact according to Gerry Dulac on Twitter.
Dulac also reported this morning that Emmanuel Sanders could be back at practice as early as Monday. Sanders reportedly will have X-rays on Wednesday to see how the healing in his foot is coming along after getting the bone marrow and calcium injection done just after training camp got underway. The worst thing they can do is rush him in my opinion.
Chris Kemoeatu said he has been suffering from knee swelling from arthritis and bone fragments. He told Scott Brown that he might have overdid it while offseason training in Utah. He might be removed from PUP soon.
Tim Benz asked Kevin Colbert about the depth of the wide receiver and cornerback positions today and Colbert stated that they are always looking to upgrade depth on the roster when they can. Reading between the lines though it sounds as if he is not very confident in the progression of Crezdon Butler and Keenan Lewis thus far in camp. Both have missed time to injuries in addition and the lack of OTA sessions and mini-camps must be real concern as well.
Colbert was also on 93.7 The Fan today said that the door\’s still open for free agent receiver Jerricho Cotchery to sign with the Steelers. Colbert called Cotchery a very mature, thoughtful guy, and he just wants to make as many visits as he needs to come to before he makes a decision.
Benz also has interviews up today with Keith Williams, Jonathan Scott and Lawrence Timmons.
ESPN.com has released their first preseason power rankings and the Steelers come in 5th overall. They are the second rated AFC team behind the Patriots who finished 2nd overall.
AP writer Will Graves has a great story on Cameron Heyward and the glowing reviews he is getting from his defensive line-mates. Heyward is reportedly picking things up fast, but still has to get more comfortable with the schemes. That is to be expected.
Mark Kaboly blogged his thoughts on several young players on the roster and how they are looking thus far in camp.
The Titans agreed to terms on a contract with former Steelers safety Anthony Smith on Tuesday. Smith was a 3rd round, 2006 draft pick of the Steelers and has bounced around with several teams. I doubt he sticks with the Titans long either.
Bill Phillips talked with center Maurkice Pouncey and the video interview is up on WPXI. Pouncey says the ankle ding is no concern.
The Steelers worked mostly on on their two-minute offense Tuesday afternoon and the first team offense looked strong according to reports. Mike Tomlin had crowd noise piped in today so they could work on the silent count. Ben Roethlisberger looked strong with passes to Heath Miller, Arnaz Battle and a touchdown pass to Tyler Grisham. Battle and Grisham continue to silently have strong camps and could see some early time in the game Friday against the Redskins.
Byron Leftwich received some reps with first-team offense and Antonio Brown threw long touchdown pass to Battle at one point on a trick play. Brown also looked very comfortable fielding punts in a swift breeze today according to Kaboly. The second team was not as successful as Dennis Dixon got the call and the offense stalled after only completing 3 passes to Armand Robinson. Stevenson Sylvester and Jason Worilds could have both had sacks on that drive for the defense according to reports.
Kemoeatu and Eugene Bright remain on the active PUP list. Mike Wallace suffered a groin injury yesterday and did not practice today. The injury is not deemed serious and he should be back on Wednesday. Ramon Foster was dressed but is still sidelined with his concussion and Chris Scott replaced him at right guard. Scott continues to impress according to reports. Doug Legursky and Keith Williams received the left guard work. Bryant McFadden was very limited today as was Cortez Allen. Curtis Brown remains sidelined. Limas Sweed did not work during the team session as he is still slowed with his shoulder injury. James Harrison was back at work on Tuesday and J. Scott was back today at left tackle.
John Malecki worked on his center snaps with Charlie Batch after practice according to ESPN 970. He could be in line to be the 3rd team center on Friday. Jamie McCoy had another good showing in the tight ends on linebackers drill and David Johnson had a tough time with Worilds according to Steelers Digest.
Tomlin will hold a live press conference Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. and you can see it live on Steelers.com.
