Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin held his regular weekly press conference on Tuesday to talk about the win this past Sunday night against the Colts and give a preview of the upcoming Sunday game against the Houston Texans. Tomlin also updated the injury condition of several injured Steelers players. Below is the audio from the press conference today along with the main talking points from the presser.
Tomlin opened up with the injury report and said linebacker Chris Carter (hamstring) had soreness and should be able to participate this week. Right tackle Marcus Gilbert (left shoulder) appears to fine and should be able to practice this week. He will remain at right tackle if he plays. Wide receiver Arnaz Battle (knee) and is pretty much questionable right now with knee swelling. Defensive end Brett Keisel (knee) will be monitored to see where he is at. Right guard Doug Legursky (left shoulder) is termed questionable right now as is left tackle Jonathan Scott (ankle). Trai Essex would play left tackle if Scott is down on Sunday. Tomlin says they are open to bringing someone in but that player would be for practice purposes only depending on availability of the injured. Tomlin said helmets only this week on Wednesday and pads on Thursday to help the injured. Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery and cornerback Bryant McFadden are both candidates to play this week. Wide receiver Mike Wallace (rib cartilage) should be good to go by Sunday.
Will update more talking points shortly. Please check back.
Tomlin saw good things in all three phases and noted the final drive by the offense, the turnover the defense caused and the punt return game. Says they are still developing as a team.
Tomlin said Texans have great continuity especially on offense. Noted their zone scheme running and misdirection passing game. Noted the great tight ends that they have.
Tomlin said they better improve the running game and do it in a hurry.
Tomlin said the run defense is still very much a team in development in that area and they have to continue to grow in that area.
Tomlin praised the offense and their ability to convert third downs this week.
Tomlin does not care if roof is open or closed Sunday in Houston. Only assumes they will play on 100 yard field & only important thing.
Tomlin says he needs to improve himself as he lost track of the timeouts left at the end of the game after being charged one due to the Scott ankle injury.
Tomlin was asked about James Harrison feeling better and said tongue and cheek, “He\’s a sandbagger we expect him to be James when he steps into stadiums”
Tomlin noted that they are not good enough right now at protecting the ball and getting it. He says he remains open minded in ways to use Troy Polamalu and letting him move around.
