Training camp is winding down for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now that the Thursday practice is over, there is only the Friday practice that remains open to the public prior to the team breaking camp on Saturday as they prepare to face the Indianapolis Colts Sunday night in the second preseason game of the year.
There was some good news to report Thursday as both rookie tackle Mike Adams (ankle) and running back Jonathan Dwyer (shoulder) were both in pads and back practicing. Adams, who was wearing a brace on his injured knee, took snaps initially with the second unit behind Marcus Gilbert, but also reportedly took some first team snaps in addition. Dwyer had a full practice according to head coach Mike Tomlin, who said that the running back would be in the mix Sunday night. Assuming both players practice fully on Friday, we can speculate that both will play this weekend, but we all know how things can change.
Linebacker Sean Spence (ankle) worked on the side on Thursday as he tries to work back from the lower ankle injury he suffered on Wednesday. The only new injury to report is to offensive lineman Chris Scott (ankle), who suffered a minor ankle injury on Thursday. He appears to be day-to-day as is Isaac Redman (groin), who was not in pads today. Redman said he hopes to be back next week and that the injury will not require surgery. Punter Jeremy Kapinos (back) remains sidelined with his back problem and is not expected to play Sunday night.
Tackle Max Starks will be able to start practicing in pads on Friday, but let it be known earlier in the day that he will not play Sunday night as he his not close to being ready yet.
Tomlin did not have an update on linebacker James Harrison, who had his left knee scoped on Wednesday. Ed Bouchette reports that Harrison said he is week-to-week at this time. Tomlin also said all of the players on the PUP list remain week-to-week.
The team worked in all different phases on Thursday. In the competition period is was tight ends versus defensive line. Some 3 over 2\’s for the wide outs and defensive backs, specifically in the red area where worked on as well. Tomlin also that they worked on some situational football in the short areas of the field and that included working in the red zone and backed up offense. 7-on-7 and team drills also received attention per Tomlin.
Not much was reported once again from practice by the media, but word did seep out that all of the participation running backs had a good day. This includes Dwyer, who Mark Kaboly said looked thinner, quicker and crisp. On the defensive side of the ball, cornerback Keenan Lewis reportedly had a rough day and was beaten by Derrick Williams and Toney Clemons on two separate plays. Rookie cornerback Andre Freeman had an interception after wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery bobbled a pass. During the 7 on 7 portion, Antonio Brown reportedly had a great catch in the back of the endzone with safety Ryan Mundy in coverage. Mundy got his revenge as he knocked one away from Williams. Ben Roethlisberger threw two touchdown passes to Brown during the red zone drill.
there was another fight on Thursday, the ninth of training camp according to Kaboly, between center Maurkice Pouncey and defensive end Cameron Heyward in which there were a couple of right handed shots landed by each. Adams also reportedly was mixed in the fracas. Kaboly also added that defensive line coach John Mitchell was giving it to Heyward on sidelines after it happened.
Jim Wexell reported that cornerback Ike Taylor said he does not think that restricted free agent wide receiver Mike Wallace will be back next week, but the week after, so make of that what you will.
