The Pittsburgh Steelers have now wrapped up day eight of training camp with another padded practice on Wednesday and below is your recap of all the media reports today from Twitter.
Trimmed down former Steelers Jeff Hartings and Chris Hoke are in camp helping out as intern assistants as reported by Alan Robinson on Twitter.
The big news early in the day was Ben Roethlisberger telling the Post Gazette that he expects Mike Wallace any time now. Roethlisberger also told Ed Bouchette that he has a slight tear of the rotator cuff in his throwing arm, but that he is not overly concerned about it. When asked after practice about it, head coach Mike Tomlin said he has no concerns about it. Roethlisberger did say that he will no longer throw during walk-through practices to save wear and tear on the arm.
As expected, safety Damon Cromartie-Smith was removed from the PUP list on Wednesday and has started practicing. Linebackers coach Keith Butler told David Todd today that he hopes to have both James Harrison and Jason Worilds back in a couple of weeks, but that is not a definite. Cornerback Terry Carter (hamstring) was not back at practice today and the only new injury to report on Wednesday was to running back John Clay (groin), who suffered a right groin injury. Fellow running back Chris Rainey also had a heat related problem today. Neither is expected to be serious in nature. Maurkice Pouncey also left practice briefly after dinging his ankle, but was able to return. LaMarr Woodley was given the day off to stay ahead of the curve according to Tomlin.
Rashard Mendenhall said on Wednesday that he is coming along well with his ACL recovery. He said that he is right on schedule and is getting his right knee slowly back to normal.
The Wednesday session started with some special teams work as several players were fielding directional kicks. Baron Batch, Derrick Williams, Jonathan Dwyer, David Gilreath, Marquis Maze and Rainey were reportedly among those players returning punts in the drill. Rainey also blocked a field goal attempt of backup-kicker Danny Hrapmann as he came off the edge. The special team unit worked on a lot of situational things like squib kicks and onside type things today according to several reports.
The defense worked some on having the linebackers cover running backs and tight ends today. With Woodley off today, Stevenson Sylvester received work as the first team left outside linebacker opposite Chris Carter. Sean Spence tried to run with Rainey, but Rainey still was able to get separation reportedly. That is a tough chore for anyone, let alone Spence. Lawrence Timmons popped Batch pretty good on a play and Batch reportedly took the hit well. That is a good sign as he is right at year now since he tore his ACL.
Offensive line coach Sean Kugler was overheard giving David DeCastro and Mike Adams a pretty good chewing today. It\’s training camp and that is to be expected. We will wait to pass judgement on both until the first prseason game is in the books. Cameron Heyward reportedly had his way with Kelvin Beachum again today. Al Woods also reportedly had a good day once again, especially against DeCastro. Outside linebacker Adrian Robinson used a good spin move on Adams as he faked a speed rush. Robinson might not make the 53 man roster, but he figures to at least make the practice squad.
At receiver, Gilreath worked on the second team along with Jerricho Cotchery and Derrick Williams. Antonio Brown and Cotchery continue to have solid camps. Remember, last year Cotchery was signed late and started off with a hamstring injury. He figures to play a much bigger role in his second year with the team as either the third or fourth receiver.
More to add later along with the podcast.
