There are just two more practices left in Latrobe as the Pittsburgh Steelers will break training camp on Friday. Wednesday certainly was a news filled day as Ed Bouchette reported that outside linebacker James Harrison (knee) had a scope procedure done this morning on his bothersome left knee. Reports are that the procedure went well and head coach Mike Tomlin would only say after practice that Harrison shouldn\’t be out long. As it looks right now, Harrison is questionable at best for the final preseason game and the goal now is to have him ready for the week one game against the Denver Broncos.
Running back Isaac Redman (groin) continues to be bothered by the groin injury that he suffered almost two weeks ago in the Friday Night Lights practice. After being limited on Tuesday, Redman tried to suit up for the Wednesday session, but according to Bouchette, he fell painfully on all fours and left practice. Redman had told reporters earlier in the day that he was scheduled to have an MRI done Thursday morning, so you can expect that he will now likely be down for the rest of the week and it would now be very surprising if he played Sunday night in the Steelers second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. Tomlin was pretty irritated after practice that Redman talked to the media about needing to get an MRI done.
Jonathan Dwyer (shoulder) remains limited in practice because of the shoulder sprain that he suffered Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. Surely he will have to practice fully the next few days in order to suit up Sunday night against the Colts. We shall see.
Rookie linebacker Sean Spence (ankle) left practice with a trainer on a cart after suffering an ankle injury and Tomlin hinted after practice that he might be down a few days because of it. Punter Jeremy Kapinos (back) remains out of action with his back problem.
Tomlin was asked about linebacker Jason Worilds (wrist), who remains unable to practice on the PUP list and the coach would only say that he is week-to-week still. There have been some rumblings from Mark Kaboly that Worilds thinks he is ready to return, but the whole time table remains a mystery.
Tomlin did announce after practice that fullback David Johnson had his knee surgery today as he now will begin his long rehab process after suffering the season ending injury against the Eagles. Johnson did clear waivers and is now on the Steelers injured reserve list.
With both Redman and Dwyer limited again on Thursday, Baron Batch and Chris Rainey received extensive work once again. Batch was noted as running with both the first and third team offense during practice and both were used on some plays that included Rainey lining up in the slot during the no-huddle drill, according to Mike Prisuta.
Fullback Will Johnson also reportedly got some more work toting the ball again on Wednesday as the newly signed Jason Ford is still not allowed to practice yet because of the new CBA rules that prohibits it for the first few days after signing.
With Harrison and Worilds still down, Chris Carter continues to get the first team reps at right outside linebacker opposite LaMarr Woodley. Mortty Ivy is backing up Carter on that side and Stevenson Sylvester was reportedly working as the second team left outside linebacker spot behind Woodley.
Tomlin was asked if any of the young receivers were emerging at the bottom of the depth chart and the coach would only say that it depends on what day you ask him. It remains clear that the group battling for the 5th wide receiver spot on the roster continue to be inconsistent.
