The Pittsburgh Steelers will conduct their three-day mandatory minicamp this week and it will be the last set of practices prior to training camp taking place. Here are the five main storylines that we’ll be watching this week.
Troy Time – Veteran safety Troy Polamalu will presumably be in town this week after choosing to not take part in any of the voluntary OTA practices. The three practices that Polamalu will take part in this week will likely help newcomer Mike Mitchell more than they will the eight-time Pro Bowler. While Mitchell has done his due diligence to get himself up to speed with the defense, it will be good for him to finally have the opportunity to pick the brain of Polamalu while both are on the field together.
Return Of Zumwalt – Steelers rookie linebacker Jordan Zumwalt will get an opportunity this week to show that he’s been studying his playbook while away from the team the last three weeks. Zumwalt, the Steelers first of two sixth-round draft picks, was unable to take part in the OTA practices due to UCLA being on the quarter system.
Worilds Calf – Starting outside linebacker Jason Worilds has been sidelined by a calf injury since the very first offseason practice took place. There have been no signs that he will be able to work during the mandatory minicamp and if he doesn’t, that will make 11 straight practices that he’s missed.
Tuitt Contract – Second-round draft pick Stephon Tuitt is now the only member of the 2014 draft class that is unsigned. One would think that will change by the end of this week as the two sides work out whatever offset or guarantees that are currently holding up the deal from getting done.
Shazier Progress – Baring something totally unforeseen at this point, rookie inside linebacker Ryan Shazier will be the opening week starter against the Cleveland Browns. He’s been practicing with the first team ever since the very first practice and must continue this week to gel with fellow starter Lawrence Timmons.
