The Pittsburgh Steelers have now wrapped up their second training camp practice of 2015 and afterwards, head coach Mike Tomlin met with the media to discuss the session.
“Another good day for us,” said Tomlin. “Heat was a factor today, but that’s just an awesome part of team development. For the most part, guys pushed through. We had one guy suffer heat related-like illness – Cameron Clear. We had to take him off the field. When he’s ready to go we’ll get him back out there and in the mix.”
Safety Ross Ventrone was also carted off the field late in Monday’s practice and Tomlin addressed his lower leg injury as well.
“He’s being evaluated,” said Tomlin. “He had a bang-bang play and had some direct contact to his lower leg. I don’t have a lot of information yet. We’ll take a look at him.”
According to Tomlin, veteran tight end Matt Spaeth was given Monday off.
“Just a day off,” said Tomlin. “I’m going to rotate some veteran guys. Why wait until it sets in before you start the process of taking care of some guys that’s been around like he and Heath [Miller]? We’ll rotate them through and provide more opportunities for young guys like Jesse James that need the work and at the same time preserve some guys that’s been around and understands what’s going on.”
Tomlin was asked if he had a timetable on when quarterback Bruce Gradkowski might return to practice and he said he didn’t have one. Gradkowski is currently on the team’s PUP list with right shoulder discomfort.
“We’re taking it day by day,” said Tomlin of Gradkowski’s status. “I really hadn’t even stopped to review it just yet. I felt we’d get settled, get here a few days. And some of those guys, the potential short-term PUP guys like Bruce and Maurkice Pouncey, and some of those other ones, we’ll ‘talk when we get a day off tomorrow and see where they’re at.”
Cornerback Cortez Allen apparently had a good showing Monday and Tomlin was asked to comment on what he saw out of him during practice.
“He made a play or two,” said Tomlin. “I try not to judge it while we’re out here. We’ll go in and look at the tape and evaluate it. But I like he made some plays, obviously. He’s going to be challenged some, but that’s just the nature of his position in this environment and thus far I like the way he’s stepping up to it.”
