The Pittsburgh Steelers have now put the wraps on their Tuesday training camp practice and as usual, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media afterwards.
“Great afternoon to work getting back out here on the field working and very much in a manner we were prior to our first game,” said Tomlin. “Working some situations: red zone, third down no huddle, things of that nature. Just good general enthusiasm. Got a lot of guys back today and hopefully that continues because obviously these guys have to state a case for themselves in terms of etching out a role and participation is a part of that.”
Tomlin went on to say that kicker Shaun Suisham and running back Cameron Stingley will both have their knee surgeries on Wednesday. The status of both will be updated after that takes place, according to the head coach.
Tomlin also updated the health of other players on the roster.
“Some guys working their way back in the mix today,” started Tomlin. “DeAngelo Williams, a couple of the wideouts, Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton worked in a limited capacity. Some of the guys that have been out are back in. Some of the guys that have been out who still continue to be out, obviously Robert Golden with a knee, Daniel McCullers with a hamstring, Ross Ventrone, all these guys are rehabbing in some form or fashion. Hopefully they’ll work their way back to us. You can include Vince Williams in that as well. Bruce Gradkowski is throwing the ball some and we’ll see how his body responds to the work and then precede from there accordingly. Some new ones today, [Jordan] Zumwalt has a groin. Don’t know the status of that, we’ll take a look at him.”
Tomlin was asked what it is that he likes about new kicker Garrett Hartley, who was signed Tuesday to replace the injured Suisham.
“He’s an established guy,” said Tomlin. “He’s a been there, done that guy. He did a nice job today, we’ll get to know him along the way.”
Tomlin was then asked if helps that Hartley has been in big situations in the past in terms of how he looked at him prior to the signing.
“No, it helps him,” said Tomlin. “It’s not my issue. I’m not kicking.”
Tomlin went on to say that Hartley was signed based on his performance in the tryout that took place earlier in the day.
