Everyone was smiling as the Steelers opened training camp yesterday at the Rooney Sports Complex on Pittsburgh’s South Side. That included coach Mike Tomlin, even though he admitted he was surprised at linebacker Vince Williams’ retirement on Wednesday. Tomlin saluted the eight-year veteran as a player and as a man.
While Williams leaves an unexpected hole to fill at inside linebacker, the Steelers believe they have helped fill the void on the outside created by the free agent departure of Bud Dupree. Tomlin says they are excited to have former Charger Melvin Ingram in camp.
The Steelers have a number of new players to work into their starting lineup, including a revamped offensive line. Former Pro Bowlers Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, and Al Villanueva are gone. Right tackle Zach Banner returns after missing almost the entire season last year and left tackle Chuks Okorafor moves over from the right side. The coach says he needs them to be better than last year’s unit, which did not perform well.
Ben Roethlisberger is entering his second season since his devastating elbow injury ended his 2019 campaign after just six quarters. Big Ben says he was able to enjoy a normal offseason, even though it involved learning the new offense of coordinator Matt Canada, and his arm feels great.
All-Pro outside linebacker TJ Watt said he will focus on putting in the work he needs to do in order to be ready for the start of the regular season. He will let his contract situation work itself out as his agent negotiates with the Steelers on a new long-term deal. Watt says the departures of so many high-profile players will be felt on the field, but also in the locker room, so he plans to be more vocal this season.
The Steelers yesterday re-signed inside linebacker Calvin Bundage, an undrafted rookie free agent out of Oklahoma State who was released on Monday when Melvin Ingram signed. Bundage will get his chance because of Vince Williams’ retirement. He can play both on the inside and outside, but has had back problems in the past.
Four players were limited yesterday but none were put on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Guard Kevin Dotson may have “tweaked a little something”, in Tomlin’s words, so the team will give him a couple of extra days off before he practices. Defensive end Stephan Tuitt is behind a bit as he returns from grieving the loss of his brother, and linebacker Devin Bush and tackle Zach Banner will be monitored as they return from torn ACLs.
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