Day one of voluntary workouts is in the books for the Steelers and the overall atmosphere at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex was positive after Tuesday.
The Steelers were just one of 13 NFL teams that began voluntary workouts this week and the first session focused on getting new faces acclimated to the way practices are conducted and what their expectations are for the upcoming season.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin said that, even though players were limited to practice in helmets and shorts, it feels good to be back on the practice field.
With the influx of veteran free agents the Steelers brought in during the offseason, Tomlin commented on what he expects out of them as the team starts preparing for the upcoming season.
Defensive end Stephon Tuitt, who was out last season with an injury and dealing with the loss of his brother, was absent from the first day of workouts. Tomlin, however, said that ALL of these workouts are optional, so he isn’t too concerned about Tuitt not showing up yesterday.
He did clarify that Tuitt is cleared to play, so he doesn’t think Tuitt’s absence will be a bad thing.
First-round pick and former Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett may not have needed a first day introduction to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, but he was at the first day of OTAs yesterday. He said that his focus early on is understanding the Steelers’ playbook.
Third-round pick Calvin Austin III took passes from Pickett yesterday, and he says he can really sling the pigskin.
Mitch Trubisky, the former quarterback of the Chicago Bears whom the Steelers signed this offseason, said he’s been adjusting well to the team’s system.
Mason Rudolph said that he’s excited to compete for the starting job under center this summer.
Voluntary OTAs are set to run until June 9. The Steelers pick things back up at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex today and tomorrow. After that, they’ll have a few days off before returning to work on May 31.
Mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 14-16.
Sources indicate that the Steelers are expected to promote Vice President of Football and Business Administration Omar Khan to general manager after Kevin Colbert announced he was retiring following the 2022 NFL Draft.
Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter about the promotion and that Khan was considered a favorite for the position. The Steelers interviewed more than a dozen candidates, including analyst Louis Reddick, Director of Pro Scouting Brandon Hunt and others.
Schefter also reports that the Steelers hired Eagles Vice President of Player Personnel Andy Weidl as their assistant general manager. He was also part of the team’s GM search.
NFL
The future of the Pro Bowl is being discussed during the NFL’s league meetings this week. Commissioner Roger Goodell says that the league is looking for potential alternatives to the game. Goodell added that he reached the conclusion that the “game itself doesn’t work,” but the NFL still wants to use the Pro Bowl week to celebrate the league’s best players. The league would not have to vote to approve a change, and it is aiming to make a final decision during the summer.
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