Wide receiver Diontae Johnson did not practice with his teammates yesterday on the first day of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College. Johnson is entering the final year of his rookie contract and he took part in the pre-practice stretching, but when the Steelers started their 11-on-11 drills, he sat out, going to another part of the field and catching passes from a staffer.
Coach Mike Tomlin said he “acknowledged” that Johnson was not a full participant, but he didn’t seem concerned.
Robert Spillane took reps with the first team at inside linebacker, along with Devin Bush and Myles Jack. Tomlin said it was more about giving opportunities to the whole group of linebackers, especially the younger ones.
Those sitting out because of injury concerns included defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi. Tomlin said they are taking it slowly with him after January ankle surgery, and because he is new to the team. Defensive back Miles Killebrew suffered a pectoral injury and left the practice field early. Linebacker T.D. Moultry suffered cramps and also left.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame yesterday announced its twelve finalists for the 2023 Coach/Contributor category. They included Steelers vice president Art Rooney Jr. and former Steelers head coach Buddy Parker, who also coached the Bears and Lions. The other finalists are former coaches Don Coryell, Mike Holmgren, Dan Reeves, Mike Shanahan, and Clark Shaughnessy; executive Bucko Kilroy; team owners Robert Kraft and Art Modell; scout John Wooten; and TV executive Roone Arledge. The next step is an announcement of a lone finalist on August 23rd.
A separate committee is choosing as many as three former players in the Seniors category. The twelve finalists are Ken Anderson, Maxie Baughan, Randy Gradishar, Chuck Howley, Cecil Isbell, Joe Klecko, Bob Kuechenberg, Eddie Meador, Tommy Nobis, Ken Riley, and Sterling Sharpe.
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