The Steelers had a very physical practice yesterday, in preparation for their first preseason game at Tampa Bay on Friday night. Coach Mike Tomlin wanted hard-hitting intensity, so he had a lot of close-in drills, including goal-line and short yardage plays and one-on-one tackling.
Tomlin said he wanted to work on things that may be a part of actual game action in Tampa Bay, and he wanted to see certain players in unusual positions, such as lineman Kendall Green and tight end Connor Heyward working as fullbacks.
Tomlin said he’s not thinking much about Tampa Bay on Friday night, because he’s concentrating on what’s happening at St. Vincent.
When it was pointed out to the coach that his offense seemed to outplay the defense yesterday, Tomlin said he can’t lose when it’s Steelers on Steelers.
Three safeties were on the sidelines during team drills yesterday. Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal, and Tre Norwood all continue to nurse injuries, as does fourth round draft pick Nick Herbig, who has a hip strain. Kazee and Herbig did work in individual drills. Two other defensive players returned to action, somewhat limited. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and lineman DeMarvin Leal, who both have sore ankles, took part in team drills.
The Steelers signed safety Jalen Elliott to the roster and waived/injured wide receiver Ja’Marcus Bradley. Elliott played eight games two seasons ago for Detroit and has also been with the Patriots and Raiders organizations.
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