Ben Roethlisberger missed the first Steelers practice at Heinz Field yesterday. Coach Mike Tomlin said it was an excused absence for personal reasons. Big Ben is expected to be there today when the team puts on the pads for the first time in training camp and practices in front of fans.
A number of players were limited in some way yesterday, including defensive starters TJ Watt, Devin Bush, Stephon Tuitt, and Tyson Alualu, along with starting offensive tackles Chuks Okorafor and Zach Banner.
General Manager Kevin Colbert said yesterday that Big Ben’s contract restructuring in the spring was an unselfish act by the quarterback that allowed the team the flexibility it needed to remain under the salary cap and sign some newcomers to the roster. Colbert said right now, the focus is not on the long-term status of Roethlisberger, but on this season.
Colbert said the Steelers believe they have the players to fill the gaps created by an offseason of roster shakeups, but the new starters have to prove they can play.
Colbert refused to talk about a long-term contract for TJ Watt, saying he will never talk publicly about ongoing negotiations with any player. He did say the Steelers will not continue negotiations after the season starts, should a deal with Watt not be completed.
Finally, the GM said that ninety percent of the Steelers’ roster is vaccinated against covid-19. Players who are not vaccinated must wear a yellow wrist band and are subject to stricter covid-19 rules.
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