The Steelers finished up their first week of OTAs on Thursday, providing rookies a taste of NFL expectations and fans their first glimpse of the 2015 squad. Along with that glimpse came fodder for speculation about the ultimate roster, depth chart, injuries, and hope for a championship season.
Jarvis Jones on his wrist
Thursday Jarvis Jones admitted to Triblive.com that his wrist is not entirely rehabilitated, saying, "It was a serious injury and I am still rehabbing it and everything but I still have some strength and motion and mobility stuff I'm working on with it." I am not a medical professional, but as someone who has had two wrists for nearly four decades, I know that strength, motion, and mobility cover a lot of important aspects of optimal wrist function. Jones spent 10 weeks on IR for the injury after a promising start to the 2014 season and has yet to realize his full potential on the field. We saw flashes of it before his injury, but it remains to be seen if he can sustain that level of performance throughout a full season.
And, I'd like to apologize for sharing this wrist news. Steelers' fans need rumors of an unhealthy Jarvis Jones as much as my dog needs an entire pan of brownies. (Though I will say he ate the brownies with a large side of Pyrex shards and was none the worse for it, so perhaps there is nothing wrong with some overly anxious speculation about JJ.)
Markus Wheaton on finishing plays
Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant generate the most attention among members of the receiving corps with rookie Sammie Coates also the source of a fair amount of speculation and conversation as well. Markus Wheaton is often the Forgotten Receiver, but Thursday he shared some of his experiences from OTAs with Steelers.com, discussing his efforts to take feedback from Coach Mike Tomlin by finishing plays hard and improving on his yards after the catch. Wheaton admitted, "He's been on me for a good minute no trying to get me to take that next step. I'm working on it."
Bud Dupree on being the new guy
Rookie Bud Dupree's account of his week at OTAs reminded me of a middle schooler's first day in seventh grade. Dupree described his experience to Steelers.com. "The first day was kind of fast for me and the rest of the rookies," he said. "All the vets already know where they are going, know their assignments already." Thankfully, the parallels to the first day of middle school end with Dupree's feelings of being one step behind, which is good because back in James Harrison's day, stuffing new kids in lockers was a lot less frowned upon than it is now. The veterans have assumed a role of leadership and helpfulness, and the only terror they will impose will be on the opposing offense.
James Harrison on his role with the team and playing without Dick LeBeau
When asked what he thought his role would be, he said, "I'm just going to go in there and do whatever it is they ask me to do." He didn't finish his sentence, so I will-- "Unless I'm backup to an inferior player, then its on, Joey Porter! You and me, in the parking lot!" Obviously, I'm kidding, but it is hard to imagine Harrison wants anything less than a major role this upcoming season.
He was also asked his thoughts on Dick LeBeau's absence. Instead of getting teary like he did after a similar question following his move to the Bengals, Deebo kept his composure and answered, "It is different, but everything changes. The game changes. Players change, the coaches change. It's part of the game." James Harrison also talked about taking care of his body. He admitted in 2013 to spending $600,000 on body maintenance, which could explain his extreme durability and longevity in the NFL. After the OTAs he tweeted:
Massage and acupuncture to finish the first week of otas. https://t.co/oZlkNE8nm4
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) May 29, 2015
Other players also shared some football thoughts on Twitter yesterday
#tbt to my first career start as a #Steeler A win over the Ravens Nothing better than that @steelers #SteelerNation pic.twitter.com/wdBp4nOjmu
— Kelvin Beachum (@KelvinBeachumJr) May 28, 2015
I always get a great workout in when I'm working with the best receiver in the @nfl. #StackinToTheCeiling @AntonioBrown84
— Joshua Harris (@JoshHarris25) May 28, 2015
Great workout with my brother @JoshHarris25 be sure to follow him great things in store!
— Antonio Brown (@AntonioBrown84) May 28, 2015