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The Pittsburgh Steelers were back at practice again Monday, this time a day before a scheduled day off. Quite frankly, that day off couldn’t come at a better time. After a couple padded practices, the Steelers could use some time to rest and recover.
However, there was plenty of news to discuss, so let’s get to it.
Injuries, injuries and more injuries
Mike Tomlin acknowledged how James Conner, Senquez Golson and “others” went back to Pittsburgh to have a further look at their specific injuries. Although the evaluations had already taken place, no update was given. Fans should expect more information on Wednesday after the team’s day off.
It should be noted James Conner was reportedly spotted on Saint Vincent’s campus Tuesday, but wearing a sling. Take that for what it is worth, in regards to his shoulder injury.
New injuries are as follows:
QB Landry Jones (Abdonimal strain)
DE Stephon Tuitt (Ankle)
ILB Ryan Shazier (Heat-Related)
Tomlin mentioned all of these injuries are minor, but are worth noting.
Seven Shots
The defense is making a big showing in the 7 shots drill. The unit won 5-2, and had several pass breakups courtesy of Sean Davis on Jesse James. Coty Sensabaugh and L.J. Fort also got into the mix in the red-zone defense drill.
Rookie QB making progress
Joshua Dobbs had his best practice to date on Monday. He has improved by leaps and bounds since his first day at camp. Reports suggested he was consistent, not necessarily spectacular, but consistent. His day was highlighted by a deep throw to Canaan Severin in the 11-man drill against the third team defense.
Big Al is really big
Alejandro Villanueva is coming into his own. T.J. Watt is reportedly struggling when going up against the Steelers top left tackle. Even in the lineman drills, Watt has yet to beat the man they call ‘Big Al’. Don’t let this necessarily be a reflection of the rookie, but a man who is honing his craft after getting a nice healthy raise from his employer.
Don’t forget about Fitz
A lot of talk this camp has been surrounding James Conner and Knile Davis, when talking about backs who are actually in camp. However, don’t forget about Fitzgerald Toussaint. Toussaint might be the second best pass-catching running back on the team’s depth chart, and it is reportedly showing in camp. Toussaint has had his share of nice grabs out of the backfield, and has impressed overall. Will make for a tough decision when cut-down day comes.
Free Martavis Counter: 5 Days
Photos/Videos
Ben Roethlisberger working on back-of-end-zone plays with tight ends. pic.twitter.com/8qoQJ5dNSa
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 31, 2017
Foster on O-line: "The longer we play together, the better and better we get, the bigger the bullseye is." pic.twitter.com/2LlCkxwLUU
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 1, 2017
Snapshots from St. Vincent include: DC Keith Butler, CB William Gay, LB James Harrison, presumably talking about the dadgum defense. pic.twitter.com/V6Cyo9IXni
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) August 1, 2017
TEs Xavier Grimble, David Johnson warming up their blocking chops. pic.twitter.com/RIO6iRSgMG
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) August 1, 2017
No. 1 pick T.J. Watt working the fence line post-practice (an autograph worth having). pic.twitter.com/zxmlsARKCd
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) August 1, 2017
#CampLife pic.twitter.com/zAbX7dJ68c
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 1, 2017
Our work continues. #CampLife pic.twitter.com/fXSPxsIZLz
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 1, 2017