Steelers’ Training Camp Recap: Morgan Burnett’s precautionary absence opens door for Terrell Edmunds

The Pittsburgh Steelers were back on the field Friday for their second day of practice at training camp, and the first injury took its toll on a veteran.

While fans might have read about Morgan Burnett, prized free-agent acquisition from the Green Bay Packers this offseason, when it was announced that he was held out of practice for what Mike Tomlin called a hamstring pull, it opened the door for rookie Terrell Edmunds to get repetitions with the starting defense.

Tomlin did say Burnett was held out strictly as a precaution, and not due to a severe injury, but the coaching staff enjoyed getting a good look at Edmunds and what he can do at the NFL level.

In the first practice segment labeled ‘Seven Shots,’ Edmunds realized what it’s like covering an NFL tight end when Vance McDonald beat him for a touchdown.

After practice, Tomlin was asked to reflect on Edmunds’ day, which wasn’t all bad, but he refused to give any type of evaluation given that the coaching staff has only watched him practice twice. He went on to add he doesn’t see offseason workouts at Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamps as the place to evaluate but, rather, to educate.

When it comes to injuries, Mike Tomlin has always preached one man’s misfortune can open the door for another. This is usually followed by one of his many coaching mantras like ‘The standard is the standard.’ Edmunds should take full advantage of the opportunity — to the best of his ability — to impress when given the chance.

For those looking to draw conclusions about the team’s first-round selection, Saturday’s practice — the first in pads — will be a better indication of where he ‘fits’ with this defense.

Now on to the nuggets from Day 2 of training camp:

Just like college

Mason Rudolph and James Washington have connected a few times in college, and did so again on Day 2 of training camp.

Speaking of Washington, he’s impressing

Rookies don’t normally get a ton of ink early in camp, unless it’s for all the wrong reasons. But “The President” James Washington has been turning heads as a professional in the early portions of training camp.

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