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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.
Burnett had some tightness in his hamstring, which is why he did not practice today. #Steelers #dkps
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) July 27, 2018
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.
Pretty sick grab from @VMcDonald89 with @rell_island6 draped all over him during Seven Shots at camp. Two points, touchdown, whatever you want to score it. #dkps #Steelers #SteelersCamp pic.twitter.com/qLlKJNxuJ4
— Matty Sunday (@mattsunday) July 27, 2018
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.
Pitt fans in attendance at Chuck Noll Field just had sick flashbacks— Mason Rudolph connected with James Washington for a long deep “touchdown”
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) July 27, 2018
(Beating Cameron Sutton)
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.
James Washington has done nothing during these first two training camp practices to show me that he won't be a solid contributor this year. @TheAthleticPGH
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) July 27, 2018
VIDEOS
#LIVE: Coach Tomlin addresses the media following Day 2 at #SteelersCamp. https://t.co/IOClv5nA3w
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 27, 2018
Ben 2️⃣
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 27, 2018
Pouncey 1️⃣#CampLife pic.twitter.com/ONq5qDTF8N
JuJu Smith-Schuster talks about his summer travel to Barcelona, hanging out w/ James Harden and, well, not running with bulls: https://t.co/2r68e7bbgU
— Jacob Klinger (@Jacob_Klinger_) July 27, 2018
Steelers ILBs Vince Williams, Tyler Matakevich and others do some drills, run over for 11-on-11s while jets fly overhead: https://t.co/vmL7mwaTeq
— Jacob Klinger (@Jacob_Klinger_) July 28, 2018
PHOTOS
JuJu Smith-Schuster with the acrobatic catch on the sideline. Ben Roethlisberger with the throw on the run. pic.twitter.com/XlGg132VPY
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 27, 2018
This was beyond special when Troy told @AB84 ‘You made my life.’ And then @TeamJuJu put a massive smile on Reed’s face. Love these moments that just come naturally. pic.twitter.com/JcP91lqosI
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) July 27, 2018
#FridayNightLights
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 27, 2018
Friday, August 3
Latrobe Memorial Stadium
https://t.co/MtEhuBidC9 pic.twitter.com/JP5EdU4gP5