Steelers News: Tuzar Skipper making the most of his opportunities, but has he done enough?

The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to the gridiron with the NFL preseason upon us. With exhibition games underway, the news surrounding the black-and-gold is just starting to heat up. As the team prepares for the coming season, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until the season starts!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at Tuzar Skipper, and if he has done enough to convince coaches to give him a spot on the 53-man roster.

Let’s get to the news:

• The Steelers signed some no-name player this offseason, and while no one knew his name, Tuzar Skipper was determined to make a name for himself. He is doing that through two weeks of the preseason, but has it been enough?

Undrafted rookie Tuzar Skipper making most of opportunities with Steelers

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Through two games, only three Pittsburgh Steelers defensive players have been on the field for more snaps than Tuzar Skipper.

An undrafted rookie who made the team as a tryout at the rookie minicamp in May, Skipper is making the most of his opportunities.

Skipper has a sack in each of his two NFL games, displaying a pass-rushing skill that attracted the Steelers to the late bloomer out of Toledo.

Skipper has played a combined 75 defensive snaps over games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs. He has six tackles (four solo), two sacks and a fumble recovery.

Rookie draft picks Ulysees Gilbert (87 snaps) and Justin Layne (91) and veteran defensive back Cameron Sutton (94) are the lone Steelers to play more defensive snaps thus far. Skipper is by far the outside linebacker who has played the most.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The Steelers are using Week 3 as a regular work week to get players acclimated to their new digs, and how things work in Pittsburgh.

Steelers get back to routine as they prep for 3rd preseason game

By: Joe Rutter, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Training camp at Saint Vincent gave way Monday to the Pittsburgh Steelers returning to their practice facility at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side.

The transition coincides with preparation for the third preseason game, otherwise known as the “dress rehearsal” for the regular-season opener.

It’s the game in which veterans such as Ben Roethlisberger, David DeCastro and Maurkice Pouncey will make their first — and likely only — appearance before the real thing in September.

Coach Mike Tomlin referred to it as “simulation week,” with players watching film Monday before practice. Players will get their customary day off Tuesday before returning for three days of practice in advance of the game Sunday night at the Tennessee Titans.

It’s the same routine the players enjoy in the regular season.

“It’s a good exercise for all of us — coaches and players,” Tomlin said.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The Pittsburgh Steelers alumni are special to the fan base, but Rocky Bleier has a special part in everyone’s heart.

Steelers’ Rocky Bleier continues to live his American dream

By: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

Rocky Bleier isn’t sure how his valiant story -- from Purple Heart honoree in the Vietnam War to four-time Super Bowl winner with the Pittsburgh Steelers -- would have played out had it happened this decade.

More media coverage, he figures. More opinions about the merits of war, thanks to social media.

And maybe even a Hollywood mega-star eager to portray him. “I probably could have gotten Dwayne Johnson to play me in a real movie,” Bleier joked.

But Bleier wouldn’t change a thing about a script he’s still writing.

On a lazy Sunday in August 2019, Bleier is looking energized. The 73-year-old is wearing a tan Hawaiian shirt and black sunglasses, sipping wheat ale in a downtown Pittsburgh restaurant and generously chatting up random fans who approach him. Save a few knee surgeries and wiry gray hair, Bleier moves and acts like a 50-year-old, telling stories with the pace of a dive play up the middle for a quick 10 yards.

Those who know him wouldn’t expect any less tenacity from a modest athlete who ascended from special-teams contributor to Franco Harris’ lead blocker to owner of a 1,000-yard season with Pittsburgh.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Mike Tomlin’s Post-Practice Press Conference

• Hear from Cam Heyward inside the locker room

• Social Media Madness