:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64908481/usa_today_13110794.0.jpg)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had over a week of training camp practices under their belt now, and while there are times it is still considered “football in shorts”, the team has had plenty of news coming from these workouts.
After a very physical Friday night lights practice, Mike Tomlin and company decided to have the players not wear pads on Saturday. This caused the practice to seem slower, less intense and as Mike Tomlin called it ‘boring’ at times.
However, it wasn’t like there wasn’t news coming from Saint Vincent College as the players continue to work, and prepare, for their first preseason game next Friday at Heinz Field when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to town.
The highlight of Saturday’s practice wasn’t the physicality of backs-on-backers, but the two minute drill. Ben Roethlisberger was given a second day off, and it wasn’t due to a nagging injury, but to give Joshua Dobbs, Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges more repetitions during practice.
The results of the two minute drill work varied depending on the quarterback.
This per Chris Carter of DKPittsburghSports:
Dobbs leads a drill with 1:39 & 1 TO with passes to Juju then McDonald then a pretty deep TD to Juju over Nelson.
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) August 3, 2019
“That was a combat catch Johnny,” Tomlin said after. “Nice combat from both sides.”#Steelers #dkps
Rudolph’s 2 minute drill comes up short. Struggled early but caught on after a few completions. Had a turnover on downs 4 yards short of the goal line. #Steelers #dkps
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) August 3, 2019
Let’s get to some other news which took place during Saturday’s practice:
No pads Saturday
Friday Night Lights at Latrobe High School stadium is a special occasion for everyone involved. The fans get the experience of watching their favorite NFL team under the lights, and the players get a flashback to their High School days. Add all of it together and it makes sense why the practice is usually one of the more physical practices of training camp.
Because of this, Saturday’s practice was non-padded, and slow, compared to previous workouts.
Steelers players beginning to make their way down to the field for practice. Today will be a non-padded practice after Friday night lights. #Steelers #dkps
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) August 3, 2019
Mike Tomlin after a Steelers practice that was BORING (slow, no pads, many stars sitting out, lotsa special teams) -- UNTIL the 2-min drills at the end.https://t.co/m8FEHNUQst
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 3, 2019
Walking wounded update
The list of those dealing with nagging injuries isn’t necessarily growing, but is certainly fluctuating. Some are returning to practice, while others remain sidelined with their respective injuries.
Check the latest updates:
Still no TJ Watt or Chickillo practicing. Dupree is back. #Steelers #dkps
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) August 3, 2019
Diontae Johnson not doing individual passing drills after injuring his hip Friday night. pic.twitter.com/8tXZddG59Y
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) August 3, 2019
Roethlisberger not practicing today. Moncrief is back out there. Two days off in a row for Roethlisberger #Steelers #dkps
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) August 3, 2019
Vince Williams and Artie Burns not practicing today #Steelers #dkps
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) August 3, 2019
7 Shots
For those who are keeping tabs, the offense won again, and has yet to lose this drill to the defense. Great news for the prospects of another year with a good red-zone offense, or concerning about the state of the defense?
Shots for #Steelers camp goes to offense 4-3 today.
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) August 3, 2019
Rudolph goes 3-4 with TDs to Grimble, Snell and Juju and a coverage sack.
Hodges goes 1-3 with drops from Scotland-Williamson and Spencer. But a TD to Washington besting Allen won the day. #Dkps
Sunday’s practice will be the Family Fest practice and will be held at Heinz Field at 6:30 p.m. ET. There is a small fee to attend the practice.
VIDEOS
#LIVE: Coach Tomlin addresses the media following today's practice. https://t.co/cPhGInjMcF
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 3, 2019
Jason Gildon talks about being back in Latrobe, his memories at #SteelersCamp, what to expect in our first preseason game and more. pic.twitter.com/a3cRd6kdxm
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 4, 2019
4️⃣8️⃣@Bud_Dupree pic.twitter.com/STzFu28ir7
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 3, 2019
Go get it. pic.twitter.com/Rm5Wl8IYoh
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 3, 2019
It's a perfect day for some @_Dbush11 | @__bELIeve17 pic.twitter.com/KFz8eRF3kg
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 3, 2019
Heading to practice like @TeamJuJu pic.twitter.com/M8UhjZYFuQ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 3, 2019
Just running routes with Boujee.@TeamJuJu | #SteelersCamp pic.twitter.com/pzAWLZxvnt
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 3, 2019
PHOTOS
Making every rep count. #SteelersCamp pic.twitter.com/QjqQYxgyEQ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 4, 2019
They didn’t let Vince Williams participate in the first “Backs-on-‘Backers.” He dominated in the second. pic.twitter.com/5cHx3G9Y7i
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) August 3, 2019
Ken Griffey Sr. was in town to check up on Trey Griffey, to chat with wide receivers coach Darryl Drake, and to play the role of proud grandfather. pic.twitter.com/0wVXpwK2Df
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) August 3, 2019