Steelers News: Wendell Smallwood making an impression with the Steelers

It has been a one-of-a-kind offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. With the start of training camp now behind us, it looks like we’ll have to wait until opening weekend to see the Steelers take the field. Just because the NFL has cancelled the preseason doesn’t mean we stop providing you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over throughout the offseason!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how Wendell Smallwood is making a positive impression in his short time with the Steelers.

Let’s get to the news:

• Wendell Smallwood hasn’t been with the Steelers long, but it doesn’t mean he is just going through the motions.

Former WVU star, ‘consummate pro’ Wendell Smallwood an add to Steelers’ RB room

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Five years ago, he was in a starring role a couple hours from Pittsburgh down I-79. In 2017, he contributed to a Super Bowl-winning team based a few hours east on I-76. After spending last year about four hours southeast on I-70, Wendell Smallwood is plying his trade in Pittsburgh.

Over his first two weeks as part of the Steelers, the former West Virginia star has already made a positive impression on his position coach.

“He is a pro,” Steelers running backs coach Eddie Faulkner said during a video call with media Wednesday. “He comes into work every day, he is smart. He understands the urgency that is involved in not only learning it, but how he practices it.

“He is just a consummate professional. It is not any surprise that he has had the record he has had in the NFL.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• James Conner, a cancer survivor, never considered opting out of the 2020 season due to his past.

Cancer survivor James Conner never considered opting out of Steelers’ 2020 season

By: Joe Rutter, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Given his medical history, James Conner had every reason to be wary about playing football as a high-risk candidate to contract covid-19.

As a cancer survivor, Conner had perhaps the best reason of any NFL player for wanting to opt out of the 2020 season.

Conner didn’t waver in his resolve during preparations for his fourth year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. And the 25-year-old running back has never second-guessed his decision to spend this season with his teammates — even with nearly 70 players around the NFL deciding to skip the year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I was excited to get back here around my teammates and be around football again,” Conner said Wednesday in a video conference call with reporters. “I still haven’t thought about it. There was no question I would play this year.”

Training camp began July 28, and players had until Aug. 6 to inform the NFL of a decision to opt out of the season while receiving a stipend toward their 2021 salary. The Steelers were one of three NFL teams that didn’t have a player opt out.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Get ready for the REAL training camp to start on Monday, August 17th.

Live training camp programming coming soon

By: Steelers.com Staff

On Monday, Aug. 17, Steelers Training Camp ramps up as padded practices officially begin.

Starting that day, fans can enjoy live programming, including an opportunity to watch portions of practice live on Steelers.com, the Steelers Official Mobile app and the team’s social media platforms.

Below is a list of the live programming that kicks off next week:

Training Camp Live, presented by FedEx: An exclusive daily live look-in at Steelers Training Camp. Starting at 12:45 p.m. each day, fans will have a chance to watch a portion of the Steelers daily camp session at Heinz Field, as well as have the opportunity to have their questions answered and see their social media posts featured in the program. Don’t forget to follow @Steelers and @SteelersUnite and follow along! Missi Matthews hosts.

Coach Mike Tomlin’s Post-Practice Media Availability: Watch live as Coach Tomlin provides updates following each Steelers practice.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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