Steelers 2020 Training Camp Recap, Day 2: Tempers flare in heated practice

The Pittsburgh Steelers were back in pads for the second time since their 2019 season ended in Baltimore in Week 17 last year. Although the padded practice was at Heinz Field, not Saint Vincent College, the Steelers, and head coach Mike Tomlin, were ready to get this new year started right.

While Day 1 of padded practice left fans wanting some type of news, Day 2 certainly didn’t disappoint. With pads on, and pass rushes taking place, it was reported by ESPN’s Brooke Pryor how T.J. Watt and Zach Banner had several “heated”, or as she dubbed it “close disagreements”, during work today.

This isn’t abnormal for this time of year, and early on in the acclimation period to camp. Watt has nothing to prove, coming off an All-Pro season and his 5th year option already picked up, but Banner has everything to prove. He is battling Chukwuma Okorafor for the vacant right tackle spot, and is playing on a one-year “show me” contract in 2020.

It wasn’t elaborated who started, or finished, the scuffle, but fans of football, especially preseason camp, know this is all part of the process. Nothing to see here, just two competitors working hard against one another.

Iron sharpens iron, right?

There was other news from Day 2 of padded practice...

Let’s get to it...

Players missed

After practice, Mike Tomlin said the team suffered two injuries during today’s workout. Those two players were rookie guard Kevin Dotson (knee) and Dax Raymond (ankle). Dotson was able to leave under his own power, but Tomlin wouldn't elaborate on the severity of either injury.

Those were the only injuries sustained, but not the only players who missed practice Tuesday. The following players missed practice for a variety of reasons:

Pouncey Returns

A player who missed the first day of practice, for personal reasons, was Maurkice Pouncey, and Pouncey returned to practice on Tuesday. Pouncey was a full participant and worked with the first offensive line unit at Heinz Field.

McDonald on playing 16 games

When people talk about Vance McDonald, and the potential cons to his overall game, the first facet which is always brought up is his health. McDonald has seemingly always battled nagging injuries since being drafted out of Rice, but during a group call on Tuesday with reporters, via Zoom, McDonald elaborated a bit on his overall thought process when dealing with injuries.

It isn’t as cut and dry as one might think...

Ebron’s calling card in the NFL

Tight End coach James Daniel also spoke with media via Zoom Tuesday, and it was refreshing to hear from coaches you normally don’t get to hear from outside of these settings. Daniel was funny and honest, but when talking about new addition Eric Ebron, he couldn’t help but throw out some accolades.

He spoke about Ebron’s pass catching and route running ability being some of the best in the NFL. The thought of running two tight end sets with McDonald and Ebron has to have Daniel absolutely elated.

Hear from the coach as he describes Ebron’s game.

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PODCAST

A recap of the day’s happenings, in audio form:

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Live Look-In at Monday’s Practice

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Mike Tomlin Post-Practice Conference

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Video

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Photos