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Pittsburgh Steelers Day 2 OTAs Recap: No. 43 returns to practice, at least for a day

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The Pittsburgh Steelers saw No. 43 on the practice field for the first time since 2014, but it wasn't Troy Polamalu...just a tribute.

By Jeff.Hartman
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Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers were back on the field for their second non-mandatory OTAs workout, and it marked the official beginning of the 2016 preparations. With a Super Bowl-or-bust mentality, take a look at what went down at the Rooney Practice Facility Wednesday for the team's second workout.

No. 43 returns to the practice field...kinda

If the public were permitted to practice, they might have had to do a double take when a skinny No. 43 jersey came trotting onto the field. There was no hair flowing from the helmet, and that would be because it wasn't Troy Polamalu, but William Gay paying tribute to his former teammate.

"A lot of times the media didn't even see him [Troy] during OTAs," Gay told Jason Mackey of DKonPittsburghSports.com. "I just wanted to put the jersey on. I came into work today, I was like, ‘Hey, where's the 43 jersey?' "

See what else Gay had to say about his decision to don the famous 43 for the team's second workout of OTAs.

Senquez Golson ready to put the pads on

There has been a lot of discussion surrounding the Steelers secondary from the NFL Draft, to the veterans who still remain from the 30th ranked unit in 2015. One of those unknowns is 2015 2nd round pick Senquez Golson, who missed all of last season with a torn labrum in his shoulder. While Golson is back on the field for OTAs, he isn't quite counting himself "back" yet until he puts the pads on for the first time in his NFL career.

"I don't feel like a rookie. But as far as practice goes, I have to make it to Latrobe. Then I will get the pads on and see how that goes. Last year was different for me. I never really sat out before, let alone really had an offseason since I played two sports. Last year I pretty much did everything except for on-the-field stuff." — Senquez Golson, on being able to take part in OTAs.

Taking Attendance

While Antonio Brown continues to make his way back from California...

But there were others who missed the workout Wednesday too. Running back Le'Veon Bell took the day off, likely to see how his knee responded. James Harrison also missed the workout, but I doubt anyone is concerned about Harrison needing reps with rookies at this stage in his career.

87 out of 90 isn't bad...

Ladarius Green was in attendance, but as expected wasn't able to practice since he continues to rehab his ankle in preparation for next season. He should be 100-percent by training camp.

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