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Steelers Minicamp Notebook
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin notes a difference between a team being ready for camp and being prepared for it. Either way, it begins with a run test July 26 in Latrobe, Pa.
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5 Questions to be answered before training camp
The Steelers ended their minicamp early Thursday, leaving a few questions yet to be answered heading into the official start of the preseason.
Steelers OTAs 2013
Steelers are flipping Sylvester inside out
As one linebacker shifts from one crowded position competition to another, an overabundance of depth becomes apparent in the heart of the Steelers defense.
Charlie Batch was the perfect back-up quarterback
Charlie Batch, a Pittsburgh-area native, spent 11 seasons as the Steelers back-up quarterback. During his time in Pittsburgh, Batch not only delivered several clutch performances, he also became very popular in his hometown.
Gotta coach him up
Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler says the main deterrent first round pick Jarvis Jones has from starting immediately is his lack of a grasp of the defense.
Steelers last OTA session recap
The Steelers lost two starters for what’s expected to be a shorter amount of time before OTAs concluded Thursday. More action occurred off the field than on it this week.
Steelers wade through final OTA session
Today, players new to the organization got their first glimpse of the kind of conditions one should expect when playing NFL football in Heinz Field.
Unsigned Landry Jones remains fourth QB
The only player on the roster yet to sign a contract, continues to feel like a team afterthought as he remains dead last on the team's depth chart in OTAs.
Gradkowski to fill in for Ben after surgery
Veteran journeyman Bruce Gradkowski will take first team snaps the remainder of the Steelers’ offseason practices, replacing Ben Roethlisberger after he had minor knee surgery Wednesday
Ben Roethlisberger has knee surgery Wednesday
The procedure was minor, and Roethlisberger is not expected to miss any time.
Rooney ratcheting up conditioning in 2013
According to Steelers linebacker Larry Foote, Steelers players are undergoing stress tests at the behest of Steelers owner Art Rooney II.
Foote: 'it will be difficult' for Jones to start
It doesn't seem like Steelers first round pick, OLB Jarvis Jones, will start for the Steelers in 2013, but his schematic experience may get him on the field more frequently than his predecessors.
Beachum is a victim of versatility
The Steelers have trotted eight different players out to their right tackle position since 2010. With Mike Adams' recent injury, Kelvin Beachum could return to the spot he wasn't supposed to be playing. Again.
Adams' loss equals Steelers gain
Losing a projected starter as the team stands on the doorstep of the preseason is usually a devastating blow. The loss of Adams will actually benefit the Steelers in the long run.
Ike Taylor talks, but leads by example
Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor turned 33 in May, and despite a youth movement at cornerback, and anonymous complaints by teammates about the physical fitness of others, he remains one of the best conditioned defensive backs in the NFL.
Steelers going bowling (or something) Monday
The Steelers will continue a tradition of cancelling practice in favor of a team-bonding activity, says Post-Gazette reporter Ed Bouchette.
Steelers OTAs: OL used to working without starter
The Steelers offensive line has experienced more combinations of starters than any other unit in the league. Mike Adams' absence from the final session of OTAs - which begin today in Pittsburgh - gives them some practice in an area they know well.
Dunn ran a 4.29 in front of Steelers coaches
Clocked at 4.22 at his Pro Day at Utah, Steelers rookie kick returner Reggie Dunn said he ran a 4.29 in front of Steelers coaches at OTAs recently.
Together Everyone Achieves More
While there may still be question marks in several slots on the depth chart, no one is questioning the mindset of the players on the roster, or why they are there.
Steelers OTAs Notebook: Gay takes snaps at safety
The Steelers wrapped up their second OTA session Thursday, and BTSC's Dale Grdnic writes about some observations from the activity so far this offseason.
Kelvin Beachum taking reps at center
Adding center to the growing flexibility of positions for Steelers second year OL Kelvin Beachum seems like the appropriate move to make.
5 Things we learned in second session of OTAs
The Steelers concluded the second of three rounds of practices Thursday in Pittsburgh, here are a few storylines emerging from the team.
Keisel feels 'Seventh Heaven is within reach'
Steelers veteran defensive end Brett Keisel says he's superstitious, and can see the 2013 season ending very positively for Pittsburgh.
Adams confirms he's been on the right side in OTAs
Marcus Gilbert remains the Steelers' top option at left tackle so far through the Football in Shorts portion of the offseason program. Mike Adams confirmed he's been exclusively on the right side so far.
Football in shorts isn't a big deal, until it is
Coaches and fans may not get too excited about 'football in shorts,' but if a player fails so show up to OTAs during a contract dispute or performs poorly during the NFL Combine, people sure do seem to take notice.
Nick Williams playing defensive end in OTAs
While it wasn't a huge question over which position he'll play, Williams will reach Preseason Cult Status in August, and we're hanging now on his every bit of news.
DeCastro ready for fresh start
Pittsburgh knew they had found a franchise interior lineman in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft, but did not expect to have to wait a year to benefit from his selection. He is ready to make himself worth the wait.
A Golden opportunity for Steelers defensive backs
The absence of the Steelers veteran safeties from the second round of OTAs gives the younger players a chance to get more attention from coaches.
Steelers need NT other than Woods
Woods is the embodiment of everything which makes up the Steelers way, most importantly a personal desire to improve and an open mind to positional flexibility; but he can't do everything.
Keisel is now eldest of oldest defense
While the Beard has become a significant part of the face of the franchise since 2006, his veteran voice is taking on an even more important role in the twilight of his career.
Will Johnson: less sophomore, more senior
If anyone knows about making something out of nothing, it's the former WVU tight end. In only his second year, he's already become a vocal leader to this year's flock of new faces.
Steelers Burress: 'Antonio Brown will be feared'
It's easy to overlook the three games Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown missed last season. But adding in average production in those missed games, he would have led the team in receptions and yards.
Al Woods playing nose tackle on second team
Four-year pro Al Woods is getting consistent reps as the Steelers second-string nose tackle
Steelers veterans missing second session of OTAs
Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, and Ike Taylor all skipped the first day of the team's second session of OTAs.
Stephens-Howling Steelers mis-matchmaker
The Steelers signed RB LaRod Stephens-Howling hoping he could find a spot in their multi-faceted offense. His value will come in situational football, where the Steelers will need the most help
Steelers OTAs: Jones shouldn't test hamstring
The Steelers' second OTA session gets underway Tuesday in Pittsburgh. OLB Jarvis Jones was limited in the first session due to a hamstring injury, and it's something the Steelers shouldn't test this week.
Wheaton missing OTAs, will play catch-up
The NFL-mandated rule of not allowing draft picks to participate in anything outside of rookie minicamp prevents Wheaton from attending OTAs.
5 things we learned from first session of OTAs
Even if it's a bit early to think there was a lot to glean from the Steelers' first three full team practices of the 2013 season, there are still some tidbits to carry over into next week's second session.