Steelers coach Mike Tomlin gave extended reps to guard Kevin Dotson and linebacker Genard Avery yesterday as both players work their way back from injuries.
Tomlin said he wants his returning players to be ready to play in the second preseason game on Saturday night at Jacksonville.
Running back Benny Snell was back to work yesterday, but Tomlin said they know Snell’s capabilities well and he does not fall into the same category as Dotson and Avery.
Linebacker Alex Highsmith remained out with injured ribs. Rookie wide receiver Calvin Austin III was also out, but without his boot cast on his injured foot. Wideout Miles Boykin was back at practice after missing a day with a rib injury. Cornerback Arthur Maulet left practice with a hamstring injury and running back Master Teague III landed on the injury list with low ankle pain.
With the Steelers in the midst of their final week of training at Saint Vincent College, Tomlin reflected on the value of the experience.
Steelers roster moves yesterday included four players released in the afternoon. They included offensive linemen Jake Dixon and Chris Owen, defensive lineman Doug Costin, and punter Cameron Nizialek. Last night, the team claimed center Ryan McCollum off waivers from Detroit and waived center/guard Nate Gilliam. The Steelers also signed guard William Dunkle off waivers from the Eagles and placed safety Karl Joseph and wider receiver Anthony Miller on injured reserve. They’ll be out for the season.
