Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth left the practice field at Saint Vincent yesterday with what coach Mike Tomlin called “lower body tightness”. Tomlin said the early exit was a precaution.
The practice was interrupted by a 20-minute rain delay but Tomlin embraced the idea of playing in bad weather, which the team did after switching to their turf field.
Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi again skipped most team portions of the practice as he continues to work slowly back from ankle surgery, and wide receiver Diontae Johnson sat out most team practices, working out instead with a staff member as his contract negotiations continue. Minkah Fitzpatrick also worked out on the same field with Johnson. He is out with a wrist injury.
Tomlin was unconcerned with two interceptions thrown by Mitch Trubisky and another one by Kenny Pickett during the practice.
One of those interceptions was by linebacker Robert Spillane, and it touched off a skirmish with center Mason Cole, which was okay with Tomlin. He said he likes Spillane’s passion and his approach to playing inside linebacker.
Johnson’s absence from team drills gives draft picks George Pickens and Calvin Austin III more opportunities, and Tomlin likes what he sees.
The public practice at Saint Vincent today gets underway at 1:55 PM. You must have reserved your free ticket in order to go. Visit the Steelers mobile app to get your electronic ticket via Ticketmaster.
