The Steelers returned to practice yesterday for the final week of workouts at Saint Vincent. They spent the morning breaking down video of Saturday’s preseason opening win against Seattle, and took to the practice field in the afternoon.
One of the takeaways from Saturday’s game for Coach Mike Tomlin was that his offensive line has to do a better job of protecting the quarterback.
Tomlin says the key for his defense is to be better against the run, which was one of its biggest problems last season.
Running back Najee Harris, wide receiver Chase Claypool, and guard Kevin Dotson were all back at practice. For Harris, it was his first workout since his foot was stepped on during the first day of training camp. Claypool had been dealing with a shoulder injury and Dotson a bad ankle. Diontae Johnson was also back from a hip flexor injury.
Wide receiver Miles Boykin was out with a rib injury and fellow receivers Anthony Miller and Calvin Austin were also out, Miller with an arm injury and Austin with a foot. All of them are day-to-day. Tomlin said safety Karl Joseph is out longer-term with a foot injury.
The Steelers yesterday waived/injured linebacker Tuzar Skipper and signed veteran ‘backer James Vaughters. He was with Atlanta last season and with the Bears and the Canadian Football League previously.
Game Two of the preseason is Saturday night at Jacksonville. The pregame will begin on WDAD, FM 100.3 and AM 1450, at 5 o’clock.
