The Pittsburgh Steelers were back in pads for the second time since their 2019 season ended in Baltimore in Week 17 last year. Although the refurbished practice was at Heinz Field, not Saint Vincent College, the Steelers, and head coach Mike Tomlin, were ready to start this new year.
While Day 1 of Refreshed Exercise fans wanted some sort of news, Day 2 certainly did not disappoint. With pads on and passports taking place, it was reported by ESPN’s Brooke Pryor how TJ Watt and Zach Banner had different “heated”, or as they called it “close agreements”, during work today.
I can not describe what happened between Zach Banner and TJ Watt in one team period past a few “close similarities” – word from pool report – but let’s say we saw some emotions today.
– Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 18, 2020
This is not abnormal for this time of year, and start in the acclimatization period to camp. Watt has nothing to prove, came out of an All-Pro season and his 5-year-old option has already been picked up, but Banner has everything to prove. He fights Chukwuma Okorafor for the low-ranking right-wing approach, playing on a one-year “show me” contract in 2020.
It was not worked out who started the shift, or completed it, but fans of football, especially camp for preseason, know that this is all part of the process. Nothing to see here, just two competitors working hard against each other.
Iron sharpens iron, right?
There was another news from Day 2 of padded exercise …
Let’s get there …
Players lose
After practice, Mike Tomlin said the team had two injuries during today’s training session. Those two players were rookie guard Kevin Dotson (knee) and Dax Raymond (ankle). Dotson was able to leave on his own, but Tomlin would not elaborate on the seriousness of both injuries.
Those were the only injuries sustained, but not the only players missing the practice on Tuesday. The following players missed exercises for several reasons:
ICYMI on Training Camp Live, players who are not in pads today: Dave DeCastro, Al Villanueva, Eric Ebron, James Washington and Joe Haden #SteelersCamp
– Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) August 18, 2020
Pouncey returns
A player who missed the first day of practice, for personal reasons, was Maurkice Pouncey, and Pouncey returned on Tuesday. Pouncey was a full participant and worked with the first offensive line unit at Heinz Field.
Maurkice Pouncey is back on the field for the Steelers. He missed practice Monday for personal reasons.
Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) August 18, 2020
McDonald while playing 16 games
When people talk about Vance McDonald, and the potential disadvantages to his overall game, the first facet that has always been raised is his health. McDonald’s has apparently always suffered knee injuries since he was drafted from Rice, but during a group call on Tuesday with reporters, via Zoom, McDonald twisted a bit about his overall thought process when dealing with injuries.
It’s not as cut and dry as one might think …
Ebron‘s calling card in the NFL
Tight End coach James Daniel also spoke to media via Zoom on Tuesday, and it was refreshing to hear from coaches you would not normally hear outside of these settings. Daniel was funny and honest, but when he talked about new addition Eric Ebron, he could not help but elicit some praise.
He talked about Ebron’s passing and route running ability being one of the best in the NFL. The idea of carrying out two tight ends with McDonald and Ebron must have absolutely excited Daniel.
Listen to the coach as he describes Ebron’s game.
PODCAST
An overview of the day’s events, in audio format:
Live Look-In at Monday’s practice
Mike Tomlin Post-Practice Conference
Video
Photos
#Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is once again taking an interesting – and animated – interest in the sled work of his end. As he said yesterday: w / the DEs in the AFC North, he will need PHYSICAL play from this group. pic.twitter.com/iGEkMkSJzy
– Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) August 18, 2020
