Steelers Prepare For Redskins As Training Camp Ends

The Pittsburgh Steelers ended their latest stay in Latrobe yesterday as they took the field in shorts and without running like tackle drills. They took it easy on their last day there before heading to Heinz Field for the upcoming season.

However, it wasn't just Saturday. They won't be live tackling anymore until the season starts per head coach Mike Tomlin.

As they leave, they look to prepare for the second leg of their tour of the NFC East as they play the Washington Redskins on the kickoff to ESPN's Monday Night Football lineup. The NFL's main marquee will be missing a few names as Robert Griffin III won't be playing for the Redskins, and the Steelers could be without running backs Isaac Redman and Le'Veon Bell.

The Redskins' RGIII is still recovering from his ACL and LCL injuries. He has returned to practice, but head coach Mike Shanahan rightly won't release him to play. As for Redman and Bell, they scared everyone within a stone's throw of the three rivers and everywhere else in Steeler Nation when they went down within a half hour of one another in practice Thursday. Redman suffered a stinger, and Bell re-aggravated his left knee.

Both running backs returned to practice on Friday, but remain game-time decisions. If one or both are down, that puts Jonathan Dwyer back into the position of starter. Once again, though, it would be because of injury. But, as Behind The Steel Curtain's Neal Coolong wrote, "it may be his last chance to do so." - http://tinyurl.com/k9khge8

The Steelers have endured their share of injuries this off-season, however they aren't nearly as bad off as the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers and Cleveland Browns. If the Steelers can be considered relatively healthy otherwise, what does that mean for them going into Monday night's game?

SHOW ME SOMETHING SPECIAL -
Monday night's game could ultimately reveal a lot about Danny Smith and his special teams unit's preparation. This is more than just another preseason game, it's a game that provides nine days of rest after the New York Giants game. Being new to all of the men in front of him, he needed every bit of that time.

“We're mixing and matching a lot of guys. And that's hard. It's not only hard on me, it's hard on them, to be honest with you,” Smith said. “When you start playing next to a guy, you get a feel for the other. But when you're trying to find those fits, it's difficult. It's a process.” - http://tinyurl.com/mqcgov5

It being a difficult process was proven true last Saturday when the unit made mistake after mistake. At least one of which that could be considered a game changer.

One area that isn't of concern is kicker Shaun Suisham, who was 28-of-31 on field goals last season, with only one of the three misses actually being shanked. He showed an even stronger leg during Training Camp by nailing a 60-yard attempt last week.

THE NEW AND IMPROVED -
We were told that the offense was streamlined to fit quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and company. The distance between the first game of preseason and the first game of the playoffs is chasm-like, but more is still expected from them than what seen lastly. Especially from the No. 3 and No. 4 men, John Parker Wilson and Landry Jones.

They ran fairly well, blocked fairly well and the passing game looked fairly well at times. But "fairly well" is a C to C+ if you're grading. It is basically middle of the road, and middle of the road in the NFL is 8-8.

WILL THE REAL ROLB PLEASE STAND UP? -
Last week, Jarvis Jones said he wasn't happy with his performance. It was other people who said they weren't happy with Jason Worilds'. Including his coaches and the NFL. Per Ed Bouchette, linebackers coach Keith Butler was not at all happy with Worilds' two personal foul penalties in three plays and even called him "selfish."

"It's something we can't do. We can't hit the quarterback in the head, we can't hit him with the head and that's what Jason did." - http://t.co/4eMvfLZ47P

Also, on Thursday, the fourth-year linebacker was fined $15,750 for one of those penalties.

As for Jones, he has said that he just wants to get better each time he's out there, that he studies film on his own and that he wants to learn. All well and good, but there is a short window of opportunity in which to do that if he's going to start at any point this season. And as If It Ain't Steel has said many times, he won't. But he 'must unlearn what he has learned' before we see him in numerous subpackages.

Nonetheless, both may possibly have their pass coverage skills tested as Redskins' tight end Fred Davis will play more of a role Monday night.

IS IT ALL GOOD WITH HOOD AND WOODS? -
Was last week Al Woods' coming out party? Will Ziggy Hood ever have one? Is Cameron Heyward ready to take over? Is Brett Keisel ready to bow out?

Only one of those questions will actually be answered Monday night. If Woods can play as well as he did against the G-Men, then he'll move higher on the depth chart, or at least in the rotation. As for the other men, those questions will be asked (by us) and answered as the season itself goes on. For now, Woods, Alameda Ta'amu, Hebron Fangupo and possibly Brian Arnfelt will continue their fight over the two remaining defensive line spots.

UPDATE: Mike Prisuta of the DVE Morning News tweeted from his Twitter (@DVEMike) account: "Le'Veon Bell scheduled to get the start at RB for the Steelers tonight against the Redskins”

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TIDBITS: Terry Hawthorne and other defensive backs made their way back to the practice field this week, which helps them get back into contention for the final roster spots. Another defensive back whose spot was already set is coming along more slowly.

Cortez Allen, who has been out for nearly all of Training Camp, was recently asked if he feels like he's made the progress he'd hoped to make.

"Yeah, I feel good," said Allen. "The rehab has been going good and I'm just out there testing it out to see where I'm at."

He went on to say "it's still a day-to-day thing, but I do feel that I've made a lot of progress from when it first happened, and I'm positive about the future of it and getting back on the field."

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Steelers NT Alameda Ta'amu is on the road to redemption, wants to prove the Steelers were right to give him a second chance. - http://t.co/peEzxF6HBS

For Steelers To Be Successful, They Must Grade On A Bell Curve; Injury Report

UPDATED: 8/16/13
With several positions being manned by different players this upcoming season, many talking heads have the Pittsburgh Steelers written off already, putting them into third or even last place in the division.

The Steelers, though, believe they have the formula for curing many ills. They have set their sights once again on dominating the line of scrimmage and controlling the clock. In the best years they have known, there was always one constant to their offense. That is the ability to run the ball with a lead late in the game and thereby finishing off an opponent.

With the drafting of four offensive linemen and one running back in the first and second rounds in the last four years, the team with the most rushing yards since the NFL/AFL merger have shown that their desire is to excel in that area again. NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora believes these young players portend good things for the Steelers. - http://tinyurl.com/lvhhwsm

The pass oriented NFL isn't being ignored by the Steelers by any means. But they realize that to excel completely at the pass, the run must be established.

Not meaning running on first and second to set up a pass on third, but to establish the threat if nothing else. And a threat is only viable if there is actual fear-based believability. I tell you I'll punch you in the mouth, you scoff. I just do it, and often enough, and the threat is real.

That means the running game must increase its production, and it must do so early in the season. According to Lance Zierlein of Rotoworld.com and TheSidelineView.com, he doesn't expect "the running attack to explode overnight", but he does expect a measured improvement.

"This year, the Steelers are in pretty good shape from a health standpoint on the line and they have a new feature back in rookie Le'Veon Bell....I do think we will finally see the Steelers actually commit to running the football."

Based on what the Steelers running backs coach, Kirby Wilson said last week, the Steelers believe the same.

“You would love to have a back who can play first down through third down," said Wilson. "That’s always the best. Now, you have players who can spell a starter, then you have situational players that have strengths in other areas, put for the most part you always want a guy who is there first through third.”

He and they believe Bell is that back.

However, that can only be done if he and the other players in this are healthy going into as well as throughout the season.

That sound you heard Thursday was the collective breath inhalation and Gasp! of Steeler Nation as Isaac Redman and, maybe more importantly, Bell went down to injuries. Behind the Steel Curtain covered the Redman situation earlier today. - http://tinyurl.com/lu37vqz

As for Bell, he re-aggravated his left knee injury Thursday, the same knee that kept him out of the first preseason game against the Giants, forcing him to watch the conclusion of practice with his leg in ice.

Per Steelers Digest's Bob Labriola, "When Le'Veon Bell aggravated his left knee in practice today, it was not a live tackling session. Bell to be evaluated." Current word is a mild MCL sprain.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport said that he hears Bell's knee is "fine." Jim Wexell backed that up with his next tweet.

As does DVE's Mike Prisuta.

This comes one day after Bell had been elevated to co-starter status alongside Redman on the team's depth chart. With the Steelers' next preseason game being Monday night, both running backs have time to recover.

As a side point, this is also why the Steelers didn't and wouldn't have cut or traded Jonathan Dwyer. He has shown he can tote the rock and that they can win with him as feature back. He just wasn't consistent enough and was oft injured. Now this with the others.

When looking at the immediate future of this season's team. I see it as Le'Veon Bell, Isaac Redman and LaRod Stephens-Howling, with Will Johnson at fullback. Yes, Dwyer could make the team, but he isn't a special teams guy and is basically another Redman.

As we've written before, the war of attrition has begun. Let's hope that the Steelers know how to balance the fine line between battle testing a player and breaking him. To do so, especially for one whom they want to be their future, they might want to start grading on a Bell curve.

UPDATE: Le'Veon Bell re-aggravated knee bruise. No MCL damage or tears.

Bob Labriola tweeted from his Twitter (@BobLabriola) account: "RB Jeremy Wright signed and PK Daniel Hrapmann waived. Relax, Steelers Nation. This DOES NOT mean Le'Veon Bell's injury is serious."

"For this afternoon's practice, Le'Veon Bell is expected to be dressed and on the field. That indicates his injury isn't serious."
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TIDBITS: The injuries continue to pile up. During their Thursday practice, rookie linebacker Jarvis Jones tweaked his groin. Dale Lolley of the Washington (County) Observer reported that he does not believe the injury is serious.

So, Redman has a stinger, Bell re-aggravated his knee, Jones tweaked his groin and OLineman Justin Cheadle has a significant hamstring injury. Tomlin says it's "a matter of weeks and not days.”

Jason Worilds vs. Jarvis Jones: The Answer To Whom Should Start For The Steelers

The spoils of victory. The Pittsburgh Steelers are used to receiving them, just as they used to being victorious. But the 2012 Steelers were neither a Super Bowl contestant, nor were they a double-digit win team, but just a .500 ball club. A ball club looking for answers and an identity.

Among those answers they're searching for is who will replace ("succeed" would be a more accurate word) James Harrison at right outside linebacker. On one side is fourth-year player Jason Worilds, while on the other is first-round draft pick Jarvis Jones. There are debits and credits to each players' game, but only one can start week one.

Conventional wisdom would seem to dictate that Worilds is naturally the shoe-in for starter as he's been in the system longer. After all, he has been named by head coach Mike Tomlin as the starter to open Training Camp. But don't read much into that, into players being named as starters at start of camp. It's mainly a nod to seniority. The spot will be won in Camp, in practices, and eventually in games.

That being the case, who should get the starting job in order to help ensure the spoils?

If It Ain't Steel has long contended that it will be Worilds who will start week one. No rookie outside linebacker has started for the Steelers since Jack Ham in 1971, and none has ever started for defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. So, it's time for Worilds to bring his self-proclaimed moniker of "Worilds Greatest" to reality.

Over his first three seasons, Worilds has shown that he is capable of putting up decent numbers when given the opportunity. But he has been limited to total 10 starts in three years while playing behind Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. So, expectations are rightly high for Worilds. but now is the time.

He had five sacks in 422 defensive snaps last season. According to Football Outsiders, that equates to approximately 10 sacks over the course of a season. But we ourselves had made such facts clear months ago.

In a March blog piece we wrote that part of Worilds' issues were that he'd yet to have a true and full offseason in that he was a rookie in 2010, he had to endure the lockout in 2011, and in 2012 he had the wrist injury. As a side issue, he also is decidedly better on the left side than on the right. Nonetheless, during those three seasons, he played 999 snaps or the equivalent to one full season. In that time he has 10 career sacks.

Now, we do realize that this extrapolation doesn't automatically mean that he'll produce that way this season, but it's definitely a point in the right direction. Sometimes, all a player needs is experience and the right opportunity - he will finally have it. Can he make the most of it?

Jones, in true Bulldog form, is chomping at the bit to take the spot from Worilds. In 2012, he led the nation with 14.5 sacks and terrorized quarterbacks for 28 total sacks over the last two seasons. He also pursues the ballcarrier aggressively. Last season, 24.5 of his 85 tackles were for a loss.

Jones has also shown good instinct and the ability to diagnose plays as well as the athleticism to flow to the ball for open-field tackles. Qualities not at all lost on LeBeau.

"He's shown us a lot of instinctive football ability," defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said. "If the coach doesn't mess him up, I think he's got a chance to be a pretty good player."

Linebackers coach Keith Butler said something similar regarding Jones' abilities.

"He's showing us things, and, if he keeps showing those things he's going to be a big part of that, hopefully," said Butler.

LeBeau once said that some of his defensive innovations actually came from mistakes made by players. He used those mistakes and adapted them. One could argue that it might not be a bad idea to let Jones make his mistakes too. Let him learn "on the job", as it were. A trial by fire.

Unfortunately, though, that brings certain failings to light that may be too much to overcome.

"When he was in college, he kind of freelanced a little bit," Butler said. "We're a little bit more disciplined in terms of what we ask him to do and the technique we ask him to use in the passing game. All he did was drop straight back and look at the quarterback."

Since questions still remain about his ability to cover opposing receivers in passing situations, it would be a disservice to the other experienced linebackers to put him out there with them. It's going to be difficult enough learning LeBeau's defense, which is widely regarded as one of the most complicated and ever-changing systems in the entire NFL.

In a defense where linebackers are expected to defend the run, drop into coverage, occupy blockers and rush the passer (from a number of positions and exotic looks), it would also be a disservice to Jones to expect him to start right away.

Could Jones start and then have Worilds brought in on passing downs? Possibly. But, especially with this being a pass-happy league, it would make more sense to start the more experienced Worilds and bring Jones in as a situational player. (And we haven't even touched on his possible susceptibility to further nerve-related problems.)

With the linebacker position, outside linebacker primarily so, being so important to the Steelers defense and overall success, the answer to the question of who'll take over the right side would initially seem to be Jason Worilds. It's the smartest and surest way to start enjoying the spoils of victory early on in 2013.

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TIDBITS: Here's a run down of a few of the more important tweets from the various national and local reporters who were in Latrobe Saturday:

“@EdBouchette: Ben Roethlisberger just told me his right knee is fine, although he did not want to dispute Mike Tomlin's assessment Friday.”

@AKinkhabwala: Steelers WR Markus Wheaton been told to learn multiple positions. After school had him miss camps, said he's excited to hear plays in huddle

@AKinkhabwala: Mike who? Plaxico Burress says Antonio Brown "is an electric guy. He’s going to be our big play guy this year."

"@MarkKaboly_Trib: Antonio Brown makes deep catch from Ben over Cortez Allen. AB can go deep, apparently."

"@MarkKaboly_Trib: Emmanuel Sanders beats William Gay deep. So much for not being able to go deep w/out Wallace"
(It's early yet)

“@AKinkhabwala: Steelers rookie WR Markus Wheaton asked for goals here. Says: "First, making the team. As long as I make the team, I can move on from there"”

“@MarkKaboly_Trib: Team drills has Redman one rep with first team, one for Dwyer, one for batch, one for bell.”

“@MarkKaboly_Trib: Larod Stephens Howling also gets snap with first team”

“@MarkKaboly_Trib: Tomlin telling Le'Veon Bell to "finish everything you do" after breaking into the open”

“@MarkKaboly_Trib: Beachum second team left tackle. Malecki second team center”

"@jimwexell: Alameda Ta'amu injured hamstring 2 weeks ago running sprints. He's lost 27 pounds to 350. Last yr's belly is this yr's chest & shoulders."

Steelers Running Backs: For Whom Will The Bell Toll?

“There’s the devaluing of the running back position,” Jerome Bettis told USA TODAY Sports before the 2013 NFL Draft. “You see a devaluing of the running backs and the higher valuation of the offensive line. It’s difficult for me because I don’t want to see the art of being a running back disappear.”

The NFL’s sixth-highest career rusher, Steelers legend and future Hall of Famer obviously has strong feelings about the current state of his position. He would seem to have a point as offensive linemen dominated the top of the draft. In all, five offensive linemen were selected in the top ten (as shown in the graph below), with the "skill" positions falling lower than expected.

Aside: I abhor the term "skill" player/position. It's grossly inaccurate. Try telling the athletic 6'6", 305-pound Lane Johnson, who went fourth overall, ran a 4.72/40, ran the three-cone drill in 7.31 secs and broad jumped 118.0 inches that he isn't skilled. But, I digress...

It is true that more and more teams are getting away from the romanticized notion of the feature running back and moving more toward having an aggregate output from the position. Then pair that with a position that is famous for a short half-life, and it becomes clearer why Bettis' words have the ring of truth to them.

The Steelers, though, are looking very much to once again make the running game an integral part of their offense. They proved this by going out and drafting Le'Veon Bell in the second round of this past April's draft, one of the highest picks they've used on a running back in many years.

As If It Ain't Steel has pointed out in past writings, it's partly because of coordinator Todd Haley's offensive direction. His offense is predicated on two main concepts. Firstly, he wants his unit to go on sustained drives that kill the clock and, in doing so, keeps the defense and the opposing offense off of the field. When done successfully, thus inhibits the opponent's ability to score points of their own. Secondly, he wants the running game to set up the passing game.

The Steelers' version of "running back by committee" used in 2012 simply didn't work. They realize that they need a workhorse to tow the load, but also with a backup who can come in and take carries with little-to-no drop off. Will Bell be that man week one? The Sporting News thinks that he will as they have him as a front runner for offensive Rookie of the Year. - http://tinyurl.com/p2ofalf

Steelers players have chimed in on Bell and his promise as well.

"I think its he's going to be exceptional," said Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey. "He came in, he was 250 in college, he came into rookie mini camp at 234 and they say with him running around the edge being an outside zone player that he can be with the power that he brings, I think its really going to help us out."

If that is to be the case, however, Bell must absolutely do one thing particularly well.

“Around here, if you don't block, you don't play,” Jonathan Dwyer said.

Steelers running back coach Kirby Wilson, who has been coaching runners in the NFL for 16 years, backs that statement and then takes it a step further.

“That's anybody. That's any running back,” Wilson said. “You have to be able to protect the quarterback or you won't play. That's not just in Pittsburgh. That's in every NFL city.” - http://tinyurl.com/ponrc2v

Bell is no exception, but he says he's up to the task. The problem lies in his having two others with him in the backfield who've already proven themselves in that capacity.

According to Pro Football Focus, Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman pass blocked better than nearly any other running back in the NFL. In 2012, they were Nos. 1 and 2 in the NFL in pass blocking efficiency, "a rating that measures pressures allowed on a per-snap basis." They also finished tied for third in halfback blocking.

It is well known that the Steelers tried to clear room in their crowded backfield by shopping Dwyer. A revelation he used to motivate him. As SteelBlitz.com highlighted, Dwyer is excited for Training Camp "to prove everyone wrong." - http://tinyurl.com/q3x9m5f

This is a make or break year in Pittsburgh for Dwyer. He has to compete not only with Redman and Bell, but also with attrition.

Last season, the Steelers kept six running backs on the final 53-man roster when you include fullback Will Johnson. That won't happen this year. Which means that at least one less running back position will be available.

The WVU product, Johnson was noted in OTAs and mandatory minicamp as showing maturation, increased ability to sustain his blocks and leadership. Add to that his pass-catching ability, Johnson was in the pass pattern 134 times last season and caught 15 balls for 137 yards in 22 targets, and you have a very viable 2013 roster candidate. - http://tinyurl.com/q8o44wu

Though he won't compete for a starting position, LaRod Stephens-Howling can run between the tackles, catch the ball out of the backfield and protect the passer - all of the things mentioned thus far. He also has the ability to return kickoffs, though I'm hoping that task is a Dunn deal elsewhere. He does, though, think he sees "a lot of third down opportunities that Todd Haley’s always had other places."

Last and maybe least is Baron Batch, likely the last running back on the depth chart, and the one likely to be on the outside looking in when Training Camp starts.

However this plays out once July 26 arrives, the Steelers will once again look to show the value they place on running backs and their running game.

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TIDBITS: Speaking of Pouncey...he apologized for his "Free Hernandez" hat - http://t.co/LqjjlibxzA

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The Steelers' Training Camp schedule, including practices open to the public and preseason games, per the Trib and the Steelers website:

Friday, July 26 — Players report; campus closed

Saturday, July 27 — 3 p.m. (Helmets and shorts)

Sunday, July 28 — 3 p.m. (Helmets and shorts)

Monday, July 29 — 3 p.m.

Tuesday, July 30 — Players off

Wednesday, July 31 — 3 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 1 — 3 p.m.

Friday, Aug 2 — 7 p.m. at Latrobe's Memorial Stadium

Saturday, Aug. 3 ­— 3 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 4 — 3 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 5 — 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6 — Players off

Wednesday, Aug. 7 — 3 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 8 — 3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 9 — Campus closed

Saturday, Aug. 10 — Preseason opener vs. N.Y. Giants, 7:30 p.m. at Heinz Field

Sunday, Aug. 11 — Players off

Monday, Aug. 12 — 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 13 — Players off

Wednesday, Aug. 14 — 5:30 p.m. at St. Vincent College

Thursday, Aug. 15 — 3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 16 — 3 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 17 — 3 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 18 — Break camp; campus closed

Monday, Aug. 19 — Preseason game at Redskins, 8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25 — Preseason game vs. Chiefs, 7:30 p.m. at Heinz Field

Thursday, Aug. 29 — Preseason game at Panthers, 7:30 p.m.

What We Can Take From The First Round Of Steelers OTAs

by Jayden and Jason

With the first session of OTAs behind us, there were a few things and players that stood out and are worth noting. The schemes being run and players we've brought to your attention before made themselves more manifest this week. While they provide a glimpse into the near future, they're still not completely indicative of the how the season will go or of the 2013 Pittsburgh Steelers roster. After all, as head coach Mike Tomlin says, it is just "football in shorts."

One of the things that became evident during the OTAs was that the Pittsburgh Steelers absolutely will be running a zone-blocking scheme in 2013. If It Ain't Steel will cover the offensive line and some of its linemen in our next article, but, as we wrote in a previous post, they have always used various inside zone, lead draw, some toss and power schemes. They're just adding the outside zone to the mix. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/05/youth-versatility-define-kelvin-beachum.html

In that article, we pointed out that Kelvin Beachum would have his playing time increased and that he would substitute at key positions, something which he proved at OTAs by working at second-team center and even at center with the first team.

As for the scheme and its implementation, the Steelers new offensive line coach Jack Bicknell, jr. is on record as saying that his players should be "athletic enough and be able to move" in order to adequately run his system. The off tackle power was their fundamental run play, but the outside zone and the stretch plays will be new and will require the aforementioned athleticism. A newness that was on display at OTAs and that left guard Ramon Foster said they're "embracing."

“It’s going to be new, but we’re embracing it,” Foster said. “If you look at our run tape last year, teams stacked the box on us. We were running inside zone, inside zone, inside zone, and we never really had an outside threat. But Coach [Todd] Haley’s stressing it this year; Coach Bicknell is stressing it. That’s something we want to do: soften the defense up and be able to run it outside just as well as we do inside.”

Running back Isaac Redman put it more succinctly when he said, "We are going to be dedicated to the zone."

Speaking of Redman, he's another who made his presence known. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly, Redman lost 10 pounds this offseason, his playing weight was listed as 230 pounds, and is hoping to lose five more by the start of Training Camp.

Cornerback Isaiah Green made his presence felt as well. We said recently that the 23-year old, 5'10", 180-pound second-year man wants to be more than just a Training Camp body. Green has a nose for the ball, is athletic and runs a 4.29/40. Simply put, he has all the requisite physical skills to continue to make his presence felt.

Will Johnson did his best to show why he should remain the team's starting fullback, defensive tackle Al Woods played well, though he has little competition and should make the team by default, and If It Ain't Steel favorite outside linebacker Adrian Robinson picked up where he left off last preseason in his bid to speed rush his way onto the 53-man roster this season.

There were several other names and stories that brought headlines this past week, but the one that caught our attention the most was Troy Polamalu supposedly being in his 'best shape since college', and that he's been fighting a calf injury for four years.

Ok, so maybe he isn't exactly at his college fighting weight, he still showed up in pretty good shape for the first OTA session. When interviewed, however, Polamalu was asked if there is anything that he can do for the calf injury moving forward. His response was textbook bland.

"Yeah, I've done quite a few different things this off-season," said Polamalu. "So, yeah, for sure there is. A lot of different rehab and training."

When he was pushed for a further explanation, it was then that the veteran safety revealed that the calf has bothered him for years.

"When you have an injury that's bothered you for the last four years, there gets to be just so much scar tissue in there," he said. "If you don't attack the problem scar tissue, then you're just going to continue to have problems. So this year I really focused on that and found a great physical therapist and obliviously continue to keep working with my trainer. So everything has evolved there and evolved nicely."

Polamalu then explained his kinesiological and rehabilitation process.

"Not to get too deep into muscular biomechanics, you can break down scar tissue, but the problem is your body has to continue to learn how to readapt with broken scar tissue," Polamalu said. "These are all things that I've learned. So hopefully all of this make these problems obsolete."

What's next for Polamalu and his injury?

"Listen, if I knew the future, I would be playing that Powerball," he joked. "Only time will tell."

Only time will tell for the rest of the Steelers offseason regimen as well.

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TIDBITS: Heath Miller spoke with the media when showing up at OTAs. He spoke on his injury, saying that he's improving, but is still cautious.



"I'm just trying to get better every day, and I'm doing what I've been asked to do," Miller said Wednesday. "And I'm listening to my body, so I'll just progress that way."

Miller tore his anterior cruciate ligament, injured the medial collateral ligament and also the posterior collateral ligament.

"That's the big thing now, the main thing, because after surgery you lose a lot of strength," Miller said. "And then there's some atrophy. So, I want to get it back to where it's as strong as my other leg." - http://tinyurl.com/ocs4rmb

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“I think pretty much all of the veteran guys understand that there is gonna be a point in time when we’re gonna have to rely on these young guys....They are gonna have to step up ASAP.” - Ike Taylor

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Per Mark Kaboly: “From what I've observed over the first 3 days of #Steelers OTAs, Reggie Dunn catches a punt just fine.” (As we've said, Dunn makes the team.)

“Shamarko (Thomas) is gonna be a good one. Will do well in special teams immediately.” (Keeping a promise to his dearly departed mother.)

“Nik Emberate has potential. Need to see him up at camp before willing to say he has legit chance.” (For an undrafted free agent, that still sounds pretty good.)

Adrian Robinson And Several Others Face Do-Or-Die Training Camp

Winners, I am convinced, imagine their dreams first. They want it with all their heart and expect it to come true. - Joe Montana

The draft class has now experienced their first minicamp and are now starting to be signed. Shamarko Thomas signed his four-year deal and we can project that the Steelers will start to sign more of the lower-round picks soon. With the $5.5 million Salary Cap space freed up by the release of Willie Colon set to kick in June 2nd, the Steelers will need about $1.63 million in Cap space to sign them.

There are players already on the team, though, that will need to state their cases very loudly at Latrobe in late July. Both the offense and defense carry several players who will make for a competitive Training Camp. And competition breeds contempt - just ask Antonio Brown and Ike Taylor.

Competition also will help the cream to rise to the top. This Training Camp will provide many such opportunities as there are several players who will be battling for positions. Primarily positions at linebacker and in the defensive backfield.

One name that is resurfacing this offseason is that of Adrian Robinson. The 6'1", 250-pound defensive end-turned-outside linebacker out of Temple University, who went undrafted last year, caught the attention of Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler last offseason. We said of him then that he would look to make the transition to standing up as an outside linebacker in the Steelers' 3-4 system, which is always a tough adjustment - learning the technique and learning to play the position without his hand(s) on the ground.

So, what applied then applies now, for Robinson to make the 53-man roster he would have to outplay Chris Carter on special teams and show that he has more long-term upside than Carter as an outside linebacker.

Three qualities, however, that Robinson has in favor are his motor, his desire to compete and is character. Just what his college head coach at Temple, Steve Addazio, said about him last year.

"Adrian plays relentless," Addazio said. "He flushes the quarterback out of the pocket and chases him around like a crazy man....Without a doubt, Adrian Robinson is truly one of the finest young men I have ever had the pleasure to coach. Adrian has been the quintessential role model for our program and has set the standard for which all players should follow." - http://tinyurl.com/cx6ysb5

Simply put, the qualities of a winner. Qualities that could very well earn him a roster spot this August.

As for the others on the roster who will be fighting for spots, there are Sean Spence, Stevenson Sylvester, Marshall McFadden, Kion Wilson and Brian Rolle, with only Sylvester and Rolle having real game experience. Although, McFadden has a good chance to make the roster because he can play either the Buck or the Mack position.

The Spence situation is a curious one to figure out, though, because of his injury. The latest word on his rehabilitation was delivered by Steelers GM Kevin Colbert.

"Sean is progressing. When you have as serious a knee injury as he unfortunately had, it sometimes is a very long process. Sometimes it takes over a year to fully rehabilitate," Colbert said. "But the good thing is we are seeing signs of progress, albeit small steps. But it is progress. Sean's attitude is off the charts. He wants to rehab. He wants to be a great player. He is working hard to get there. He is making small progress, and as long as he is making progress, we will be patient with him and hopefully get him back at full speed at some point."

As for Sylvester, he should not only have pushed incumbent starter Larry Foote for the position, but should actually be the one who starts next season. As is stands, newly drafted Vince Williams has already shown that he will be pushing both Sylvester and Foote. In fact, Williams could push Sylvester right out of town.

The defensive backs competition is also going to be interesting. Shamarko Thomas could very well quickly pass Robert Golden and Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith as the first safety off of the bench. That's almost a given, though. The real competition is among the cornerbacks.

The last three cornerback positions, if the Steelers do decide to keep six, will undoubtedly be a heated battle. With Ike Taylor and Cortez Allen slotted as your starters and William Gay as the Nickel/slot guy, Curtis Brown would seem to lead the list of those who will be the Big Nickel and Dime positions.

In a previous blog, we focused attention on Isaiah Green and his desire to secure a roster spot. There are also Justin King and Ross Ventrone who are currently on the roster, but those two are just camp bodies. Terry Hawthorne is most likely your fourth cornerback and one of the next two should fill the last cornerback spots.

DeMarcus Van Dyke was drafted in 2011 by the Oakland Raiders and waived by them in 2012, and at that point came to the Steelers just before the season started. Head coach Mike Tomlin said when he was signed that he had been on their radar and that he has real potential.

"He’s got big-time upside, he’s an extremely fast guy," Tomlin said. "It was an opportunity for us to put a young cornerback in the mix and continue to work with him and develop his skill and see if maybe he can help us at some point."

Hopefully, for his sake, that is this season. He may have great speed (4.28/40), but he must eliminate the mistakes. On five occasions last season he was flagged for holding and for running out of bounds while covering punts. If he cleans that up, he may have a chance to make the final 53. If not, he would be on the street without any longer having practice squad eligibility.

The other is Josh Victorian, whom Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake spoke highly of at his press conference to introduce draft pick Illinois cornerback Terry Hawthorne. Lake's attention turned briefly to Victorian in describing how he came to be with the team.

"Josh really was a surprise for us," Lake said. "We needed some bodies really to work the look team for our offense and we brought Josh in specifically for that. He was on a developmental team and because of the amount of injuries we had, Josh was it. He was our starter by default.

"Like I said before, I had probably two weeks with him to get him ready and his first start was against Dallas in Dallas. I have to give my hat off to him for coming in and really concentrating and getting ready specifically because we didn’t have much time with him before that."

Victorian has an honest chance at making the Steelers 53-man roster out of training camp this year. If not, he, unlike DVD, still has practice squad eligibility.

While the competition doesn't necessarily mean we'll see fights in Training Camp like we did last year (twice) between AB and Ike, we can safely say that those who make the final cuts will have run the gauntlet and will have proven that they want to be winners.

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TIDBITS: The 2013 version of the NFL Network's annual Top 100 Players revealed that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wound up all the way down at No. 61 spot this year. He was No. 30 last year. A joke both times.

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The offseason program that officially began on April 15th set the stage for the OTAs, the dates of which are: May 21-23, May 28-30 and June 3-6. Minicamp will be held on June 11-13, and after that the dates for Training Camp will announced.

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The $5.5 million Willie Colon money will be freed June 1st and officially available June 2nd. I have a feeling I know how the Steelers will use some of that money: OL depth.

"Inconsistent" Receivers Show Mike Wallace Is Still Needed

"They've been inconsistent largely. We've seen some things that could get us excited, we've also seen some things that are disturbing." Those words were spoken by Mike Tomlin at his weekly press conference Tuesday when asked about the wide receivers after Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders and Jerricho Cotchery. - Mike Tomlin Press Conference Video http://t.co/7tyQCCe1 

One thing is for certain, while the second through fourth wide receiver spots are set and regardless of what the depth chart shows, the only certainties at this point at receiver are those three. Here is how the depth chart looks at this point, along with the inclusion of Mike Wallace: http://t.co/2KleewfN

That said, and with the Mike Wallace holdout at two weeks now, a somewhat rhetorical and somewhat literal question needs to be asked: Does anyone even want the fifth and sixth wide receiver spots?

As Tomlin pointed out, they didn't exactly set the Chuck Noll field at Latrobe ablaze with an array of fingertip catches. Granted, catching the ball isn't the only thing a receiver does, but it's still kind of important. I mean, I was so frustrated by all the reports that I thought I should get ready to suit up. Don't laugh, either. I've been practicing, I'm around (1)4.5 in the 40 yard dash now.

Seriously, though, the players in question are the 7th round draft pick Toney Clemons, undrafted free agents Paul Cox (6'4" 205 lbs. 4.55/40), Marquis Maze (5'8" 186 lbs.), Jimmy Young (6'0" 205 lbs), Tyler Beiler (6'0" 190 lbs) & offseason pickup Derrick Williams (5'11" 197 lbs. 4.68/40 who played a lot of special teams for Detroit Lions in 2009-2010).

Toney Clemons has good size (6'2" 210 lbs.) and very good speed (4.43/40 at Pro Day and a reported 4.38/40 top speed), to be sure. He has been able to get open with pretty good route-running ability and his speed. He made some tough catches, including a couple where he used his size and outreached the cornerbacks for the ball.

Clemons' hands have let him down more often than not, though, as he's consistently dropped balls in practice. That's too bad because he does have a nice burst and is an aggressive pass catcher. Still, he epitomizes what Tomlin said about being "inconsistent" even more so because of being an actual draft pick. 

The preseason games, which start Thursday at the Philadelphia Eagles, will give Clemons the opportunity to rid himself of a reputation he never should've gained in the first place. A reputation which caused someone (I can't remember whom) to say that he may as well 'drop the "e" in his first name because he's dropped everything else.' Ouch!

Of the other receivers in Training Camp, the two who have the only real opportunity to make it are Tyler Beiler and Marquis Maze. 

Beiler is the bigger of the two, but Maze has attributes and abilities Beiler doesn't. The former national champion was the Crimson Tide's leading receiver last season is also an adept returner. The issue, as was said, is his size-he'd be the smallest receiver on the team. If it comes down to that, Maze being a sixth wide receiver, which is how many the Steelers generally keep, his future with the Steelers is on special teams. 

The thing about that is, though, the Steelers already have a smallish playmaker who could fill that role. I suggested that about a month ago, that Chris Rainey could be listed as a wide receiver, mainly because of the logjam at running back. Nonetheless, it's a feasible idea, one that was even suggested on the 8/6/12 edition of Talkin' Steelers Football. 

Rainey isn't an NFL established receiver, though. So, considering all that's been said, the luxury that is Mike Wallace becomes more apparent. 

Even though I refer to him again as a "luxury," that luxury affects the offense in more ways than just great speed and catching passes. A weapon such as Wallace has the ability to dictate coverage by drawing double-teams and shifting coverage by the safety to his side. It can also disallow the safety to jump routes as he has to respect the "Oh, sh**!" speed that Wallace has. 

He will do so in a Steelers uniform this year as well. Kevin Colbert said in no uncertain terms that Wallace will be in Black and Gold, that he will not be traded.

"Mike’s not available," Colbert told 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh. "We have as big a need for a big-play receiver as anybody. We want him to be here and Mike wants to be here long term. So he’s not available.” An update to that sentiment can be found here: http://t.co/XEqdr9ou 

Don't misunderstand, it isn't as if the Steelers don't have speed at wide receiver, as Sanders is an official 4.41/40, Brown is 4.5/40 and Cotchery is no slouch. But even just the THREAT of 4.33/40 (or better) can cover over the 'inconsistency' of what else may be going on, or whatever else may be lacking on in the receiver corps.

Training Camp Practices Heat Up - Football Is Back

I love the smell of steel in the morning. Smells like...victory. 

The intensity is picking up in Latrobe. There had already been a minor scuffle with Willie Colon on Saturday, a good sign as far as I'm concerned. A little fire never hurt. Colon started a tussle as he blocked Timmons up the field. When asked what Colon was upset about, head coach Mike Tomlin responded, "Life."

All-in-all, Tomlin didn't seem to mind either. "I like the energy and enthusaism. We'll continue to clean up some of the professionalism...that's all part of it."

Well, that fire was stoked Sunday and the energy and enthusiasm picked up as Kelvin Beachum and Cameron Heyward got into a scuffle. Supposedly, it was fairly tame, but it's exciting and encouraging nonetheless. Football is back!

Before I go any further, I have to give a thankful shout out to Steelers beat reporters and other Steelers media members Ed Bouchette, Ken Laird, Mark Kaboly, Bob Labriola, David Todd (@hammerspeaks) Chris Adamski (@BuzzsawPGH) and Chuck Finder (@CBSSportsNFLPIT) for being on top of the goings on in Camp. They keep us bloggers happy!

Getting back to the hits, collisions and fights... Timmons apparently blasted Johnson at fullback and then blew up the play. Corbin Bryant also destroyed DeCastro on a play-welcome to the NFL, David. David Todd remarked that "Woodley [is] an absolute beast. Just dominated DJ 3 times in a row. So strong & quick." Though I love reading that, it is David Johnson after all. Even so, it may be a good sign for Woodley. 

Even former Steeler nose tackle Chris Hoke recognized the heightened levels of intensity as he indicated somewhat ebulliently on his Twitter page: “@hokiebro76: First time I watched backs on backers one on one drill... Great collisions!! Redman looked good and so did Sly Stevenson (Stevenson Sylvester)!” 

He wasn't the only one to recognize Redman. Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said that Redzone is taking leadership role seriously. He said that Redman makes Chris Rainey do a drill over again if he sees that Rainey's just going through the motions. 

One player who really impressed was Chris Carter. His name was mentioned a lot and he even got "huge props from Tomlin & defense for huge hit," according to David Todd. 

He later said of him that he was the "most impressive player from what I saw today. Impossible to see everything." As I pointed out in a previous blog, he has to step up this year and prove his worth. With Jason Worilds out for two to four weeks recovering from his wrist surgery, he'll have his chance early. After Sunday's showing, as well as bulking up to approximately 246 pounds in the offseason, he seems to be taking that chance seriously. 

Bob Labriola also chimed in with his own assessment saying, "TEs vs LBs: looking good were LBs Chris Carter and rookie Adrian Robinson; Woodley dominated; TE Jamie McCoy held his own for the offense."

I know it's only the third day of Training Camp, but it's been six months without football. I have the right to be excited. 

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TIDBITS: Emmanuel Sanders didn't practice Sunday. Mike Tomlin said it was precautionary. The workout was on a turf field due to heavy rains recently. He's fine.

With Heath Miller out with an ankle injury, Wes Saunders was "by far best TE in the live TE-LB drill," per both Kaboly and Alan Robinson (@arobinson_Trib). 

Kaboly pointed out that Jonathan Dwyer "looks good" when asked about his conditioning. 

Cornerback Keenan Lewis was out with a right shoulder injury, "an AC-joint sprain during Sunday's practice. No specific prognosis yet, but he could miss some days," per Bob Labriola. 

Mike Wallace Decision To Hold Out Is A Lose-Lose Situation

Let me just state this right off the bat: I like Mike Wallace. A lot.

If you're a regular reader of this blog you know that we at If It Ain't Steel never bash anyone outright (except Jonathan Scott-which is the last time that name ever has to be written). In fact, we often praise Wallace for his talents. We are, nonetheless, always realistic about what we see as well.

What we see, therefore, is that Wallace's holdout is not a good idea. If he shows up in the "three to four days" that Emmanuel Sanders mentioned, then things can move forward toward repairing his image in the eyes of most Steelers fans. An image that has faded considerably in the last few months. Even more so now that it's been revealed that it is Wallace who decided to hold out and not because of bad advice from agent Bus Cook.

Make no mistake, Steeler Nation wants to see him and the Steelers could use him opposite Antonio Brown. Period. From a talent standpoint there's no question. What needs to be remembered, though, is that one man does not a team make. He's a great luxury, not a great need. Love the player, hate the attitude.

That is the issue here. What has Steelers fans upset is the persona and attitude that he's allowing to define him. No one denies what he can do on the field. Despite last season's second half drop off and leaving any and all stats out of this, Wallace is a major talent with monumental potential.

I also understand, though, that it's a business and that he wants to get paid. But one positive statement from Wallace by now could've quelled much of the backlash he's is getting. Just one. Instead, he looks like he doesn't care about the team. He's made it seem that way, no one else.

What's worse is that now the coaches and general manager are addressing the holdout, pointing out that, per policy, they won't wait around or contact him. He has to show up and/or contact them.

Tomlin was not very happy that Wallace is not in camp. He said Wednesday, "Mike Wallace isn't here today. That's unfortunate for him."

Short and sweet. Though, Tomlin did go on to say that he hasn't talked to Wallace for some 10-14 days at that point. It was Steelers GM Kevin Colbert who was more elaborate about things.

"We've chosen to not progress with negotiations at this point," Colbert said Thursday. "Once we made that decision, now we're in a different mode. We'll have to address any new negotiations if we get to that point."

Colbert said Wallace will have to sign the tender of $2.742 million before they will resume negotiations on a long-term deal.

"Him not being here, really we have to focus on what we can control because we can't control that. Again, every negotiation is unique, you put your best foot forward. If it's not suitable for both parties, you have to adjust, and we're really in adjust-move-forward-mode right now."

Regarding the policy mentioned a couple of paragraphs ago, Colbert stated, "I don't want to get into a lot of specifics of the negotiations because we don't do that as a rule, but at that point he didn't indicate to us what his next course of action was to be other than we weren't going to have an agreement. This is unique because it's a restricted free agent that has a tender that can be signed, and you can still negotiate off of that."

Colbert then pointed out that the next move is Wallace's.

"Yeah, we have to move on. We have to prepare with the 89 guys who are here. You have to, you can't focus on who isn't here because you lose track of what you're supposed to be doing."

Mike Wallace needs to get to Camp. He needs to realize that at present he's only hurting himself by holding out and he's alienating fans. It's a lose-lose situation. If he gets his head right, get to Camp and signs, I'll welcome him back with open arms as I'm sure will most of Steeler Nation. He needs to get back to work and once again show that monumental potential. But it needs to happen. Soon.

Wallace is very good, no doubt. A lot of what he is, though, is predicated on speed. The Steelers do, though, have two other wide receivers with 4.4/40 speed. Yeah, I know Wallace is sub 4.35/40, and such speed is a great weapon to have. With that said, though, allow me to help put this in perspective: name a Super Bowl the Steelers won with a sub 4.35/40 wide receiver. Go ahead, I'll wait.

Mike Signs Contract, But Mike Doesn't: Latest On Wallace

Anything exciting happen yesterday?

Doesn't take much to get Steeler Nation up in arms, does it? Well, it was dealing with Mike Wallace after all. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, then you must have been under that rock from the Geico commercial. 

Tuesday afternoon, Jim Wexell, of Steel City Insider and Steelers Digest, reported that "Channel 11 [in Pittsburgh] reporting Mike Wallace and Steelers have agreed to 5 yr $42 million contract with $20m guaranteed." In a nutshell, he was wrong. It wasn't long after this that he admitted it as well.

"Apparently 'someone pulled a fast one on me' is what my source is saying. Sorry, no Wallace signing."

He later would apologize again and even poked fun at himself when certain ones in Steeler Nation and, apparently other members of the media, were taking their shots: “@jimwexell: "@BladedWedge I get the feeling that some members of the media are finding joy with @jimwexell getting duped" -- he's not well-liked.”

Another "source" also took blame for the faux pas. His name is Bill P. and he goes by @SteelerBill13 if you're on Twitter. You can also call him and complain. His number is 1-412-... (lol Sorry, Bill...just takin' a jab)

It's easy to understand, though, the heights of elation and then the depths of deflation to which Steeler Nation was sent. This was about the speedy and promising wide receiver whom we can't go a day without hearing about. Young Money. One of the Bugatti Boys. "Da kidd" you'll find "in someone's end zone." Of course it was big news!

Don't get me wrong, though. Mike did sign on the line that is dotted. Mike Tomlin, that is. The Omar Epps look-a-like signed a three-year extension keeping him in Black and Gold through 2016. 

Other notable organizational moves, as reported by Ed Bouchette include the Steelers promoting Omar Khan to Director of Football & Business Administration ("Football" added to title), and the promotion of scout Dan Rooney Jr. to Player Personnel Coordinator. Listed No. 2 behind Colbert in that department.

Back to the main issue, though. Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported, "Looks like mike Wallace isn't going to show. According to Emmanuel Sanders he is expecting him to show in '3 or 4' days."

Hard upon that information, though, came information from both Kaboly and Emmanuel Sanders that there are rumblings in Camp that there might be a contract in place soon. 

Sanders: "I hear things...a couple rumors, that things are starting to get closer to signing." Definitely good news and completely feasible. A deal is not only possible, but easily worked out for a math genius like the aforementioned Omar Khan. 

The Steelers are currently about $6 million under the salary cap with the release of Jonathan Scott. With the probability of a Wallace contract containing a $15 million signing bonus for a 5 year contract, that would break down to approximately a $3 million a year cap hit, plus first year salary, proration of signing bonus for 5 years. Again, easily fits under the cap. 

Now, you might wonder about what would happen if the Steelers are $13-15 million over the cap next year considering Rashard Mendenhall, Antonio Brown and Sanders are due to be up? Trust me, a fair deal could still get done for several reasons. 

First, Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley can have a good portion of their 2013 base turned into a signing bonus. If they release James Harrison, which I recently blogged as being a real possibility, there is an approximate $7 million saved. Plus, depending on this year's performance, if Mendy should get a new contract it shouldn't have more than a moderate 2013 cap hit.
 
That's most of it right there. Let's say more is needed, though. In the second year of Wallace's contract they could restructure to save cap room by turning a portion of his salary into a signing bonus and then prorate it out over the remaining years. Bottom line: an approximate 5-6 year contract of about $47-$53 million, with that previously mentioned $15 signing bonus, is doable. 

As I've said before, I'm no salary cap guru but I know that this is fairly accurate information because I make sure to pay attention to people like Ian Whetstone of Steel City Insider. 

More information, speculation and drama is sure to surface in the next few days to come. So, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Steelers Pass The Test As Minicamp Ends

I guess minicamp is a little like mid-terms: you're tested, in a manner of speaking, on how well you'll stack up against your competition and then you're let out early.

That was the scene Thursday at the final day of minicamp as Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their final mandatory minicamp practice of the 2012 off-season. To add to the above analogy, they also have some time off now, over a month, before finals: Training Camp and roster cut-downs.

But one thing is certain about the past few days of minicamp, the Steelers as a whole passed one major test: Staying Injury Free 101.

Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said that, "All Steelers rookies attended Mike Tomlin's Camp at Brashear today." Not only did they all attend, but they all stayed upright. Many impressed as well. Sean Spence is wowing, Chris Rainey is a blur and Kelvin Beachum is proving himself. Our previous blog post even had the article link that Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider wrote on him.

The drafted rookies aren't the only ones impressing. Adrian Robinson is a defensive end out of Temple university who went undrafted this year, but has caught the attention of Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler. Robinson will look to make the transition to standing up as an outside linebacker in the Steelers' 3-4 system, which is always a tough adjustment for the "tweeners" (think Alonzo Jackson), ones who are physically between a defensive end and an outside linebacker. So, for Robinson to make the 53 man roster he would have to outplay Chris Carter on special teams and show that he has more long-term upside than Carter as an outside linebacker. Butler has said, though, that Carter is coming along well, so it'll be tough for my namesake regardless.

Brandon Hicks is another linebacker to garner some attention through OTAs and minicamp. Hicks played both inside and outside at Florida and went undrafted in 2011. He was in the Buffalo Bills Training Camp last year. He'll get mainly inside work with the Steelers, but he is a long shot to make the roster with Spence causing Butler and the other coaches to salivate. Although Butler praised Hicks, he still has to know that the practice squad is his ultimate destination this season. Robinson, therefore, is likely the one with the best shot of the two of earning a roster spot because of his playing the outside spot. He, though, would have to push Mortty Ivy and Carter in Training Camp.

Another undrafted rookie who has been impressing is Terry Carter. On Twitter, Mark Kaboly said about him, "Keep an eye on #Steelers rookie CB Terry Carter. Coaching staff really high on him." According to Neal Coolong, also on Twitter at @NealCoolong, of the website Behind the Steel Curtain, Terry Carter is 5'11" 190 pound cornerback out of Louisiana Tech.

As with any and all of the undrafted rookies, the coaching staff speaking highly of them, unsolicited appraisals no less, says a lot. Not to say that any of them actually even make the initial 53-man roster or practice squad. But I said "initial" for a reason. Things happen throughout the course of a season, be it injuries or players claimed off of waivers, the Steelers will need reliable players they can call to fill spots and even put onto the 53.

It wasn't just rookies impressing and staying injury free. Veterans made their voices heard as well, so to speak. Curtis Brown, James Harrison, Jason Worilds, Stevenson Sylvester, Weslye Saunders, Ramon Foster and a few others did miss a few practices here and there, but no knew injuries occurred and everyone should be near 100% by the time Camp rolls around next month.

There were others who fell into that category as well. Emmanuel Sanders is one of them. He's of particular concern since he had feet and knee problems the last two seasons, and did miss part of minicamp due to some minor knee issues (swelling?). He did, though, say he feels he is "100%" after having surgery on both feet last offseason.

"I definitely feel like I have something to prove. I haven't finished an entire seasons yet....I want to go for a thousand yards, everything that big-time receivers do I want to do that," Sanders said.

Good news from the Steelers best route-running and best blocking wide receiver on the roster. As was said in a recent If It Ain't Steel blog post, he has the requisite tools to be a No. 1 receiver.

Others of interest injury-wise were Rashard Mendenhall and Casey Hampton. Mendenhall continues to rehab from his knee surgery and is going to be on the Active PUP list to start Camp. All signs point to him starting the season on the Reserve PUP list also. He seems confidant he'll be ready week No. 7 rather than 12, but time will tell and he's not one I'd want to see rushed. Hampton on the other hand says he'll be ready by opening day.

"I’m planning on coming back for the season," Hampton said Wednesday. "That’s what I’m looking at. That’s realistic for me. I don’t know about anybody else."

When they report to Camp in late July, the Steelers will have the same PUP list options with Big Snack. What does he think of those options?

"Nah, I can’t see that happening," he said. "I feel like I’m ready to go."

Hampton isn't the only one who has shown optimism. Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert back in February said, "The one edge Casey will have on anybody is that he's been through this twice. He knows what to expect. He knows how to do this. He knows how much work he has to do and he knows how he feels."

If Hampton isn't ready, though, the Steelers will confidently go with backup Steve McLendon.

Two other players coming off of injury are also claiming and looking to be willing, ready and able to participate. Brett Keisel, who suffered a groin injury in January's AFC Wild Card game, took his normal reps and should also be ready for Camp, and Maurkice Pouncey says he feels "awesome."

The ankle Pouncey sprained in the AFC Championship Game against the Jets in 2010 never really healed during that offseason, leading to a painful and sub-standard year for Pouncey that ended with him missing the playoff loss to the Broncos this year completely.

“I came back and it wasn’t healthy,” Pouncey told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I played through it. At the end of the season last year it got too weak and I needed the surgery.”

Having surgery didn’t keep Pouncey from taking part in the offseason sessions with the team, though. In fact, the Steelers feel the operation didn't just repair the problem, but that it will also make Pouncey less likely to sprain it going forward as well.

Mission accomplished. Class dismissed.

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TIDBITS:  Former Bengals linebacker Brandon Johnson signed with the Steelers.

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Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson makes triumphant return  http://t.co/Ve97IyPb 

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Mike Prisuta: It was Funny Hat Day on the South Side, started in '07 by Hines Ward, not that anyone was on the field for very long http://t.co/dqB7mjRI

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In a lighter moment, Mark Kaboly reported that Byron Leftwich threw 71 yards Thursday to beat Troy Smith. He said he could throw 80 yards in his younger days. Leftwich then said about the throwing contest, "Had no choice. Tomlin Don Kinged it. He signed me up for the fight and I didn't know i was up for the fight."