As the Pittsburgh Steelers begin their third full day of practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, a number of storylines are developing that should add intrigue and question marks as training camp continues.
One of the biggest early developments is in the secondary. The team announced Tuesday that second-year cornerback Senquez Golson could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks with a lisfranc injury. Golson was carted off the field Monday, and there was immediate speculation he might have a more serious injury, which was confirmed after further examination by team doctors. Lisfranc injuries (essentially a fracture to the mid-foot) can be especially tough due to the extended time necessary to heal.
Golson was expected to assume the role of nickel cornerback for a Steelers defense desperate for help at the position. It’s especially frustrating because Golson spent the entirety of his rookie campaign on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
With Golson out for at least three months, the Steelers are dangerously thin at cornerback. In fact, rookie safety Sean Davis filled Golson’s void at nickel for the remainder of practice.
Considering the team believes first-round pick Artie Burns is going to need time to develop before he can be a reliable contributor, Pittsburgh may have to look at all possible options for cornerback depth. Could this be an opportunity for veteran Donald Washington to carve out a niche with the Steelers?
One area where the Steelers appear to have plenty of depth is at linebacker. But, even with 10 roster spots guaranteed for the position, competition is certain to be fierce throughout camp. Several players should make strong cases to earn roster spots — including second-year player Anthony Chickillo and veteran L.J. Fort, both of whom have impressed at camp so far.
One of the linebackers assured a roster spot is inside linebacker Ryan Shazier. No one will ever question Shazier’s athletic talent or performance on the field, it’s just a matter of him staying healthy. If he does? This could be the year Shazier heads to the Pro Bowl.
Jim Wexell, who covers the Steelers for Scout.com, heaped praise on rookie defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, saying, “As much as I’ve liked Sean Davis … after two days of hitting I have to call (Javon) Hargrave the cream of the Steelers draft crop.”
With little depth at defensive tackle and the development of projected starter Daniel McCullers still very much in question, Hargrave may have a chance to join Davis as a rookie who could make an early impact on defense. He’s a player to keep a close eye on as camp progresses.
Finally, one of the biggest storylines for Pittsburgh’s offense heading into camp is how the team will replace wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who will miss the 2016 because of a drug-related suspension. The two obvious candidates for Bryant’s slot are veteran Darrius Heyward-Bey and Sammie Coates, the Steelers’ third-round draft pick in 2015.
Depending on how much of a stake you put into the early returns at camp, it looks like Coates might be making the case for the job.
He’s been the talk of the camp on the offensive side of the ball as he continues to make plays, including a long touchdown grab yesterday where he burned Doran Grant badly. Much of Coates’ development goes back to working on being more consistent catching the football and getting comfortable in the offense.
If Coates can prove he’s a reliable target, it might be hard for Heyward-Bey to hold off the second-year product from Auburn University.
Image credit: AP Photo/Keith Srakocic
