Ben Roethlisberger behind center in practice (Photo Credit: vader29)
Injury notes.
Cortez Allen not in pads again on Wednesday afternoon
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) July 31, 2013
Tomlin called Allen “day to day”.
Nick Williams did not finish practice with a knee injury. Tomlin elaborated on DeMarcus Van Dyke’s hamstring injury, calling it “significant” and that the injury could leave DVD on the shelf for awhile.
– Jim Wexell breaks some important information regarding David Johnson’s status.
No wonder David Johnson looks so bad walking. Underwent another knee sugery last Friday. 2 week recovery.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) July 31, 2013
– But there’s good news on the Heath Miller front.
Heath Miller working out on back field. Sprinting with band attached and moving quite swiftly
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) July 31, 2013
– Due to the injuries, the team made two roster moves during yesterdays off day. The Steelers released DT Omar Hunter and CB Nigel Malone and signed CB Ryan Steed and TE John Rabe. Steed will wear #30. Steelers.com has yet to provide a number for Rabe.
Steed has yet to appear in an NFL game in stints with the Jets and Saints but had a decorated career at FCS Furman University. He was an FCS All-American in 2011 and finished his career with 14 interceptions.
– The team had “live” hitting in today’s practice. According to Mark Kaboly, the first time in a long time he’s seen that occur.
Haven’t seen LIVE drills like this in a decade. All running plays
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) July 31, 2013
– Some other notes from practice from Kaboly.
Jarvis Jones stays home and baron batch cuts back into him.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) July 31, 2013
Markus Wheaton with end around. Showed some quickness.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) July 31, 2013
55 yard TD pass from Gradkowski to Plax down middle of the field. Dwyer follows by lowering shoulder on Shamarko Thomas.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) July 31, 2013
– Bob Labriola is impressed with Brian Moorman’s performance in camp.
Make no mistake: @brianmoorman is NOT just a camp leg. His hang-times remain excellent, and 37 isn’t necessarily too old for a punter.
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) July 31, 2013
– We noted Labriola’s praise of Marshall McFadden at Monday’s practice. Today, he sung the praises of UDFA OLB Alan Baxter, saying he was a “name to know” and that Tunch Iilkin noted he liked Baxter’s ability to shed blocks and get to the ballcarrier.
– For those who missed the notice released by the team yesterday, the Friday Night practice at Latrobe has been moved to St. Vincent due to the field conditions at the high school.
The annual @steelers Friday Night Lights practice has been moved to Saint Vincent College. Details: http://t.co/TkNcwfJ0AJ.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 30, 2013
QUOTES TO NOTE:
LaMarr Woodley
On how Jarvis Jones looked in backs on ‘backers: “Jarvis looked good. Not just in backs on ‘backers but all around. When we’re going against our offense, he’s looking good, dropping back in coverage, rushing the QB. We had opportunities the other day to go against offensive lineman in one on one pass rushing and he did a great job. ”
If he worked on his hamstring more while training in Arizona: “We keep talking about the hamstring but we keep forgetting most of the games I missed was due to the high ankle sprain. ”
Dealing with the high ankle sprain last season: “The ankle just took time to heal. Throughout the season, when you have a high ankle sprain, you’re struggling to push back each and every day in practice. Sometimes you set yourself back in practice and don’t even know it and you try to go out there for a game and it’s not 100%. ”
If he hopes to rush more this year: “They pay me to rush. So hopefully I’ll be rushing and not covering wide receivers and tight ends down the field.”
Le’Veon Bell
If he liked what he saw when he watched the tape during the team’s off day: “Oh yeah, I definitely liked what I saw on tape. There’s a lot of technique work I need to work on, especially in pass protection. Going against bigger guys, there’s a lot of technique to keep those guys away from the quarterback. ”
If the other running backs are helping him: “Most definitely. Those guys stay in my ear. Anything I do wrong, even the slightest bit, they make sure they’re on me. Another asset I got is Willie Parker. He’s been in the room too, critiquing little movements. He sees I got the talent, he just wants to make sure I clean up technique wise and get me to grow as a player and be the best I can be.”
The adjustment going from the feature back to battling for a job: “It’s a big adjustment. But it’s something I’ve always had to overcome. Like in high school, you were the guyl, but you had to earn your spot in college. I was the guy in college so now I have to earn my spot here.”
Mike Tomlin
Deciding to use Live hitting in practice: “It’s just appropriate in today’s NFL. We only get a chance to practice once a day in pads. Fewer and fewer opportunities to sort that stuff out.”
