David Gilreath’s roster spot is in jeopardy following the release of today’s depth chart (Photo Credit: vader29)
The Steelers were back in action at St. Vincent College following yesterday’s off day.
As usual, we’ll start with the injuries.
As suspected, guard Justin Cheadle has a significant hamstring injury.
Tomlin says Cheadle has a significant hamstring injury. Says it's a matter of weeks and not days.
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) August 14, 2013
Following Plaxico Burress’ move to IR, the team has signed WR Tyler Shaw from NW Missouri St, who has spent some time with the Arizona Cardinals.
We have placed WR @plaxicoburress on the Reserve/Injured List due to his shoulder injury. To fill his roster spot, we signed WR Tyler Shaw.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 13, 2013
The second team offensive line looked much different today than before, as Jim Wexell notes.
#Steelers' 2OL froom l to r: BATiste, Malecki, Beachum, Whimper, Big Joe Long.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) August 14, 2013
The Steelers’ announced the new depth chart today and there was some moving and shaking.
Change on the depth chart, including @ired33 and @L_Bell26. Check it out http://t.co/vCSWF78bQd
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 14, 2013
The biggest news is Le’Veon Bell being named a co-starter with Isaac Redman. Guy Whimper has been moved from LT to LG. And Brian Moorman is listed as a co-starter with Drew Butler. In the last depth chart, Butler was the clear No.1 and Moorman the No.2. It should be interesting to see who gets first crack at punting duties Monday vs Washington.
Not surprisingly, David Gilreath has been removed from the return depth chart following his horrendous performance Saturday.
The defense was stout in today’s evening practice, which kicked off at 525.
Two-minute work for Bruce Gradkowski and Landry Jones today. Gradkowski picked by Josh Victorian, Jones picked by Shamarko Thomas. Dee-Fense
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) August 14, 2013
QUOTES TO NOTE
Willie Parker
What he tells the younger players about the importance of camp: “I tell all the younger guys, when I was here, every day in practice I treated it like a game. I had a motto – ‘I’m going to give it my all in practice’ and at the end, if it’s not good enough, I can walk away happy. So I share that to them and harp on that all the time. They get the point. They know for a fact training camp is where starts are going to be made. There’s going to be somebody nobody has ever heard of that’s going to creep through the light and make things happen.
Working alongside Kirby Wilson as a coach instead of a player: “Well I always knew Kirby was a great coach, and I knew he was a great teacher. So he’s pretty much teaching me everything I want to know in coaching. If I want to coach in this game, there wouldn’t be no better coach to learn from than Coach Kirb.”
Whether he thrives trying to fix the running game: Yeah, we work on it every day. I always tell them about the average they had last year. It’s unacceptable, Steeler football. And they kind of know that this year is going to be a lot better. A lot better. They’re going to pick it up. Le’Veon Bell is going to be a great addition to the run game. And they got some other backs out there grinding and trying and get this run game better.
What makes Bell so successful: Really all of what you just said [physical, big, quick at picking things up]. He’s quick at picking it up, he’s big, he’s powerful, he’s a powerful runner, and he’s got moves as well. So he’s got a four package. The only thing I’ve been working with him is teaching him how to practice and teaching him how to take care of his body. Teach him how to be a professional, pretty much. He being in college for four, five years and that’s all he knows right now. Once he learns how to be a professional, he’s going to be a great running back in the NFL.
Markus Wheaton
What the coaches told him after the game: “It was ok for a first game. But a lot to go over. A lot to correct.”
What specifically he needs to work on: Just a lot of little stuff. Details, and my blocking, details in my routes, stuff like that.
If he had some rookie moments in his first game: “Definitely, definitely. But I got that out of the way. Excited to get back at it and learn from the film.”
If exuberance came into play on play he injured Stevenson Sylvester: “A little bit. I was pushed in the back and ran into Sly. I’m not sure how he’s doing. But hopefully he’s doing ok.”
Terry Hawthorne
His return to practice: Monday I came out there and pretty much did everything. I went through individuals, did team, and felt great about it. And just getting ready to do some more.
If it was hard sitting out so long: “No ma’am. I wouldn’t say it was hard at all. It was something that I had in college. And I had to sit out in college. So I learned to overcome everything. Stay positive so I was fine with it.”
If he had a cleanup surgery in the spring: “Yes sir.”
If there’s a sense of urgency knowing roster cuts are coming up: “Yes sir. I still say pretty much everyone has to show what they can do out there. I just had to keep myself in it mentally and stay positive.”
If he was working on special teams and if that’s an area he can excel in: “Yes sir. Most definitely.”
If he has a strong point on special teams: “Returner, gunner, jammer. Whichever coaches feel comfortable me playing.”
If he’s on any of the starting special teams units: “No sir, not starting.”
His focus while he was out with the injury: “Just staying positive. Staying in the film room.”
Any players that have taken him under their wing: “I’d say mainly all the DBs. The DB vets. We have such a strong love in the DB room so pretty much all of them. “
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NOTE: Due to other opportunites, this will be my last article for Pittsburgh Sporting News. Thanks to all who’ve read my articles throughout the summer and a big thanks to founders Brian Gossett and Michael Waterloo and the rest of the staff for letting me contribute to the site.
