LaMarr Woodley reportedly has played around 300 pounds in recent seasons (Photo credit: vader29)
– Some tough injury news late in practice today regarding San Diego State UDFA guard Nik Embernate.
Embernate down w what looks to be a knee injury. During one-on-one with Haggans.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) August 1, 2013
Tomlin categorized it as a “significant” but cautioned to say it is still being evaulated. Embernate had recently graduated to working with the second team.
Other injuries included Jason Worilds with a toe injury though it appears relatively minor. Tomlin did not have an update on the players currently injured. Cortez Allen (knee), Nick Williams (knee), Terry Hawthorne (knee), and DeMarcus Van Dyke (hamstring).
– Will Graves reports a very interesting nugget of information in a conversation with linebackers’ coach Keith Butler.
#Steelers LB coach Keith Butler says LaMarr Woodley was playing at 295-300 lbs last couple years. Butler says that’s down significantly now — Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) August 1, 2013
It’s no secret that players weigh considerably more than what the roster shows but 300 pounds still seems abnormally high for Woodley. Graves gueeses Woodley is closer to 270 now, no doubt a much better weight for the Steelers’ OLB.
– Other tidbits from Graves’ interview.
Asked Butler if it was a “prove it year” for Woodley. “It’s a prove it year for everybody in that room.” — Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) August 1, 2013
Butler misses Harrison in the meeting room, but says unit is fine and @LarryFoote313 remains the “lead clown” as always.
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) August 1, 2013
– The team made a roster move today, releasing UDFA LS Luke Ingram and signing DB Bubby Jackson.
#Steelers waived LS Luke Ingram.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_RealUpdates) August 1, 2013
Some had speculated Ingram could beat out veteran Greg Warren for long snapping duties but obviously not the case anymore. However, likely less of any poor play from Ingram than multiple injuries at cornerback. Makes a backup long snapper very expendable.
– Another look at the top two draft picks.
Jarvis Jones looking strong filling in for Worilds who is filling in for Woodley — Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) August 1, 2013
Tip interception by Jarvis Jones. Knocked Bens pass in the air and caught it JJ Watt style — Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) August 1, 2013
In the RB vs LB pass drill, Le’Veon cannot be covered.
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) August 1, 2013
– Labriola reports Markus Wheaton started to get work as the first team slot receiver for the first time.
QUOTES TO NOTE
Brett Keisel
His evaluation of Ziggy Hood: “Ziggy’s playing good. We expect the same from him [as we do Heyward]. It’s his fifth year. I want to see more splash plays, some more fumbles, things like that. But he’s a very productive guy, very reliable guy. I think he played in every game last year. That’s hard to do in this business and he’s a tough kid. “
What he’s looking for in the younger guys during Friday’s scrimmage: “Just see what type of physicality they come to practice with. We started doing some live things in practice and it’ll be fun tomorrow with kinda a game atmosphere. “
Thoughts on the Pirates play: “It’s awesome. It’s great for the city, it’s fun to watch. I stayed up the other night watching their doubleheader. It’s just a lot of fun. I was talking to my wife earlier about how great it’s going to be to hopefully go to a playoff game at PNC Park. I think that’d be incredible. “
Shamarko Thomas
Goals in tomorrow’s scrimmage: “That I can cover, that I can play the run. Know my playcalls.”
If he feels like he’s progressing: “Yeah definitely. Especially with my communications. I’m more vocal, I can call the plays. I know what I’m doing and it’s just settling down for me. “
Positions he’s playing: “I’m playing free [safety], strong, and nickel. “
On how much that is to handle as a rookie: “Definitely. But talking to Troy, he said that’s how he learned. The whole defense and that got him better as a safety. I’m willing to do the same. “
What Clark and Polamalu have been doing as mentors: “Just all the information they know. Bringing it to me. It’s great though because it’s helping me adjust to the NFL process. “
How cool it is to play behind those two guys: “They’re freaks man. I see them flying around, it looks like a movie. It’s just fun to be out there learning from those guys.”
Mike Tomlin
How he views Mike Adams’ play in camp after the stabbing: “I’ll never describe his performance in light of what happened…not judging on the curve. He’s here to play football, energize, and be a contributor.”
Thoughts on ST coach Danny Smith: “He’s experienced, talented, he’s got passion for it. You can check off about every positive attribute in a position coach.”
