With only four public practices remaining at Saint Vincent College, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expressed satisfaction with his team’s approach during Tuesday’s training camp session in Latrobe.
“I like the way they approached it,” said Tomlin. “We didn’t warm up to it, and that was one of the things we talked about this morning, going in and out of off-days. We just can’t waste time, and I felt the energy and urgency in the group in terms of how we work. We had some really good competition. Got another shot at the 2-minute drill, which is important. We’ve just got to keep hitting situations, because at the end of the week, we’ll be in a stadium. There’s not enough time to cover all the scenarios, and so we better stay after it. But I like what we did today.”
During the 7-Shots drill, which last saw a defensive win on Sunday before Monday’s off day, the offense rebounded for a strong showing. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers led three scoring drives with accurate passes to DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, and Roman Wilson. Mason Rudolph contributed with a handoff touchdown by Kaleb Johnson and a near-score to tight end JJ Galbreath. Will Howard completed a touchdown pass to Brandon Johnson but ended his sequence with a fumbled exchange involving Evan Hull.
Observers noted that Rodgers appeared especially sharp throughout practice, connecting on deep throws and displaying command during drills. One sequence included completions to Roman Wilson and Robert Woods before an interception by linebacker Patrick Queen following a tipped pass.
In the final period’s 2-minute drill scenario—offense starting at its own 40-yard line with 1:41 left and needing a touchdown—Rodgers completed four consecutive passes before an attempted throw to Wilson was deflected by cornerback Brandin Echols for an interception.
“He’s in complete command,” said Tomlin about Rodgers’ performance during this segment. “I’ve seen some things that I’ve seen from the opposing sideline over the years in terms of his ability to take advantage of substitution changes and so forth. He’s been doing it at a high level for a long time, and so not surprised by any of that.”
Quarterback Skylar Thompson took reps next as rookie free agent Max Hurleman filled in for Calvin Austin III at wide receiver due to Austin’s absence from practice. The offense advanced close to scoring but failed on fourth-and-goal when Kenneth Gainwell dropped Thompson’s pass at the goal line.
Addressing injuries after practice, Tomlin stated: “No new news on a lot of those guys’ status that we’ve been talking about. A lot of people working their way back. Joey Porter Jr. was a partial participant today, for an example. I guess the big news is that Will Howard left (practice) with a hand injury that’s being evaluated. Jonnu Smith left with some knee soreness. We’ll evaluate him as well, but that appears to be less significant. I think (Howard’s injury) came on an exchange from center, but I didn’t have eyes on it. It was his right hand.” He added regarding Alex Highsmith: “He’s got a groin, but I don’t know the length of time. It’ll be a couple of days, at least, for sure. We’ll play it by ear.”
