Pittsburgh Review

LATROBE, Pa. – The Steelers did not take the field until 3:55 p.m. on Sunday, partly due to their preseason opener being played less than 48 hours earlier. Reflecting on their 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans, the session's script addressed issues observed during the game.

"Really an important day for us in the get-better (category) following a players' off day," said Coach Tomlin. "We spent the morning analyzing our game tape from Friday and making necessary corrections and really plotting a course for this week so we can position ourselves to be better. We've got a lot of work ahead of us this week, but it's good to get back out here this afternoon for a corrections-like practice. I think it's always important at this stage of development that our physical labor matches our needs. Since we saw some things in the stadium that we didn't like, we catered a lot of the work that we did today to kind of address some of that. We'll continue to push forward through the week."

In line with addressing specific needs, one early individual drill focused on catching punts. Calvin Austin III, Quez Watkins, John Rhys Plumlee, Scotty Miller, and Cam Sutton participated while holding tennis balls in each hand to increase difficulty.

TOMLIN'S INJURY UPDATE

"Troy (Fautanu) got a knee sprain (during the preseason game), and he'll be out this week," stated Tomlin. "I'll just kind of leave it at that. We're really optimistic about a quick return from him, but we'll take it day by day." He added updates on other players: "WR Tariq Black had a hamstring today and wasn't able to finish; CB Kalon Barnes had a quad today and wasn't able to finish."

Tomlin also mentioned minimizing some players' workloads: "We minimized some guys today...to give them some rest...it's to provide opportunity and elevated opportunities for others." Specifically noting cornerbacks Darius Rush and Cory Trice received more reps as part of this process.

With Fautanu sidelined, the No. 2 offensive line was arranged as follows: Dylan Cook (left), Mason McCormick (left guard), Zach Fraser (center), Ryan McCollum (right guard), Spencer Anderson (right). The No. 1 offensive line remained unchanged with Dan Moore Jr., Isaac Seumalo, Nate Herbig, James Daniels, and Broderick Jones.

Regarding Fautanu's performance before his injury in the preseason opener, Tomlin commented: "He was doing really well...we wanted to get him a lot of work because that's where he is in development. But I like the general trajectory of it."

NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS

Quez Watkins made notable plays during practice including a diving catch deep downfield from Justin Fields and another tough catch at the goal line for a touchdown during the first repetition of the two-minute period. "He needed a day today," remarked Tomlin.

Scotty Miller also stood out with catches including one for an offense-only touchdown during 7-Shots and another 21-yard reception during the second repetition of the two-minute period.

Sunday's practice was conducted in helmets only; Monday’s practice is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., expected to be in pads.

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