Pittsburgh Review

The Steelers returned to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Tuesday after a productive training camp at Saint Vincent College. Coach Mike Tomlin utilized the first week back to simulate a regular season schedule, helping young players and newcomers acclimate while serving as a refresher for others ahead of their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions.

"Had a really good day here," said Tomlin after practice. "Today was an in-season simulated Wednesday. We laid some foundational things down."

Tomlin emphasized the importance of focusing on high-volume matchups and familiarizing players with both their own strategies and those of the Lions. He noted that this preparation would benefit the team during the opening week of the regular season.

"It's good for us this week as we prepare for this opportunity, but it's also good for us when we get into the opening week," Tomlin added. "I feel really good about that."

These mock weeks are not only beneficial for players but also allow coaches to evaluate how well players adapt to new environments and schedules.

"These mock weeks are big," said Tomlin. "A big component of development individually and collectively, how people absorb information, how they absorb a ready list and so forth."

Regarding playing time against the Lions, Tomlin did not provide specifics about who will play at quarterback, stating that decisions would be made closer to game time.

"We're still very much in the here and now," he said. "We'll make some of those judgments in the 11th hour in the preseason."

However, Tomlin confirmed that running back Jaylen Warren would not play due to an injury.

"He's out," said Tomlin. "Probably out for this week, but not anything that's a long-term concern."

Offensive lineman Nate Herbig was placed on the Reserve/Injured List after starting in the preseason opener at center. Zach Frazier started last week against the Bills in Herbig's absence and is expected to continue moving forward.

"I don't know that any of it has been surprising, just the close proximity to Morgantown and the relationships we have there," commented Tomlin on Frazier's performance. "He is as advertised... We will just keep working day-to-day."

In related news, Mike Tomlin shared a tweet appreciating J.J. Watt's presence: "The only thing better than having one Watt on the field is having two Watts on the field."