Rookie Wide Receiver Martavis Bryant has returned to practice today after missing yesterday due to a groin injury.
https://twitter.com/missi_matthews/status/493840961022484480
With today being the first day of hitting, it will be interesting to see how the tall rookie performs under pressure. We’ll have an update on practice participation later today, and a complete recap tonight.
Le’veon Bell left practice early yesterday. According to Coach Tomlin, he was experiencing some tightness in his hamstring. Tomlin didn’t know if the 2nd year running back would miss any time from it. Bell told reporters this morning that he will not participate in practice today.
According to Bell, his hamstring has been bothering him for a couple of days. The Steelers starting running back also said that he was disappointed that he will miss backs on backers in this year’s first contact practice. Bell says that he is sitting out only as a precaution. Hopefully that’s truly the case and he returns to action soon.
The Colts have released former Steelers running back Chris Rainey according to Adam Schefter.
https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/493731671498162176
According to Indianapolis Star reporter Stephen Holder, the move was conduct related.
https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/493747481738739712
Without knowing the details, one would have to think it was something fairly serious. The Colts just lost running back Vick Ballard to a season ending injury and Colts coach Chuck Pagano was just talking Rainey up a couple days ago.
The Steelers drafted Rainey in the 5th round of 2012 draft. The team released Rainey last January after he allegedly slapped his girlfriend in the face. Rainey was arrested for aggravated stalking in 2010, when he infamously texted “time to die” to his then girlfriend.
In other former Steelers news, P Drew Butler was signed by the Detroit Lions on Friday. Butler was waived by the Steelers last September after making the final roster cuts.
Lastly, the Browns signed LB Jamaal Westerman last week. Westerman was signed by the Steelers last December, but never wore a helmet on Sunday.
The Steelers wrapped up their second day of practices 20 minutes early today due to storms in the area.
https://twitter.com/steelers/status/493503540266954752
“We got the bulk of the work in before the weather shut us down,” said Coach Tomlin after practice. “We’re not going to lose a lot of sleep over that. There’ll be plenty of opportunities for these guys to get better and prove themselves.”
Ramon Foster, who has been mourning the loss of his mother this weekend, is expected to join the team tomorrow. In his absence today, Chris Hubbard was the starting left guard. Cody Wallace had filled in for him yesterday, but saw time today as the #2 center. Yesterday, Mike Adams was the #2 left tackle, but today he was in at right. Here are a couple quick videos taken at practice today. You can see Coach Munchak working on technique and running drills with the linemen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlf_vDo7WEk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAS4vSHMUWI
https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib/status/493485220482412544
Antonio Brown hasn’t had any return duty yet. Today’s returners were Dri Archer, Markus Wheaton, Lance Moore and Jordan Hall. While the rest of the team worked on special teams, Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown worked on rollout throws to the endzone pylon.
Markus Wheaton drew lots of cheers as he split the corner and the safety to catch a deep touchdown pass from Roethlisberger. Archer was wowing the crowd with his speed on swing passes and check downs today. According to Scott Brown of ESPN, Justin Brown was “catching everything again today”. Here’s a quick video of some receiver drills.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O9HkmKs2W0
Just because, here’s Heath Miller hitting a sled.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARwI27_7TvU
Some things of note on the defensive side of the ball. DE Josh Mauro and DE Stephon Tuitt saw time at second team defensive end during sub-packages. Cam Thomas saw time as left defensive end during first team 11 on 11 drills. According to Bob Labriola, Stephon Tuitt was getting a lot of tough love from defensive line coach John Mitchell.
https://twitter.com/BobLabriola/status/493498224741986304
Last note on the defense today- Ryan Shazier put some of that renowned speed on display. Here’s a tidbit from Dale Lolley’s blog:
“(Antonio) Brown caught a ball in the flat that Jarvis Jones nearly knocked free before Brown re-caught it, split a pair of defenders and then raced down the sideline . . . where he was caught 25 yards downfield by rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier.” That’s not something you see everyday.
The Steelers resume practice tomorrow where they’ll be wearing pads and hitting each other. The NFL Network will also be covering camp from Latrobe tomorrow.
None of the injury news today was as bad as David Snow’s foot fracture, but there are a few minor injuries to report.
WR Martavis Bryant did not participate in practice today due to a groin injury. RB Le’Veon Bell left practice early due to some tightness in his hamstring. Coach Tomlin said they are evaluating him. Lastly, WR CJ Goodwin sat out the end of practice due to a shoulder injury he received while landing on it during a catch.
Mike Tomlin said that he didn’t how much time, if any, the players would miss, and described them as ‘the necessary things that go on during this time of year’.
Yesterday I reported that backup center David Snow had a foot injury, and left practice with his foot in a boot. Coach Tomlin addressed the media after practice today and revealed that Snow’s foot is broken and will require surgery. This is a tough blow for Snow obviously, and while I don’t know the specifics about the severity of his injury yet, foot surgery doesn’t mean his season is over.
Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, you could be looking at a 12 week recovery window. Of course, it could be much longer. We’ll have to wait for more information to become available.
Every training camp injury creates an opportunity for another player to show their stuff. With Snow sidelined for the rest of camp, opportunity arises for younger lineman like Wesley Johnson and Chris Elkins to earn a spot on the 53 man roster.
Fans from all over descended upon St. Vincent college today to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers engage in their first (unpadded) practice of the 2014 training camp.
While it was just “football in shorts” as Tomlin affectionately calls it, there was still plenty of excitement for those in attendance. Starting on the offensive side of the ball, Ben Roethlisberger was sporting a number 99 jersey today, to show support for his old friend Brett Keisel.
https://twitter.com/Teresa_Varley/status/493106697624248321
“That’s my boy,” Ben said regarding the jersey. “He’s been one of my closest friends (he) has been in my wedding. It was an honor to wear it. I miss him.” The gesture was noticed.
https://twitter.com/bkeisel99/status/493128030965862401
You might notice that Ben looks a little more svelte today. The quarterback says he lost weight, though he wouldn’t say how much specifically. He credits the weight loss to working with nutritionists and a personal trainer this offseason, the first time he’s ever done so. “You get 32 years old and you’re entering your 11th year, it’s time to do something extra.”
On to practice notes. Ben and the receivers put on a show today. Many media accounts contained phrases like “new hot arm” and “live arm” to describe Rothlisberger’s gun slinging today. Justin Brown was said to have a great practice, and is carrying the momentum from this spring well.
https://twitter.com/ScottBrown_ESPN/status/493131814580396032
https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib/status/493154123525939200
Martavis Bryant didn’t garner a lot of talk today, but he did reportedly display a great show of his athleticism while snatching a high ball on a comeback route. He later would get some instruction from Roethlisberger after making an error in his route. From ESPN:
“Don’t come in that way!” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger yelled Saturday afternoon to the rookie wide receiver. Roethlisberger proceeded to gesture to Bryant how he should have retraced his steps and run back toward the quarterback instead of cutting toward the middle of the field.
Wheaton and Antonio Brown were the starters at wide receiver when the Steelers were running 11-on-11, and Lance Moore was the No. 3 wide receiver. Darius Heyward-Bey drew oohs and ahhs when he pulled in a deep touchdown pass from Big Ben, but he spent a good amount of time catching balls from Brandon Kay.
Antonio Brown was still Ben’s favorite target.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”ABDAYONE”]
AB was the punt return man in the early session, but Archer took over the duties later in the day, and had everyone excited. The small speedster had two youtube worthy runs in which he turned on the burners down the sideline. On his second dynamic return, he cut back and reversed to find the opposite sideline where he took it to the house. Archer also saw time at left slot receiver today with Bradon Kay under center.
Moving on to the offensive line. While Ramon Foster is out grieving the sudden loss of his mother, Cody Wallace is filling in at 1st team left guard. Mike Adams was 2nd team left tackle. Former Steelers lineman Jeff Hartings was at camp today giving direction, as he helps out as a coaching intern for the first half of camp. Here’s a quick video of Coach Mike Munchak running stretch zone drills with the linemen, courtesy of Mark Kaboly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZAjUBHpQZY
https://twitter.com/DVEMike/status/493120012085760001
On the defensive side of the ball, S Will Allen is with the 1st team defense while Mike Mitchell is out with a groin injury. Robert Golden backed him up, and Shamarko Thomas was #2 behind Troy. Cam Heyward was in at right defensive end, the position Brett Keisel long buttered his bread with.Cam Thomas got first team reps, and in the later session, Tuitt, McCullers, and Arnfelt all got some time with first team. Tuitt reportedly drew praise from John Mitchell on the sidelines after blowing up a run play by getting off the ball with a burst. McCullers reportedly had his hands on his knees after every play, ie. the work was harder for his big body than it was for his colleagues. Brian Arnfelt drew praise for his high motor as he chased Antonio Brown to the endzone.
The linebacking rotation looked like Jarvis Jones and Jason Worilds at OLB, and Ryan Shazier and Lawrence Timmons at ILB. 2nd team looked like Arthur Moats and Chris Carter with Sean Spence and Vince Williams manning the inside. Terrence Garvin took Kion Wilson’s spot on 3rd team, and Jordan Zumwalt rotated between there and OLB.
The team reconvenes at St. Vincent tomorrow for another day of padless practice per the CBA. The hitting starts on Monday.
The first practice of training camp is in the books, and there was one injury to report on. Steelers back up C/G David Snow left practice early with what was described as an ankle/foot injury. No further details are available at this time. As a player, getting hurt on the first day of training camp is just about the last thing you want to have happen. Hopefully it’s nothing serious.
Snow was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Bills in 2012. The Steelers signed him last year, and promoted him from the practice squad last December, though he never ended up taking a snap in 2013.
*Update- Snow was seen leaving the locker room with a boot on his foot.
The three people who announced that they were going to sue Mike and Maurkice Pouncey have formally done so Friday. Riquan James, Brantley Williams, and Niya Pickett filed their lawsuit Friday in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade County Florida.
The complaint alleges that the Pounceys and their security detail called James “derogatory and homophobic remarks and anti-gay slurs,” and that both Pounceys “began to push and shove” him. When James politely asked them to stop, Maurkice allegedly “struck James in the face several times” before the Pounceys and their security detail began “to punch, hit and kick James while he was laying in a fetal position.”
According to the allegations, Pickett tried to intervene, but Maurkice “punched her in the face and knocked her unconscious.” The suit claims that Williams was a random club goer, who suffered bruises and a large laceration that required stitches. She allegedly received the injuries when the two were thrown into her.
Here is the complete lawsuit filed yesterday via a Miami sports radio station.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”PounceyCourtDocs”]
The alleged victims’ laywer, Marwan Porter, spoke with 93.7 The Fan yesterday. “The victims in this particular situation, the young lady Niya Pickett, Brinley Williams and the gay individual, Ricquan James, they’re traumatized by this,” Porter said. “You have two 6-foot-5, 300 pound giants who went around this club and knocked out a woman and a gay guy who are less than half their sizes, and they were very adamant that they want these people, the Pouncey brothers, held accountable, and they wanted this to move forward. They didn’t want this to be swept under the rug, and for these individuals to get away with this just because they’re rich and famous. You know, regular people need to have a voice as well and you can’t just go around punching peoples’ lights out.”
You can listen to the full audio from that interview below:
According to Pouncey’s lawyer, the Pounceys intend to countersue.
“The allegations in the complaint about my clients are completely false,” attorney Jeffrey M. Ostrow said in a statment. “As I previously stated, Mike and Maurkice Pouncey had absolutely no involvement whatsoever in the alleged incident that evening and did nothing wrong. This claim is a complete sham. The plaintiffs and their lawyer are perpetuating these lies in a bid for notoriety and financial gain. We intend to defend this case through trial if necessary and will be filing a counterclaim for malicious prosecution and defamation.”
Maurkice spoke publicly about the lawsuit for the first time today at training camp.
“I’m a man about everything,” Pouncey told the media today. “Y’all know that every time I ever made a mistake any time in my NFL career I admitted to it. For something like this to happen and have no total involvement in it is upsetting and hurtful to me. You know it’s on my mind like crazy. Hopefully, it blows over. Our lawyer put out a statement.” When asked if he was afraid of being disciplined, he said he had none. “No fear at all. The only thing that sucks about it is that I tried to keep a clean nose throughout the process this year. Having to deal with this, sucks, it truly does.
“Even for the birthday party, we hired our own retired police officer to go out with us. For something like to this to happen is truly unbelievable. I just want to take the time to apologize to the the fans who take this the wrong way. You guys all know me and know the person I am. For people to say bad things about me, that sucks. But sometimes you’ve got to deal with bad things in life and move on.”
The legal process will take some time of course, but the next step will be discovery, and the most important piece of discovery will be the video surveillance from the Cameo night club.
Slowly but surely, players filed into St. Vincent today as the first day of training camp got underway. To my knowledge, there were no little electric cars, or 20 ton dump trucks.
While no one matched the spectacle and extravagance of previous arrivals, some of the players descended on St. Vincent college in their own unique way. Here is an assortment of pictures and a raw video of some of the players arriving to camp today.
https://twitter.com/DVEMike/status/492703207605288960
https://twitter.com/ScottBrown_ESPN/status/492710930103287808
Greg Warren (below) and Shaun Suisham showed up on bicycles. (via Matt Maisel of WJAC)
Antonio Brown rolled up in a Mercedes Benz van/mini-bus.
https://twitter.com/ScottBrown_ESPN/status/492737311432376321
https://twitter.com/ScottBrown_ESPN/status/492729315478360064
https://twitter.com/missi_matthews/status/492716938511269889
Ike Taylor probably took the cake showing up with his Google Glass recording and an HD Go Pro around his neck.
https://twitter.com/missi_matthews/status/492738864428359680
Some people were more focused on what they brought than on how they got there.
https://twitter.com/steelers/status/492722499260387328
https://twitter.com/BCTBradford/status/492717868606173184
https://twitter.com/ScottBrown_ESPN/status/492722838470533120
https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib/status/492720323192565763
While Brett Keisel didn’t pull up on some sort of construction or farming equipment, he did share a pic of himself to show he was thinking about training camp today.
https://twitter.com/bkeisel99/status/492748430637162496
Here’s a raw video from WPXI capturing some of the players arriving today. When it’s done, there is more video to choose from at the bottom of the player. Enjoy.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”LatrobeArrivals”]