LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Rookie Kenny Pickett got his first opportunity to work in an important drill as the first week of camp wrapped up in Latrobe Saturday.
Pickett got the final rep of seven-shots, the drill where the offense gets the ball on the two-yard line. He took advantage of the chance throwing a pretty fade that Tyler Vaughns leaped up and came down with his elbow inbounds for a touchdown. The defense disputed the call, but we actually looked at still shots from the Tribune-Review’s award-winning photographer Chaz Palla to see, and he was in bounds (because we know it meant so much to you).
“Reps are going to come, not only for him, but for everyone,” said Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin on Pickett’s first shot in the drill. “We are at the very early stages of this. Everyone is going to get an opportunity to show their capabilities, for sure.”
Mitch Trubisky was 0 for 4 and now 1 for his last 8 in seven shots. Mason Rudolph was 1 for 2, but the touchdown was the crazy play of the day. His pass was tipped, still going forward it bounced off safety Donovan Stiner while he was on the ground in the end zone. The ball popped back up and caught by Connor Heyward and he lunged forward over the goal line for a touchdown. It was one of several solid plays by Heyward, who got a shout out from Tomlin after.
“Highly competitive, he warmed up to the competition and his skills were on display,” Tomlin said of the younger Heyward. “He didn’t shrink in the face of it.”
TJ Watt intercepted a screen pass from Trubisky and returned it for a touchdown. He also batted down a few passes, one time picking up the ball in excitement and punting it into the stands at Chuck Noll Field.
“He loves football,” Tomlin said. “He loves to work. He loves to compete. It’s guys like that you want the young guys to pay close attention to. They have resumes, but to watch them day-to-day, I think that’s where the real learning occurs. You see why they are able to build the resumes they have.”
Vaughns and Miles Boykin had the best catches of the day. After a couple of drops earlier in the week, it was a solid day with some combat receptions for Boykin.
Injuries
Tomlin confirmed Chase Claypool’s shoulder injury is day-to-day and said TE Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) remains day-to-day. Linebacker Marcus Allen went down with a hamstring injury and is being evaluated.
Crowd
The biggest crowd of training camp so far, the Steelers estimate around 17,000 fans were at St. Vincent College. The loudest cheer was either for the Watt interception or the Pickett TD throw.
“How about that crowd today?” Tomlin said. “We are just so excited to be back in this environment and feel the support of our fans.”
Among those were former Steelers-Vince Williams, Kendrell Bell, Ike Taylor, Charlie Batch and, of course, Hall of Honor recipient, Heath Miller.
“It’s great to see big Heath Miller,” Tomlin said. “It’s a cool thing to be in this position long enough to get guys to come back and receive the recognition for their playing days. Equally as important to come back and share and spend time with a current player. I smile when I watch Pat talking to Heath. That brotherhood, that fraternity, you can’t describe it, but you feel it.”
Rudolph on competition
Following Steelers OC Matt Canada telling 93.7 The Fan Friday that Rudolph is very much in the mix to start. Rudolph was asked Saturday about his performance so far at camp and if he’s a dark-horse candidate.
“I’m going to go out on the field and let the play do the talking,” Rudolph said. “I’m not trying to convince anybody one way or another. I’m here for a reason. Coaches and teammates believe in me and that’s all I can control.”
Up Next
Steelers are off on Sunday and back Monday at St. Vincent College, this time with full pads on.
“You’ll feel it on Monday, I promise you,” Tomlin said. “Looking forward to it.”