LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – If you wanted to see the Steelers starters as the preseason opens on Friday night, you will. Mike Tomlin said Wednesday all who are healthy will play. What he didn’t know or reveal was how much.
Tomlin said he was focused on the Wednesday practice and will turn their attention to dividing up snaps after practice. He did say quarterback Kenny Pickett needs more reps because he is young and relatively inexperienced.
He said he will give Pickett what he needs at Tampa Bay.
“Very much interested in fundamental things individually and collectively,” Tomlin said. “Alignment and assignment things, I need a group and individuals that play fast and with fluidity and are situationally aware.”
“I’m really interested in them making routine plays routinely, per their position. Oftentimes people think professional ball is about the spectacular, but it’s really about being able to deliver with an appropriate level of consistency, routine things.”
“I’m excited to see this group communicate. I think communication indicates understanding. You are not going to play good football without communication. I’m excited for the environment for the offensive unit. It’s good to play on the road and get some of the exposures that come with playing on the road-play clock and things of that nature. I’m really excited about taking a step and the tape it is going to produce and the teach opportunities”
Tomlin said it’s gathering that tape on these players in another environment that is key. When the team returns to practice Sunday afternoon they will have a better idea of what they did well and what more they need to work on going forward.
Past injuries
Tomlin said past preseason injuries do not impact his decision to rest veterans. He said they have to get individuals and collectives ready to play.
“I just think philosophically I lean towards playing just in general,” Tomlin said. “I know there are different approaches to the preseason. I respect the approaches to the preseason and I respect the approaches and opinions of others. That’s kinda always been in my comfort zone.”
“If we are going to box, we have to spar. If we need to get ready for the regular season, preseason is an avenue in which to do it for individuals and collectives.”
Safety injuries
Minkah Fitzpatrick is working his way back from an excused absence, but three other safeties are dealing with injuries and not practicing-Damontae Kazee (in full pads, but no team drills), Tre Norwood and Keanu Neal. Tomlin said all three are day-to-day and they are still getting to know the depth behind the starters.
Tomlin credited Wilkinsburg native Kenny Robinson for being in great shape and it has positioned him to take advantage of the opportunities that have presented themselves. He said Robinson has ‘made good use of those snaps’.
Green experiment
Tomlin said there is urgency in everything Kendrick Green does. He said he’s been solid in his snaps at fullback and H-back and is anxious to see how that translates against another team Friday. The Steelers coach noted he’s not the only one playing multiple positions. He said a number of players are looking for other jobs they can do to state a case to make this team. Many of those battles don’t get the attention that Green is getting.
Gunner praise
Backing up his quarterback saying Tuesday he’s been the most impressive receiver battling for the 4th spot. Tomlin said about second-year Steeler Gunner Olszewski.
“Gunner is a guy that’s always urgent,” Tomlin said. “He’s a tough guy. He’s a football player first and receiver second. You put him in competitive circumstances and he does football player-like things. That’s why he’s an attractive option maybe to Kenny and his teammates. That guy loves football and he can’t hide it.”