LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Injuries were an early topic of Omar Khan's first training camp news conference as Steelers general manager Tuesday. As was the contract situation with receiver Diontae Johnson.
Khan said Minkah Fitzpatrick (wrist) will be back to full practice soon and is expected back on the practice field in the next few days. Larry Ogunjobi (foot) and Tyson Alualu (knee) are also expected back to full practice soon. Khan said they are being overly cautious with Ogunjobi.
The late injury to Najee Harris created a buzz on Monday, but Khan said 'I don't foresee it being an issue'.
Johnson deal
Now into padded practices at training camp and Diontae Johnson remains a non-participant in team drills. Khan said the hold-ins are more of a league-wide issue than a Steelers issue and he doesn't believe the practice will stop. Rather it's likely to increase.
"You want everyone out practicing," Khan said of the hold-in. "We've taken the approach that we are using it as an opportunity to look at the other guys that are practicing, especially the young guys. It gets them some work."
He enjoys watching the energy that second-round pick George Pickens plays with as well as his maturity.
He said it's a different situation with Johnson than it was with TJ Watt and Fitzpatrick in getting a deal done. He didn't say Johnson is a different player or a different importance than those two. Khan said it's a different situation.
"Conversations we have with Diontae and his representatives will stay between us," Khan said Tuesday. "We won't discuss them publicly, but we have been in conversations."
"We want Diontae," Khan said. "We are excited to have Diontae as part of this team. We hope he will be a Steeler for a long time."
Boz finished
Just before the news conference, the team officially announced the signing of kicker Chris Boswell to a five-year contract.
"Excited to get the Boswell deal done, he's been an important part of this team for a few years now," Khan said. "We are excited it's going to continue for another five years.
Kenny Pickett
An interesting phrasing of a question to Khan about rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett. Asked what would make a successful training camp for him.
"The growth, he's a young quarterback and there is a lot being thrown at him," Khan said. "From his standpoint to be able to say on the day he leaves camp than he's in a lot better position than he was day one. I think that's important for him. I have all the confidence he will get there."
Roster thoughts
"I feel really good about the 90-man roster that we have," Khan said. "You are always going to look if there is an opportunity to upgrade a position or somebody comes available through the waiver wire or someone calls about a player they are shopping. You are going to look at it. Injuries come into play with those conversations. Overall I feel really good about our roster."
