PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he is not mandated to give injury updates right now. So he won't tell us if defensive end Stephon Tuitt continues to miss camp due to injury or because of the sudden death of his brother.
"I know he's had good days," Tomlin said. "I know progress has been made. I know he will be excited to get back out there with his teammates. I've been focusing on the guys that have been participating."
"He's part of this team and it's the best we can do for him," said Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward. "He's working his way back. He's gone through some stuff this off-season. We are going to continue to be there for him."
"As the season approaches, John (Norwig, Steelers head trainer) and Coach T will have more information, but he's in every meeting. He's learning and working his way back to us."
That would suggest it could be more injury-related as Tuitt was not at practice for a second consecutive day on Thursday.
Tuitt lost his 23-year-old brother in June to a hit-and-run accident in Georgia. Tuitt's mom was in a car behind and witnessed. Stephon has spent a lot of time with his family as his mother is understandably having a difficult time.
"We understand football is just a game," Heyward said. "For anyone to lose a loved one, it hurts a lot. All we can do is be there and make sure we are there for him, in any capacity."
"We understand this isn't just going to go away. We've all lost someone. We understand it's not going to be the same for every person. Whatever he needs, we will be there for him."
Asked if he had any concerns that Tuitt would be up to speed and ready to go for week one. Heyward said simply.
"No."
