PITTSBURGH (93.7 the Fan) Mike Tomlin did something unusual on the first day of Steelers Training Camp. Tomlin actually broke some news when he announced that rookie third round pick Kendrick Green would start at center and second year man Antoine Brooks would start at slot corner in the Hall of Fame Game August 5th.
At first Tomlin downplayed Green's first team reps as a "one day sample" but then he gave us the news.
"We thought it's important for those guys who are going to get starts in the Hall of Fame Game as much work as we can," Tomlin explained. "There's no indication of where they are in terms their career. You can label him a starter if you choose; he is. He's a starter in the Hall of Fame game."
Later, Tomlins was asked about Brooks' work in the slot and said, "he'll probably start in Canton so you can write a story about that." Consider it done. Brooks did make a highlight play with a diving interception of a low Ben Roethlisberger throw.
Ben said Brooks got away with a penalty. "It was a slingshot move and he knew it. I told him it was a nice play," the QB smiled.
Guard Kevin Dotson did not practice. "We were taking care of him but he should be fine," Tomlin said. "It's not anything to be concerned with whatsoever from a big picture standpoint." Same for DE Stephon Tuitt who was dressed but mostly watched.
The newest Steeler, LB Melvin Ingram, got a few reps but will be brought along slowly. "Right now we're teaching him to see how quickly he can learn and that probably is going to dictate reps."
As Tomlin said, "It's much too early," not just for newcomers like Ingram but everybody. More Southside practices through Sunday then after a day off, camp will relocate to Heinz Field.
