LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers enter the first practice of the season on Thursday in really good health. All players competed in the run test on Wednesday (although a few were limited). Head coach Mike Tomlin expects all to participate with no players beginning on the physically unable to perform list.
"It appears that we have a very good group from a health standpoint," Tomlin said. "There were some people that were somewhat limited in the spring for a variety of reasons. We don't see anyone at this juncture that will be limited as we embark on this thing, which is a good thing."
That would include a couple of key newcomers-middle linebacker Cole Holcomb and receiver Allen Robinson. Both are expected to bring experience to young groups and for Holcomb provide some play-making from the inside.
Last year impact
While Kenny Pickett pointed out it was good to get experience with the offense last year and that will help this season, Tomlin looks at 2023 as a new season.
"I think it's prudent to proceed and to assume that it does not," Tomlin said of momentum carrying over year-to-year. "If it does in a positive way, great, but I don't think any of us are sitting here relying on that discussion."
Other observations
· Tomlin said the players are excited to be at camp, he can just feel how they enjoy being around each other
· He loves the competition between players in areas other than football while at camp-including video and board games and dominos. BTW-DeMarvin Leal ratted out Cam Heyward as the most competitive
· Tomlin said he wants the offense to be explosive this year while also being able to control the flow of the game. He said there is a focus to get chunk plays
· Teammates like Kenny Pickett because he's hard-working, no nonsense and legitimately humble
· It will be a non-issue with the new players on defense fitting into the scheme
