LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – You will see the starters and the starters for a longer period of time (not specified how long) as the Steelers host the Bills for the only home preseason game Saturday night on KDKA-TV.
He said all who were healthy would play last week and then a few still didn’t. Tomlin said he’s excited to see, and singled out the names of, Cam Heyward, TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick as those who would play this week. He also said rookie Joey Porter, Junior, Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal will go, all three missed due to injury last week. Look for little Najee Harris in the game as Tomlin said he doesn’t need the physical reps and on Wednesday discussed wanting to see the tailbacks recently added to the roster.
After using undrafted rookie Jordan Byrd as the returner in the game against Tampa Bay, Tomlin said Anthony McFarland will return kicks against the Bills. Calvin Austin will return punts.
“We focused their efforts last week on their offensive contributions particularly in the first half of the game,” Tomlin said Thursday. “We are really going to be interested in their special teams contributions this week. Along with their offensive responsibilities, but looking for those guys to show what they are capable of in that space.”
Tomlin said they are doing a little more game planning this week as Buffalo announced they are anticipating using their starters a quarter to a quarter-and-a-half.
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Out
Only three are ruled out for Saturday-defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi (foot), offensive lineman Nate Herbig (shoulder) and safety Tre Norwood-who is going through limited practices, but not yet ready.
Pickett camp
Tomlin said he wanted to see more from Kenny Pickett and the rest of the first team on Saturday. As for how the second-year quarterback is handling his first training camp as a starter?
“I like the way he is communicating with people,” Tomlin said. “I like the way he comes every day ready to compete. He’s not overanalyzing the big picture too much, he’s just trying to play his role in a creation of a great day. I think other people, but virtue of his position, get their vibe off that. His ability to remain singularly focused and hyper-competitive I think is an asset to our unit and team.”
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Jones-ing
Tomlin said it’s what happens over the next two weeks that will determine the left tackle winner. As for how first-round pick Broderick Jones did in his first preseason game Friday?
“I thought he did a real nice job for his first time out,” Tomlin said. “He played with energy. I thought he played with finish. Oftentimes when a guy is in his first opportunity and he’s worried about assignments, some of those things are lost. So it’s really good to see him play with physicality and finish.”
“It’s reasonable to expect him to take a significant step this week and into the next.”
No Fights
Heading into the final practice at St. Vincent College, there have been no fights during practice. Usually by now there has been at least one dust up, but nothing. Tomlin doesn’t believe that signifies anything.
“We appreciate tough guys, but this is not an MMA team we are putting together,” Tomlin said. “Fights don’t help us win football games. We’ve been talking black and white in that manner.”
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