LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Better day for Kenny Pickett, rougher for Mitch Trubisky as the Steelers again move up practice Wednesday as Mike Tomlin ‘checked the Doppler’ and there were weather concerns.
Tomlin will talk more about Saturday’s preseason game on Thursday but a bit of a preview. Don’t expect to know much of the rotations at any positions based on what he said after practice Wednesday.
“This sets the stage for what happens in stadium,” Tomlin said. “That’s our focus as we start to lean in on the weekend. Friday we will start to establish some depth in terms of who is playing and the division of labor for the weekend. If we start leaning towards the weekend too much we don’t take advantage of the opportunity that is Wednesday and Thursday.”
Given we won’t hear from Tomlin on Friday, we may not have a good idea going in how he will divide the labor.
11-on-11 and 3rd down drills
Pickett had the most success of the three quarterbacks during 11-on-11 drills and the ‘every down is a third down drill’. The team did not practice in full pads Wednesday.
Pickett was 5 of 8 combined in the drills, alternating second team reps with Mason Rudolph. Pickett hit Javon McKinley for a great throw/great catch on the sidelines as the highlight of the 11-on 11 period. McKinley left practice after due to a shoulder injury.
Trubisky was 3 for 8 with a fumble and a sack. He underthrew an open Calvin Austin on a stop and go route. Rudolph was 3 or 8 with nearly his first interception of camp on a batted ball by Delonte Scott on an attempted screen. He did later throw a nice crossing route to Cody White for a first down.
Only Rudolph and Pickett took part in the end of practice two-minute drills. Both had impressive success.
Rudolph started his drive hitting Gunner Olszewski for a first down, then Anthony McFarland for a short gain. The fourth-year QB then threw nice sidelines go route that George Pickens grabbed. Next play in the red zone, Rudolph found Pickens for a combat catch around Levi Wallace.
Pickens said it was the best catch of camp, he assessed it as the eighth best of his career.
“He’s got talent, but there’s a difference between talent and skill,” Tomlin said. “And that’s what we’re trying to educate him, and others regarding. God gives them the talent, we develop the skill in settings like this, relative to the positions that they play.”
“He’s good and he doesn’t even know it yet or he might do as much as he talks,” said Steelers safety Karl Joseph. “He’s got a good group around him. He’s got crazy abilities and he’s been showing it.”
With his opportunity, Pickett hit Jaylen Warren wide open in the flat for 40-plus yards. Next play, Pickett with a perfect throw to Steven Sims on a cross in the end zone.
7 shots · Trubisky rollout to his right, incomplete, good coverage by Ahkello Witherspoon · Trubisky incomplete PBU Karl Joseph · Trubisky incomplete back of end zone, near Robert Spillane INT · Trubisky too far for Austin on a fade · Rudolph fade one-hand catch Miles Boykin TD (best catch of the day). It was a good day for Boykin overall · Rudolph TD to White on a stop route · Pickett incomplete Jace Sternberger, a little off target
Other highlights · Connor Heyward left practice early on Tuesday and came back with a couple of great catches, including having to slow up on a throw over his shoulder that he was able to complete · Witherspoon had a couple of nice defensive plays · Joseph, Derrek Tuszka and Minkah Fitzpatrick w PBUs · Pickett had a perfect go-route throw to Tyler Snead for a big catch on 7-on-7
A 2016 first-round pick, safety Karl Joseph has had a couple of really good days in a row. The 28-year-old missed a few days last week due to the birth of his first son.
“It was definitely a little more motivation,” Joseph said. “I came back very hungry, ready to get back in the swing of things and show the coaches that THIS is important for me too. I want to be a part of this team.”
Joseph said he’s been helped being with the Steelers the entire offseason. He was picked up off waivers in September last year and spent most of his time on the practice squad.
There was no update from Tomlin on injuries after practice on Wednesday. The following players did not practice—Alex Highsmith, Marcus Allen, Genard Avery, Kevin Dotson (wore small brace on right ankle), Ulysees Gilbert, Diotnae Johnson, Chase Claypool, Mateo Durant, Zack Gentry, Montravious Adams, Najee Harris. Benny Snell left practice late with ice on his right shin/knee and McKinley with the shoulder.
The last practice before the first preseason game is scheduled for Thursday at 1:55 at St. Vincent College. It would be the first once since last Thursday that wasn’t altered if it remains unchanged.