Day 1 Camp Buzz: Wallace to holdout; Starks says even playing field with Adams for LT job & more

— We’re being told the Steelers have been informed this afternoon by Mike Wallace’s camp that Wallace won’t be signing his RFA tender, therefore not reporting before today’s 4:00 p.m. deadline. Early indications are Wallace doesn’t plan a lengthy holdout, at least that’s the indication his teammates are giving. However, those close to the situation were shooting down talk this morning that a long-term deal was imminent and the Steelers have made it known to Wallace’s camp that if he doesn’t report on time, the team is likely to break off talks. The snag in talks remains the gap in gauranteed money between the two sides. Sources said last week the sides were at least $5 to $7 million apart in guaranteed money.

Cornerback Keenan Lewis on Wallace: “I’m pretty sure he’s ready to be here, ” Lewis a long-time friend of Wallace’s said.

For when Wallace does show up, some players like Jerricho Cotchery don’t appear concerned about Wallace getting caught up to speed for when he shows up. “He’s the lead dog so when he comes in, I’m sure they’ll be a lotta time set aside for him to get up to speed, ” Jerricho Cotchery said via Chris Adamski of the AP.

— Wide Receiver Emmanuel Sanders will take Wallace’s spot at the X as he holds out and Sanders indicated that he is feeling great after struggles to stay healthy last season with foot and knee injuries. The foot injuries though will remain a concern moving forward. Like Keenan Lewis, Sanders also seemed confident that Wallace will be in camp in a few days.

— Via Mike Bires, Max Starks said “he and rookie Mike Adams are on an even playing field for starting job at left tackle.” Starks will begin camp on the PUP list as the coaching staff will be able to get a good early look at Adams with the 1’s.

— Jeremy Kapinos a Penn State alum who last November said at the time he “stands behind Joe Paterno 100%“, following Paterno’s dismissal, was asked about the NCAA taking away Paterno and Penn State’s wins from 1998-2011 and Kapino’s said the NCAA was “just taking a shot at a dead guy.”