Day 2 morning session: Stapleton takes first team reps at center

Shakeup on the offensive line in morning session; Polamalu, Townsend practice

Starting center Justin Hartwig claims he did not break his toe three weeks ago but he does have a somekind of toe/foot injury.

Hartwig was in uniform but did not take part in team drills.

Darnell Stapelton replaced Hartwig as the teams starting center and took first team reps.

Center is Stapleton’s natural position and performed very well getting the best of Casey Hampton on a number of occassions.

The First team offensive Line: LT Starks – LG Kemoeatu – C Stapleton – RG Essex – RT Colon

More Notes

Willie Colon has showed up to camp in great shape.

Team Insiders believe Essex has a shot to unseat Stapleton as the Steelers look to get bigger on their interior line.

There was some speculation from other media outlets that the Steelers were not happy with Casey Hampton’s weight when he showed up to camp and that he could sit out a few practices.

That doesn’t appear to the be the case as Hampton participated in the morning session.

Injury Report

Troy Polamalu (hamstring), Deshea Townsend (hamstring) each participated in team drills. Justin Hartwig and Heath Miller were the only players off of Mike Tomlin’s injury report from Friday that did not take part in team drills. Both players were in uniform though.

CFL star Stefan Logan is on the PUP list and did not practice this morning. Very tough break for Logan as every practice he misses, diminishes the chances he makes the team.

TIOPS Steelers Insider Mike Bires will have a full report on this morning’s practice session within the hour.