Steelers/NFL
TUESDAY’S STEELERS OTAs NEWS AND NOTES
— Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor were not in attendance. Polamalu normally skips most OTA sessions.
— WR Markus Wheaton was the starter opposite Antonio Brown when running with the 1’s. With Lance Moore entrenched in the slot, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Martavis Bryant are Wheaton’s only competition for Emmanuel Sanders old spot. Wheaton will really have to struggle in camp to not open the season as the starter. “I’m definitely chasing that spot,” Wheaton said.
— Mike Tomlin a changed man in handing starting jobs to rookies? 1st round pick Ryan Shazier was the starter opposite Lawrence Timmons at inside linebacker. Shazier was the Mack.
— The Steelers starting defensive line was LDE Cam Thomas – NT Steve McLendon – RDE Cam Heyward. 2nd round pick Stephon Tuitt has a strong chance to beat out Thomas for a starting job as the Steelers could end up having two defensive rookies start the season.
— Maurkice Pouncey recovering from a torn ACL, was a full participant in today’s workout. Pouncey looked explosive and said it was “pretty awesome” to be out there drive blocking guys today.
— OLB Jarvis Jones claims he has not added much weight but is much stronger than last year. We’ll truly find out in August when the Steelers put the pads on. Jones who the Steelers are counting on to make a big jump in Year 2, had 1 sack in 636 snaps last season.
