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Scott Brown
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Still a longshot to become a Steeler
Posted August 11, 2009 7 :44 PM
New and notes from the 11th day of training camp ...
· Don't read too much into what Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said or, more accurately, what he didn't say regarding quarterback Michael Vick on Wednesday.
He obviously hasn't completely ruled out the idea of Vick returning to the NFL with the Steelers. But a lot would have to happen for Vick to end up in Pittsburgh, specifically a serious injury to Ben Roethlisberger or backup quarterback Charlie Batch.
With the situation the Steelers have at quarterback right now, it just doesn't make sense to bring in Vick. He hasn't played in the NFL since 2006 and what he could give the Steelers on the field probably wouldn't outweigh the headaches his mere presence would cause for the organization away from it.
That said, I do think Vick deserves a second chance. I just don't see it happening in Pittsburgh.
· Lighting forced the Steelers to end practice about 20 minutes early Wednesday afternoon.
Among those who were given a rest by Tomlin for the abbreviated session were outside linebacker James Harrison, defensive end Aaron Smith and strong safety Troy Polamalu.
Nose tackle Casey Hampton (knee) returned to practice Wednesday, but the Steelers held running back Willie Parker (back) out for another day.
Running back Mewelde Moore and wide receiver Martin Nance didn't practice because of nagging hamstring injuries.
With Parker and Moore unlikely to play Thursday night against Arizona in the preseason opener for each team, Rashard Mendenhall should get plenty of work.
It will be the 2008 first-round draft pick's first game since last Sept. 29 when he broke his shoulder against the Ravens.
· Count Tomlin among those anxious to see all of the candidates the Steelers have at kick and punt returner in a game instead of practice.
"Feel very comfortable in terms of what's going on at Latrobe and guys being able to naturally settle under the ball as a punt returner and as a kick returner," Tomlin said. "But you really don't have an understanding of what you're working with until you get those guys in live action."
Rookie wide receiver Mike Wallace will get the first crack at returning kickoffs, Tomlin said. Rookie cornerback Joe Burnett will probably get on the field first when it comes to returning punts.
The Steelers are looking at both Burnett and Stefan Logan as kick and punt returners.
· Separation for players battling for significant roles and roster spot starts Thursday. Tomlin had an interesting quote when asked about the rookies playing in their first game, and it proved to be particularly illuminating on how different it is to perform in a game as opposed to practice.
"I know when you step into a stadium it's not too big for some and maybe it's too big for others. I know we're going to gain some clarity," Tomlin said.
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/viewfromthepressbox/"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... epressbox/[/url]
Still a longshot to become a Steeler
Posted August 11, 2009 7 :44 PM
New and notes from the 11th day of training camp ...
· Don't read too much into what Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said or, more accurately, what he didn't say regarding quarterback Michael Vick on Wednesday.
He obviously hasn't completely ruled out the idea of Vick returning to the NFL with the Steelers. But a lot would have to happen for Vick to end up in Pittsburgh, specifically a serious injury to Ben Roethlisberger or backup quarterback Charlie Batch.
With the situation the Steelers have at quarterback right now, it just doesn't make sense to bring in Vick. He hasn't played in the NFL since 2006 and what he could give the Steelers on the field probably wouldn't outweigh the headaches his mere presence would cause for the organization away from it.
That said, I do think Vick deserves a second chance. I just don't see it happening in Pittsburgh.
· Lighting forced the Steelers to end practice about 20 minutes early Wednesday afternoon.
Among those who were given a rest by Tomlin for the abbreviated session were outside linebacker James Harrison, defensive end Aaron Smith and strong safety Troy Polamalu.
Nose tackle Casey Hampton (knee) returned to practice Wednesday, but the Steelers held running back Willie Parker (back) out for another day.
Running back Mewelde Moore and wide receiver Martin Nance didn't practice because of nagging hamstring injuries.
With Parker and Moore unlikely to play Thursday night against Arizona in the preseason opener for each team, Rashard Mendenhall should get plenty of work.
It will be the 2008 first-round draft pick's first game since last Sept. 29 when he broke his shoulder against the Ravens.
· Count Tomlin among those anxious to see all of the candidates the Steelers have at kick and punt returner in a game instead of practice.
"Feel very comfortable in terms of what's going on at Latrobe and guys being able to naturally settle under the ball as a punt returner and as a kick returner," Tomlin said. "But you really don't have an understanding of what you're working with until you get those guys in live action."
Rookie wide receiver Mike Wallace will get the first crack at returning kickoffs, Tomlin said. Rookie cornerback Joe Burnett will probably get on the field first when it comes to returning punts.
The Steelers are looking at both Burnett and Stefan Logan as kick and punt returners.
· Separation for players battling for significant roles and roster spot starts Thursday. Tomlin had an interesting quote when asked about the rookies playing in their first game, and it proved to be particularly illuminating on how different it is to perform in a game as opposed to practice.
"I know when you step into a stadium it's not too big for some and maybe it's too big for others. I know we're going to gain some clarity," Tomlin said.
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