LATROBE, Pa. -- WTAE Channel 4 is covering Pittsburgh Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa.

Check this page each day for updates from Channel 4 Action Sports' Jon Burton and Guy Junker.

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Monday, Aug. 18

The Steelers broke camp and will move their practices to the UPMC Sports Performance Complex on Pittsburgh's South Side. This was the team's shortest training camp since the Steelers starting going to St. Vincent more than 40 years ago.

Coach Mike Tomlin indicated that the team is ready to remove safety Troy Polamalu from the physically unable to perform list. Tomlin said he hopes Polamalu will be ready to take part in his first practice on Tuesday, but "we'll see where he is." Assuming there are no setbacks, Polamalu would play Saturday in a preseason game at Minnesota.

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Sunday, Aug. 17

WATCHJ.B. Interviews James Farrior One-On-One

The Steelers signed defensive tackle Orpheus Roye on Sunday. He played for the Steelers from 1996 to 2000 and has been with Cleveland the last eight years.

Receiver Santonio Holmes is going to start returning some punts. He's had mixed results trying that in the pros -- including a botched effort at Atlanta in 2006 -- but it's something Holmes did well while at Ohio State, and the Steelers are still looking for a big play-return guy. Tomlin called the experiment worthwhile.

After three Pro Bowl appearances, Joey Porter was cut two years ago. Starter Clark Haggans left as a free agent after last season. But the Steelers don't rebuild at linebacker -- they reload: Pittsburgh spent its first two picks in last year's draft on linebackers -- Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley were Mike Tomlin's first picks as coach. They drafted two more linebackers this year in third-round pick Bruce Davis and sixth-rounder Mike Humpal. That has created a logjam at the position with veterans Larry Foote, James Farrior and James Harrison returning as starters. Tomlin said the team has tough decision to make at the position, but he said "those are good problems to have."

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Saturday, Aug. 16

Hines Ward sat out Saturday because of a sore ankle. No word on his condition for Sunday.

The ownership plans to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell next week behind closed doors in New York City.

The Steelers return to Latrobe for training camp at 2:55 Saturday and Sunday. Both sessions are open to the public.

On tap for Monday, the Steelers will practice on the South Side before leaving for Minnesota to play a third preseason game against the Vikings.

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Friday, Aug. 15

Off day. The team is traveling back to Latrobe after a 24-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Toronto. (Full Game Recap Here)

Only two more practice days are left. Open practices will be held Saturday and Sunday, then the Steelers will break camp on Monday.

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Thursday, Aug. 14

Off day. The team is in Toronto for a preseason game vs. the Buffalo Bills.

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Wednesday, Aug. 13

Camp is closed to the public today. The team is getting ready to leave for its Thursday night preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

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Tuesday, Aug. 12

J.B. Interviews Steelers Kicker Jeff Reed 1-On-1

The Steelers claim third-year defensive end Kevin Huntley off waivers from the Washington Redskins. Huntley (6-7, 290) originally signed with the Oakland Raiders as a rookie free agent from Kansas State in 2006. He played in the final five games of his rookie season with Oakland and registered 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a recovered fumble. He spent the 2007 season with the Atlanta Falcons and recorded three tackles while playing in five games. The Steelers made room for Huntley on their roster by releasing rookie free agent defensive end Kyle Clement.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin held his weekly news conference this afternoon. Watch The Video

Coach Tomlin said the following players will not play this Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto: quarterback Charlie Batch (underwent surgery for broken collarbone), safety Troy Polamalu (hamstring), safety Ryan Mundy (high ankle sprain), linebacker Mike Humpal (stinger), defensive lineman Kyle Clement (right knee sprain), and cornerback Deshea Townsend will likely be kept out of the game due to a sore groin.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the first team will see more snaps this week. Newcomer Byron Leftwich and fifth round Draft pick Dennis Dixon are also scheduled to play at quarterback. Former William & Mary quarterback Mike Potts may also play if time allows.

Center Justin Hartwig will start with the first team offense this week. Last week's starter, Sean Mahan, will play with the second team.

Tomlin defended safety Anthony Smith, who's known to be a hard hitter in practice and was criticized in a column for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last week.

"I think at one point, his actions were referred to as 'thuggery,' or he was referred to as a thug. We take offense to that," Tomlin said. "These are young, professional people that are very good at what they do and are very sensitive to how they're portrayed in the public light. I was offended by that reference to him. He's not a thug. He's a young football player who's trying to be at his best, who happens to play the game very physically."

The newspaper column specifically mentioned an Aug. 6 practice in which Smith leveled wide receiver Hines Ward.

Reactions to such incidents are often "overblown," according to Tomlin. "We talk about it and we understand that perception all the time is not reality. This is what we do, not who we are. We try to keep the lines clear in that regard, but sometimes things are written that are hurtful, and he was hurt by that."

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Monday, Aug. 11

Nose tackle Casey Hampton was activated from the physically unable to perform list for the first time since he failed the Steelers' annual running test July 27. He practiced in the morning and afternoon sessions and looks trimmer.

Newly signed quarterback Byron Leftwich was on the field throwing the ball this morning.
Video: Leftwich At Morning Practice

Quarterback Charlie Batch is scheduled for surgery today on the collarbone he broke in the Philadelphia game on Friday night. It's unclear how long he will be out.

Defensive backs sang "We need a movie day" while they did some stretching, which drew a chuckle from their head coach. "That's elevator music. You hear it but you don't," coach Mike Tomlin said. "That's part of training camp. As long as they're having fun with it, and the ball snaps and they're hitting and running and doing what we want to do, that's great."

"Camp's getting monotonous, and the Steeler tradition here at training camp is to have one movie day," wide receiver Hines Ward said.

When Bill Cowher was the head coach, he allowed the team to skip one camp practice per year so the players could see a movie of their choice at a local theater.

Ward only practiced in the afternoon session. He was likely given the morning off, as no injury was apparent. The same goes for linebacker James Harrison, who practiced in the morning but not the afternoon.

Safety Troy Polamalu still has not practiced in camp. He remains on the PUP list with a sore hamstring.

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Sunday, Aug. 10

The Pittsburgh Steelers sign Byron Leftwich as backup quarterback Sunday afternoon. (More)

The Steelers return to training camp Sunday afternoon after Friday's preseason 16-10 win over the Eagles. The Black and Gold next face the Buffalo Bills for the Steelers' second preseason game on Aug. 14.

Thursday, Aug. 7

Practice is not open to the public today. The team is preparing for its first preseason game Friday night against Philadelphia at Heinz Field.

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Wednesday, Aug. 6

Jason Gildon, the Steelers' all-time sack leader, worked with the linebackers today. He was invited back to camp because of his status as a former player, and to see if he wants to become a coach one day. Former linebacker Kevin Greene did the same thing last week.

Coach Mike Tomlin said the quarterback rotation Friday night against the Philadelphia Eagles will be Ben Roethlisberger starting the game, followed by Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon and Mike Potts.

Tomlin also said several players will get a chance to return kicks against Philadelphia, as the competition for that job continues. He specifically mentioned Mewelde Moore, Rashard Mendenhall, Willie Reid, Eddie Drummond and Jeremy Bloom. "The important thing is for everyobdy to get an opportunity to show what they can do," Tomlin said.

Video: Watch Tomlin's Entire News Conference
(NOTE: This video will only be available for viewing until 5 p.m. on Aug. 7.)

Friday will mark the beginning of the post-Alan Faneca era on the offensive line. After many years -- and many Pro Bowl selections -- the Steelers did not extend Faneca's contract, and he signed with the Jets.

Replacing Faneca will be Chris Kemoeatu, a 2005 sixth-round draft pick who has made only three NFL starts and missed the first eight days of camp with a triceps injury.

"You lose a potential Hall of Fame lineman, there's always going to be questions," right guard Kendall Simmons said. "Chris needs to set the tone, and let people recognize who he is and not try to worry about that (replacing Faneca)."

The offensive line also has a vacancy at center, where free agent Justin Hartwig is competing with Sean Mahan. "There's definitely a sense of urgency around the locker room as far as giving up sacks. I think there's a little different chemistry, from what I understand. Kendall and (left tackle) Marvel (Smith) kind of stepped up as leaders, and I think everybody's on board," Hartwig said.

At right tackle, Willie Colon appears to be holding off Max Starks, who agreed to a tender offer of nearly $7 million that makes him one of the Steelers' highest-paid players even if he doesn't win the starting job.

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Tuesday, Aug. 5

Rookie quarterback Dennis Dixon's Oregon team was ranked second and possibly headed for the national championship game before he tore his ACL. "I was hard-working, day in and day out, morning and afternoon. I'm truly blessed that Oregon had the facilities that they had, as far as treatment," he said.

The fifth-round draft pick is trying to get used to the Steelers' playbook -- which is much thicker than the one he used in college -- while continuing to rehab from his injury. "That book is something. It's a big playbook. It's a lot to soak in. But I'll just take it one snap at a time."
Video: Dixon Practice Highlights

Dixon is also a gifted baseball player who was drafted out of high school by the Cincinnati Reds, and later by the Atlanta Braves. He played some minor-league ball in the Braves' organization.

The NFL rejected safety Ryan Clark's petition to change his jersey number from 25 to 21, in honor of his friend and former Washington Redskins teammate Sean Taylor, who was shot to death last year.

"As people, we have causes for the moment. He was a big cause last year, and everybody felt that. But his daughter, his father, his fiancee, they're going to feel it forever. So as long as I'm around, I'm going to try to keep his name around," Clark said.

Last season, Clark lost 30 pounds after getting hurt in Denver and having his spleen removed. But he's healthy and ready for Friday's preseason opener against Philadelphia. And he's looking forward to finally being able to hit somebody other than his own teammates -- sort of.

"I like hitting my own teammates a little bit. A lot of guys say they don't. I enjoy hitting Willie Reid and Willie Parker. It's fun. You get to go home and talk about it and be friends afterwards. When I hit these guys on Friday, we're not going to get to fraternize over it and fellowship about it. But it's going to be a good time just to be out there. Hopefully I won't be too nervous."
Video: Ryan Clark's Comeback

Rain moved through the area early today, leaving the St. Vincent field soggy for morning practice.

Special teams got most of the attention again, as has been the case in most of the morning practices. It's the best chance for a lot of the rookies and free agents to land a roster spot.

There's a lot of competition to return kicks. The Steelers signed Mewelde Moore as a free agent from Minnesota and Eddie Drummond as a free agent from Kansas City, adding them to a group that already included Willie Reid. Top draft pick Rashard Mendenhall and practice squad member Jeremy Bloom are also in the mix.

"Field position can win and lose a game," Drummond said. "If you have great field position, covering and returning, your chances of winning that game escalates very high. That's one of the things the head coach brought me in for, so I can come in and contribute and get that field positon and maybe even get some points on the board."

"I accept the competition. Actually, I embrace it. I like it," Reid said. "It's part of our sport, and something that we just go about. I don't think camp is getting any harder, but it's still going to be competitive. It's still going to be the same. Practice at a high rate."

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Monday, Aug. 4

Quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch threw beautiful deep balls in 11-on-11 drills. The quarterbacks look sharp today.
Video: Today's Training Camp Highlights

The linemen -- especially rookie offensive tackle Tony Hills -- battled hard against each other in the drills.

Rookie quarterback Dennis Dixon had a great scramble, reminding people why he was a Heisman Trophy candidate at Oregon before injuring his ACL.

Dixon led the offense to the 5-yard line in the two-minute drill. The defense started motioning to the crowd to make noise, as they would in a real game. The fans responded, trying to disrupt the offense.

Kicker Jeff Reed -- who had made several field goals earlier -- missed one that could have ended practice early on a bet with Coach Mike Tomlin. Instead, Tomlin made the players practice an extra 30 minutes. Reed eventually nailed a 47-yarder to go home.

The Steelers did a lot of special teams work in the afternoon practice, preparing for the preseason opener against Philadelphia on Friday night.

"I loved the energy and the enthusiasm in the afternoon," Tomlin said. "Guys came and competed, and that's what training camp is about. You go through a process. You break the bodies down, if you will, and you build them back up and get ready for action."

Guard Chris Kemoeatu wore a protective device on his arm and practiced for the first time since camp started. "I feel a little out of whack. I've got to do a little more cardio," Kemoeatu said. "I've been running, but it's different from game shape."

Kemoeatu is trying to win the job once held by Alan Faneca, who went to the Jets as a free agent. He said he tripped while running steps in the offseason, then grabbed onto a railing and tore a muscle in his arm.

Top draft pick Rashard Mendenhall has struggled early with blocking assignments and 1-on-1 drills, drawing some criticism from Tomlin. "As he continues to grow and understands the offense, he'll make it his own," said former NFL running back Tyrone Wheatley, who's interning with the Steelers and working with their running backs. "As he becomes more comfortable, then you'll start seeing him make plays, and these things we're talking about now will never be an issue."

Nose tackle Casey Hampton continues running every day to get into good enough shape for Tomlin. Hampton said he isn't sure if he needs to hit a target weight or if he'll have to re-take the Steelers' run test, which he failed to complete on July 27.

With Hampton out of practice, backup nose tackle Chris Hoke has been getting a lot of reps. Hoke said it's a chance for him "to get better, not an opportunity to steal somebody's job, because that isn't going to happen."

Fullback Carey Davis left the morning practice with an undisclosed leg injury, according to the Beaver County Times.

Rookie wide receiver and second-round draft pick Limas Sweed also left morning practice with a leg injury, the Times reported.

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Sunday, Aug. 3

Safety Troy Polamalu still isn't practicing because of a sore hamstring. Punter Daniel Sepulveda is all but certain to miss the season with a knee injury. Nose tackle Casey Hampton's weight training isn't nearly over.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley are sidelined with sore groins. Woodley sat out the second of the team's two practices. Roethlisberger took part in some 7-on-7 passing drills but skipped the rest of the two-hour workout. Coach Mike Tomlin says Roethlisberger is day to day, but he isn't worried about the injury lasting more than a couple of days.

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Saturday, Aug. 2

Rookie center Doug Legursky re-signs (one-year contract) with rookie kicker Julian Rauch released to create a roster spot for him. Legursky was originially signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent out of Marshall in April, but was released in late June.

The Black and Gold practice twice Saturday, but nearly all of their starters were held out of a morning workout in which rookie quarterback Dennis Dixon, a fifth-round pick from Oregon, took many of the snaps during a 7-on-7 passing drill.

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes leaves camp Friday due to a death in the family but is expected back Sunday.

Guy Junker's Steelers Training Camp Videoblog

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Friday, Aug. 1

Defensive back Ryan Clark was being interviewed by Channel 4 Action News reporter Jennifer Miele, but then he turned the tables and grabbed the mike to go meet some of the fans at camp. (He called out Sally Wiggin in the WTAE studios, too.) Does he have a future career in TV? Watch The Video

The Steelers are pleased with running back Willie Parker's recovery from the season-ending broken leg he suffered against St. Louis on Dec. 20, but they haven't told him if he'll play in the preseason opener vs. Philadelphia on Aug. 8.

"I don't feel no different," Parker said. "Each and every year, you prepare your body in the off-season. You think you're bigger, you think you're faster, you think you're stronger, but at the same time, it's just another year and you're going to set new goals, so it's going to be a whole new mindset."

Morning practice focused on special teams work. Linemen and quarterbacks stretched and got done early.

"Special teams is a big factor," safety Tyrone Carter said. "Last year, we didn't do too good on the coverage unit. This year, we're looking forward to doing better. Special teams is big. It's possession for the offense, and it's gaining possession for the defense as well, so we've got to try and use that field position as well as we can."

Running back Mewelde Moore, the free agent pick-up from Minnesota, is taking reps as the first-team kick returner.

Linebacker James Harrison is getting reps as a gunner on punt formations.

The ESPN television show "NFL Live" is at St. Vincent today. The show is traveling this summer, reporting live each night from whichever team's camp it happens to be in that day.

Short practice this morning. No afternoon practice. Players should be well rested for a 7 p.m. practice which is open to the public at Latrobe's Memorial Stadium.

Video: Guy Junker Reports From Steelers Training Camp Friday

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Thursday, July 31

Sean Mahan and newcomer Justin Hartwig are competing for the starting center position on the offensive line.

“You can’t become comfortable in this league," Mahan said. "The second you do, you’re going to be gone. It’s part of what happens and something you have to roll with. It’s friendly competition, it all stays on the field, but it makes us better.”

“I knew I was going to have an opportunity to compete for the spot and that’s what I’m doing,” Hartwig said. “They’ve told me it’s an open competition. I’m going out there and giving it my best, and that’s all I can do.”

Video:Steelers Training Camp: Day 4

The offensive line is beginning to take shape. On Wednesday, offensive line coach Larry Zierlein said the line is set everywhere but center. That means transition player Max Starks most likely starts the season on the bench. "It's one of those things that's up to the coaches. Once again, guys fit into systems and that's how you see most of your starters in here -- they fit the offensive coach's system and philosophy. We'll see if I fit into that philosophy and system," Starks said.

Starks also said he still considers a starting job on the offensive line an open competition. "Until game one of the season, nobody's considered a starter. Everybody's one play away from being a starter in this league. You don't know what's going to happen -- unforeseen injuries and everything else that happens," Starks said.

The Steelers have signed return specialist and Pittsburgh native Eddie Drummond. A former Pro Bowl wide receiver and kick returner with the Detroit Lions, Drummond spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He had a dislocated finger earlier in the summer. "I always grew up a Steelers fan," Drummond said. "Even when I was with Detroit, they were in the Super Bowl, I was going crazy like I was a number one Steelers fan. It's good to come home. I'm probably going to play as long as possible, so hopefully I can end my career here." Drummond is an East Liberty native and played college football at Penn State University.

Rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed received eyeglasses and contacts for an astigmatism discovered by team doctors. Sweed was unaware of the condition until he took a physical. "I'm happy, I never knew. My eyes are going to be 20/20 and I'll be back in action," Sweed said.

The Steelers have reached an injury settlement with offensive lineman Jason Capizzi, a former player at Pine-Richland High School and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, who re-injured his left foot and will require surgery.

No morning practice today.

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Wednesday, July 30

Rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed had to be carted off the field. Head Coach Mike Tomlin said Sweed had cramps and is listed as day-to-day

Former linebacker Kevin Greene is back in camp, working with some of the players as a volunteer coach. Greene spent three years with the Steelers in the early 1990s, including the team that lost to Dallas in Super Bowl XXX, and also did some pro wrestling. Recently, he has been on the "Pros vs. Joes" television show. Greene said returning to Latrobe has brought back plenty of old memories. "I came back four years ago, had a little fun. I’m here for a week, having a little fun. It’s neat to be back in Latrobe – smell the grass, see the hits," Greene said.

Video: Steelers Training Camp: Day 3

Linebacker James Farrior (hip flexor) did not practice this morning. Farrior did not participate in the team's second practice today but expects to return on Thursday.

Punter Paul Ernster, claimed off waivers on Tuesday to replace an injured Daniel Sepulveda, arrived at camp and practiced with the team. Ernster said he's excited to be a part of the black and gold. "The Steelers are a great organization and a great team. I was really excited to get the call and know that I’m coming out here. I was a little jetlagged this morning but I’m ready to go,” Ernster said. "I'm excited. Especially nowadays with the current roster for training camp, it’s tough to even get into camp as a punter or an extra specialist. I’m just thankful that they’re giving me the opportunity to make this ball club.”

Punter Daniel Sepulveda, out for the season with a torn ACL, liked what he saw from Ernster. "I met him last year. We played Cleveland last year and he was with them for the first game of the season last year. He’s a nice guy and he did well today. I don’t know if he’s going to be the guy, but if he is, we’ll be in good hands,” Sepulveda said. “Obviously the timing’s not the way I want it to be. The thing that hurts me the most is putting the team in a bind. Trying to find someone to hold for Jeff [Reed] and Greg [Warren] and that whole operation gets thrown for a loop. That’s one of the hardest things for me to deal with. I know what the rehab process has in store for me and I’m excited about that. That’s the kind of stuff that gets me fired up. I’m not really worried about that. Just putting the team in a bind hurts.”

Tuesday, July 29

Punter Daniel Sepulveda is out for the year with an ACL tear. More Details

Former Denver punter Paul Ernster was claimed on waivers from Detroit and was expected to arrive at the Steelers' camp Tuesday night.

Morning practice consisted mostly of special teams work.
Video: Steelers Training Camp Practice Highlights: Day 2

Nose tackle Casey Hampton did some work on the side and safety Troy Polamalu ran a little on the side. Both players remain on the PUP list and cannot practice.

Running back Rashard Mendenhall returned some punts and kickoffs. It's possible that the first-round draft pick from Illinois will be used in that return role somewhat this season.

Mendenhall did some work with running back Mewelde Moore, who said he knows his ability to return kicks is one of the main reasons the Steelers signed him as a free agent from Minnesota.

Linebacker LaMarr Woodley said the competition for spots is heating up and he feels it's about to get more intense. The Steelers hope he can step up and play a bigger role this year in his second season out of Michigan.

Video: Jon Burton's Steelers Training Camp Videoblog

After an offseason working out in Los Angeles, safety Troy Polamalu pulled his left hamstring while running last week and couldn't take part in the first two practices on Monday.

"I want to practice," Polamalu said. "But I'll do whatever coach (Mike Tomlin) tells me to do. He's been around a long time. So has (trainer) John Norwig, so I'll defer to them on this. But I want to practice."

Though Polamalu sailed through the eight 100-yard sprints that were required Sunday, the Steelers didn't want to take a chance with him so early in camp. Still, Tomlin said Polamalu "is in great shape."

Polamalu skipped the Steelers' offseason practices, and the traditional training and weightlifting, and went back to working with his former trainer after having knee surgery following the 2007 season.

"I talked with coach because I don't want to do anything against the team," Polamalu said. "They're very supportive of me and the training I wanted to do. I'd trained like that for seven years but, coming off the injury, it gave me an opportunity to take more time to rehab and just train."

Polamalu doesn't believe that training away from the Steelers had anything to do with his latest injury.

"It was very awesome training out there before the injury," Polamalu said. "Things were going very well for me, and I got in very good shape. I wanted to go back there and get back to doing the type of training I did before. I had been doing that the past 5-6 years after the (spring) coaching sessions, but this year I wanted to do it as much as possible. I wanted to make sure I got the most out of it after being injured last season."

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Monday, July 28

Nose tackle Casey Hampton ran on the side during the morning practice, as he tries to get back in Coach Mike Tomlin's good graces and work his way off the physically unable to perform list.
Video: Practice Highlights

Hampton could not finish Sunday's annual running test and is not in what Tomlin considers to be acceptable shape.

"I've done this before with (former coach Bill) Cowher," Hampton said. "Cowher just went about it a different way. I showed up and worked it off. Tomlin just does it in a different way. So, since it's changed, everybody says it's a big deal."

Fans got their first look at the team during the open afternoon practice.
Video: Fans Come Out For Practice

There was a lot of hitting, and Tomlin was more vocal than in his first training camp last year.

"We're not going to be perfect, and some of the things we stressed today didn't necessarily have to do with perfection," Tomlin said. "It was about hustling, it was about communication, it was about finish. I was pleased from that standpoint."

"It's just the first day getting out here, first time having pads on in a long time," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "Things that are easily correctable, nothing that anyone's panicked about. When you set high expectations for an offense and it doesn't live up to it on the first day, I guess you kind of have to move on. It'll be all right tomorrow."

Players said they were ready to go after a long offseason.

"It's our first day back in camp, man. I was tossing and turning all night thinking about it," wide receiver Santonio Holmes said. "I was pretty excited about getting the pads back on, but it's a long way to go and we've got to stay focused."

"For Ben, Santonio, Nate (Washington) and (rookie Limas) Sweed, that's our job -- to go out there and make sure we're in the right spot," wide receiver Hines Ward said. "Every year, Ben's getting comfortable and comfortable, so my job is easy."

"The best thing is being back with the fellas again, seeing everyone's smiling faces, especially you guys (in the media)," defensive lineman Brett Keisel said.
Video: Jon Burton's Camp Blog

Cornerback Bryant McFadden and safety Anthony Smith didn't complete the afternoon practice because of minor groin injuries.

Linebacker James Harrison ran over rookie offensive tackle Tony Hills on three successive plays during a pass protection drill. Tomlin said, "If he (Harrison) doesn't want to be blocked, it's very difficult to block him."

Willie Reid's fellow wide receivers were upset when Smith gave him a hard shot during a non-contact drill, resulting in a brief skirmish. Reid also got into a tussle with linebacker Andre Frazier.

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Sunday, July 27

Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton, safety Troy Polamalu and guard Chris Kemoeatu have all been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and are not eligible to practice.

Hampton went on the list because he failed to finish the annual running drill on Sunday, and coach Mike Tomlin said he was not in proper condition.

Polamalu went on the list because of a hamstring problem, and Kemoeatu's triceps is sore. They both passed the run test.

The Steelers did not say how long the three players will remain on the PUP list.

The annual run test consists of eight 100-yard dashes. Players jog back to the 50-yard line and walk the rest of the way.

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