Steelers Training Camp Notebook: Ben Rolls Ankle, Bus Prank Fakes Team OutWTAE-TV Channel 4 Covering Steelers Practices At St. Vincent CollegeUPDATED: 6:17 pm EDT August 22, 2009 LATROBE, Pa. -- WTAE Channel 4 is covering Pittsburgh Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Westmoreland County.Check this page each day. We'll be posting the latest camp updates from Channel 4 Action Sports' Guy Junker and John Meyer.
Thursday, August 20
Wednesday, August 19Tuesday, August 18We've known for a few years that Big Ben has become a big star, but instead of winning the Super Bowl, Ben Roethlisberger captured the inaugural contest in the new reality show "Shaq Vs" that aired on WTAE Channel 4 tonight.Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal challenged the Steelers signal caller, teammates said he got game on and off the gridiron.Ask the Steelers, and they'll tell you, Big Ben does it all."If you watch him play golf, he's good at it. If you watch him play basketball, he's good at it," cornerback Ike Taylor said.When the lights came on for "Shaq Vs," Big Ben showed he can do reality TV."I'm not sure how good he is on the bowling lanes, but everything else he puts his hand on, he's good at," offensive tackle Max Starks said. "He never loses -- at least, in his own mind, he never loses."There's a good reason why No. 7 is so good. When all was said and done, and Shaq took on Ben, Roethlisberger's skills were superior. But according to Ben, the outcome wasn't completely in his control."Shaq said he's got the final edit. So, he's going to edit some stuff out," Roethlisberger said.But O'Neal didn't have the heart to edit out Roethlisberger's 21-14 victory.Monday, August 17It Isn't Easy Being GreenSimply put, Limas Sweed got punked today when teammates put a frog in his helmet. What they didn't know was Sweed is afraid of frogs.Wide receiver Hines Ward called Sweed an easy target: "If you want to play a prank, play it on Limas Sweed."Punter Daniel Sepulveda found a frog. Or, was it Jeff Reed?"Jeff found it ... Jeff definitely found it," Sepulveda said."I don't even know where you find a frog, but they found one on the field and put it in Limas Sweed's helmet," Ward said.Of all the helmets, why Sweed's?"The first thing that comes to a specialist's mind is, 'Let's go put it in someone's helmet.' So, it was just a matter of whose. Their helmets were right in the middle of the field. It was just a piece of cake," Sepulveda said.When Sweed grabbed his helmet and saw the frog, he freaked out and hilarity ensued for everyone -- except Sweed."They definitely got me, man. I was definitely grossed out," Sweed said."I was hoping he'd put the helmet on with the frog in it. Kickers, they didn't have anything to do today," Ward said."Someone should have distracted him, though, so we could try to get him to pick up his helmet and put it on," Sepulveda said.Sweed said he will get the guys back, he's just not sure how.Long Shot Or Long Kick?Draft picks usually have the best chance to make an NFL roster and free agents are usually the long shots, but sometimes, the long shots pan out -- like James Harrison and Jeff Reed.However, Reed won his job in the middle of the season. With four days left in training camp and the blistering sun beating down on the fields of Latrobe, another free agent got his chance today.Second-year kicker Peter Czech was given an ultimatum to make a 52-yard field goal, or the team runs. Czech made the kick and saved the team from running. Unfortunately for Czech, Reed owns the roster spot he would like to take."Thankfully for him, he delivered. (I'd) hate to think what would have happened to him if he didn't. Good day in this misery of weather. Hopefully, it continues in that direction," head coach Mike Tomlin said.Rookie Talent ShowYou may recall, during the offseason, Reed got in trouble for destroying a paper towel dispenser at a local Sheetz convenience store. February 20, 2009: Jeff Reed Pleads Guilty, Will Pay Fine For Sheetz Tantrum Reed's shortfall gave Andrew Schantz great material for last night's rookie talent show. The linebacker did his best Reed vs. paper towel skit, and, apparently, it was the hit of the show."I was kind of uncomfortable at first because I don't know what kind of guy Jeff is," Schantz said. "I didn't want to offend him in any way. We all just went with it. It was all in fun.""(We have) a lot of comics on this team each and every day. That's what makes it fun," Ward said. "The brotherhood that we share out here together, you can never get that in any workplace."Sunday, August 16What Steelers fan doesn't like affable cornerback Ike Taylor? He's even a favorite of team owner Dan Rooney.But now, we like running back Ike Redman, too. Steeler training camp continued today in Latrobe with more goal line drills, and Redman was 5-of-7 -- including 3-for-3 against the first-team defense.The unknown rookie free agent from Bowie State University in Maryland followed the blocking of Frank "The Tank" Summers into the end zone twice on Thursday in Pittsburgh's preseason debut win over Arizona. Summers was thought to be a lead candidate to seize the red-zone running back job.As practices have evolved, he has done more lead blocking in those situations for Redman.Nearly 16 months after drafting Rashard Mendenhall in the first round, the Pittsburgh Steelers still don't know what they've got in the former Big Ten offensive player of the year at Illinois. He remains a big question mark simply because the Steelers haven't seen enough of him. His first preseason a year ago was marred by three fumbles in his final two games.Saturday, August 15The Steelers welcomed the return of Justin Hartwig today. The starting center has been limited in camp with a sore toe, but is expected to play next Saturday against the Redskins. Rashard Mendenhall sat out today's practice with a quad contusion but will likely return to practice tomorrow.Meanwhile, Ziggy Hood has been everything Steelers fans want out of a player -- hard-working, has fun and has a passion for the game. Not to mention, the rookie can dance and sing. The Steelers first-round pick sacked Brian St. Pierre on Thursday night, then gave a little "SHIMMY," saying that will be the first and last time Steelers fans will see the big fella dance after a sack.That's fine, but will we ever hear Ziggy sing again?"I sang 'Hey There Lonely Girl' by Eddie Holman at the defensive meeting ... Coach told me I need to put more bass in my voice," Hood said. "I don't think I'll be winning 'American Idol' anytime soon. It wasn't good at all."Friday, August 14Thursday, August 13Can You Hear Me Now?Steelers safety Troy Polamalu doesn't mind when fans call his house. He'd just prefer they didn't do it in the middle of the night.Channel 4 Action News anchor Sally Wiggin caught up with Polamalu prior to the Steelers' preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals.Polamalu said he's received calls at 4 a.m. from fans hoping to talk to the Pro Bowl safety."They have your number, they may be at a bar drinking or something and 'Guess who's number I've got?' You know? I guess that's the way it works. I wouldn't really mind, but now I have a son. Rest is so precious now, and also during camp, rest is precious as well," said Polamalu.Wednesday, August 12It's In The GameThe Steelers play their first pre-season game on Thursday, but there's also another game on the players' minds.Madden NFL 2010 hits stores on Friday, meaning so will plenty of the players.So which game are they looking forward to more?"I think it's going to be both games. For one, that's kickoff to the Steelers' 2009 season. The Madden game, everyone's looking forward to that, so it's going to be a good day," said cornerback William Gay.Tight end Heath Miller just signed a new deal with the Steelers, but he probably won't be putting any of that money toward the latest installment of Madden."No, ever since they added the quarterback vision or whatever, I had to quit playing. It got too complicated for me," said Miller.The Steelers practiced Wednesday, but camp was not open to the public.Tuesday, August 11Ben Roethlisberger and the rest of the Steelers' starters are expected to play a couple of series in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, which lost to Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl six months ago.Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he plans to keep the offensive starters together, although injuries are making that difficult. Starting center Justin Hartwig (toe) is not expected to play and neither will backup Darnell Stapleton (knee). Former practice squad player Doug Legursky, an undrafted 2008 rookie from Marshall, may start.All four quarterbacks could play in Thursday night's game in Pittsburgh, depending on how the game goes, Tomlin said.Fast LearnerFirst-round draft pick Ziggy Hood has wasted little time impressing his coaches and teammates at training camp.Starting defensive tackle Aaron Smith, who has become a mentor to Hood, says he's developed as fast as anybody."He better, we took him in the first round. Aaron and some of those other guys were four and five [round selections], so he better look like he's got some good pedigree," joked Tomlin. "He's got good football character, he's a sharp kid. We said those things about him when we drafted him."Something To ProveThird-year cornerback William Gay is entering his first full-year as a starter, but Tomlin cautioned those who underestimate his experience."This guy's played a bunch of football for us. He's been starter-like. He's been in a bunch of huddles at critical moments for us," said Tomlin. "Both he and Lawrence [Timmons] have logged quality time on our football team and on our defense. In the press guide they're first-time starters, but it's not their first rodeo by any stretch."Gay said becoming a starter is something he's been preparing himself for since he arrived in Pittsburgh."When I got here when I got drafted, you have to approach the game like a starter. That's your goal -- to start. I've been trying to prepare myself to one day starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers," said Gay.Catch And ReturnRookie wide receiver Mike Wallace will get the first shot at returning kicks on Thursday.Wallace holds Ole Miss records for single game, season and career kickoff return yards.He was named second-team All-SEC as a wide receiver and kick returner in 2008.That season he also set the Ole Miss single-season record for kickoff return yards (861).Running back Gary Russell led the Steelers in kickoff return yards last season, collecting 371 yards on 16 attempts.Santonio Holmes was tops in punt return yards with 226 yards on 34 attempts.Lightning StrikesLightning forced practice to be cut short, but not before a few newbies had a chance to shine.Rookie wide receiver Mike Wallace hauled in a long touchdown pass.Rookie cornerback Joe Burnett also impressed with a diving interception.Monday, August 10Mort Goes To CampESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen arrived at Steelers training camp in a $1.5 million custom tour bus.Mortensen will be touring 21 training camps throughout the summer as part of "Mort Goes To Camp.""I think it's better than the Madden bus. I've got three TVs, DIRECTV, Wi-Fi, surround sound, two Xboxes," said Mortensen.The bus also comes complete with a kitchen, refrigerator and shower.Mortensen will cover between 9,000 and 10,000 miles during his trek.Veteran Center SignedThe Steelers have signed veteran center Alex Stepanovich to add depth to their beleaguered offensive line.Stepanovich was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2004 and has also spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons."It's a huge opportunity, but also it's just a great organization to be a part of. Everybody I've met so far has been first class and willing to help. You love coming to organizations like this and I'm willing to do anything it takes," said Stepanovich.The Steelers' offensive line has been hampered by injuries in the early days of training camp.Starting center Justin Hartwig has been nursing a toe injury and starting right guard Darnell Stapleton, who can also play center, had his knee scoped on Friday and is expected to miss at least two weeks.Doug Legursky and rookie A.Q. Shipley have been taking the majority of snaps at center.Defensive lineman Jordan Reffett was released to clear a roster spot for Stepanovich.Sunday, August 9To this point, the Steelers have no complaints about the weather as they just finished perhaps the most pleasant week temperature-wise in the 43 years they've been training in Latrobe.That did change Sunday afternoon though when temperatures broke 90 degrees for the first time in more than a year for the Pittsburgh region. The official reading at St. Vincent College topped out at about 93 degrees.Sunday was family day at Latrobe, making the heat a little more bearable as the players' families have a chance to watch practice and attend a big barbecue afterward."I got my boy, my little son, his mom and my cousin and a few people on my side of the family. So, I'm letting him run around a little bit," said cornerback Ike Taylor."My wife's coming up, so I'm excited to see her. It's just going to be good to see her," said tight end Heath Miller.Willie Parker, who still has back spasms, Martin Nance, Scott Paxson and Melwelde Moore were not at practice Sunday. The Steelers return to two-a-days Monday and Tuesday. No afternoon practice is scheduled on Wednesday.Saturday, Aug. 8One thing is clear a week into Steelers training camp: head coach Mike Tomlin isn't the same taskmaster toward all his players as he was the first year he took over for Bill Cowher. Much like Cowher did by the end of his coaching career, Tomlin is pacing his use of older players a lot more over these last two years.The Steelers had a full afternoon practice Saturday, but Tomlin gave his veteran players the morning off.The coach worked his young guys particularly hard Saturday morning at practice while many veterans rested from Friday night's workout at Latrobe Memorial Stadium (see below). That decision isn't just about saving the bodies of his older players. Tomlin's purposefully made the decision so his younger players can get more reps for two reasons. No. 1, Tomlin wants to evaluate their talent, and, No. 2, he said the new guys have some kinks to work out."(We're) trying to get rid of some reoccurring problems with our young players so we can move on to new problems with those guys. I just think that that's part of the maturation process, not only of young players, but of the team (at) this time of year," Tomlin said.Tomlin pointed out that another benefit from this approach is the extra practice the younger players get."Everything that we do, of course, (is) fundamentals. Ideally, you like to take the fundamentals to the 11-on-11 football, and that's all we're trying to do with how we're working right now," Tomlin said. "The mornings, in general here at training camp, are fundamentally oriented, they're 40-minute individual sessions with the coaches. That's where we develop our skill, and then, of course, we take it to the stage and compete."By this time next week, we'll be 48 hours removed from the conclusion of the Steelers' first preseason game. Thursday night marks the preseason opener at Heinz Field with an early Super Bowl rematch against the Arizona Cardinals. At least one Steeler claimed the Black and Gold have much work to do before they are game-ready."I think the whole team needs a little bit more work," offensive lineman Max Starks said. "We are getting better and working toward our goals, but we still need to work harder, we still need to get better as a unit. I don't think we're ready to play a game today, but I think, by Thursday, everyone will finally be clicking on all cylinders."Also Saturday, former Steeler Rod Woodson was inducted to the professional football Hall of Fame. Woodson named his good friend and business associate Tracy Foster as his presenter.Friday, Aug. 7The Steelers held their annual night practice at Memorial Stadium in Latrobe.VIDEO: Steelers Practice Under Lights In LatrobePlayers took time to sign autographs for the 15,000 in attendance.A $3 admission fee for tonight's practice benefited the Greater Latrobe School District's athletic program.The Steelers' Super Bowl trophies were also on display at the stadium.Scoping It OutOffensive lineman Darnell Stapleton had his left knee scoped Friday morning and will miss at least two weeks of practice."The surgery today was exploratory. They like what they looked at. They're going to give him a couple weeks and we'll see where we go from there," said head coach Mike Tomlin.With Stapleton out and starting center Justin Hartwig limited by a toe injury, the Steelers brought in two centers for workouts Friday. But both centers, Alex Stepanovich, a six-year veteran who played for the Atlanta Falcons last season, and rookie Alex Derenthal left without contracts.Light It UpA drill between the linebackers and running backs provided some of the hardest hits of the night under the lights in Latrobe, especially the clash between rookie Frank "The Tank" Summers and Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison."I figure if I can go up against him and win a couple of times out of a million, I think that'll make me a better player. I think if I can block him or even get close, I feel like I can block anybody in this league," said Summers."I like some things I saw down here in this drill. I didn't necessarily see it carry over to 11 on 11. I thought they [running backs] won the drill, I thought the linebackers won the 11 on 11," said Tomlin.Still Having FunVeteran defensive tackle Chris Hoke is in his ninth training camp with the Steelers, but that doesn't mean it's any less fun."It's been a week, you're body's starting to get ready for this stuff now and recuperate better and it's a lot of fun right now," said Hoke.Hoke said practicing under the lights and having 15,000 Black & Gold faithful cheering them on definitely helps."It really does. To hear them cheering for you on every play kind of gets you excited for the games," said Hoke.Thursday, Aug. 6Wednesday, Aug. 5Tuesday, Aug. 4The ongoing Steelers-Ravens rivalry is back again for 2009, and the season hasn't even started yet.Players at the Baltimore Ravens' training camp in Westminster, Md., are wearing T-shirts that say "You can bet your sweet ass I hate the Steelers."(See A Picture)(Note - The same company that sells the shirt also sells a Pittsburgh version that hates on the Ravens.)The shirt is a topic of discussion among players at Steelers camp today."I'd hate us too. How about that? It doesn’t matter. That's not the only team we play. We know every game is going to be a physical game. We know they're going to play very good, sound football. We're going to try to do the same. If that's the only two games we win this year, we won't be a very good football team," said safety Ryan Clark.For others, the Ravens were out of sight, out of mind."I don't even pay attention to it," said linebacker LaMarr Woodley. That just goes to show that they're worried about us. We're worried about our first game and that's the Tennessee Titans. We're not worried about playing Baltimore right now. When you focus on teams down the road, that's when the teams you're playing right ahead knock you around."Last year, the Steelers won all three of their games against the Ravens, including the AFC championship game at Heinz Field.In the first game on Sept. 29, running back Rashard Mendenhall took a hard hit from a Ravens player and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.The rematch on Dec. 14 was memorable for a controversial late touchdown catch. Replays did not clearly show if Santonio Holmes' feet and the ball both crossed the goal line, but referees overturned their original call of "no touchdown" and gave the Steelers the points.Gettin' Ziggy Wit ItIt's no secret that the rookies have to take the mic and sing for the veterans at training camp, so Action Sports' John Meyer caught up with first-round pick Ziggy Hood, who hit the high notes for an old school rendition of Eddie Holman's "Hey There Lonely Girl."VIDEO: Ziggy Hood Hits High Notes At Training CampRace For Right GuardSteeler insider Bill Hillgrove sees a three-man race developing for the starting right guard position between Darnell Stapleton, Trai Essex and Kraig Urbik.Stapleton assumed the starting right guard position when Kendall Simmons was placed on IR following a Monday night game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 29. Stapleton filled the role for the remainder of the season, but swelling in his knee has kept him sidelined during training camp thus far.Essex has filled mostly a backup role since being drafted by the Steelers in 2005, but Hillgrove said he views the 324-pound lineman as the favorite to secure the starting job at this point in training camp.Urbik was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2009 Draft, but expecting a rookie lineman to surpass two veterans for the starting job is a tall order -- although it wouldn't be entirely new for him. In 2005, Urbik became the first freshman lineman since 1996 to start at offensive tackle for the Wisconsin Badgers.It's Good To Be BackPunter Daniel Sepulveda may be the happiest Steeler to be back at training camp. After making the All-Rookie team following the 2007 season, Sepulveda tore the ACL in his right leg during training camp last year and was forced to miss the entire 2008 season.This year, he's glad to be back belting the football."I'm back. It's 100 percent. The knee feels good. It's nice and tight, it feels great. The training staff helped me through the rehab process and they were very supportive. The team's been there for me the entire time. "It's just good to be back out here," said Sepulveda.Pro Bowl Snub?The season hasn't even started, but safety Ryan Clark is already campaigning for fellow defensive back Ike Taylor to make the Pro Bowl."I'm letting the whole world know how good he is so he can go to the Pro Bowl. I mean, he follows the best receiver around every week, shuts them down and then doesn't go to the Pro Bowl when he's on the best defense in the whole world, universe -- not just America. I'm talking Canadian football, junior high, rugby, little league, Baldwin-Whitehall, North Hills -- all of that. I just don't understand it," said Clark.Ike Taylor said Clark should've also made the Pro Bowl. Clark then added that defensive end Aaron Smith deserved a trip to Hawaii as well.Injury ReportJohn Legend Visits Steelers Training CampMonday, Aug. 3Watch Guy Junker's Training Camp VideoblogVIDEO: Hines Ward, Ryan Clark Test Skills As Action News ReportersSunday, Aug. 2The Steelers are determined to start their 2009 Super Bowl defense better than their last. Following their Super Bowl XL victory in 2006, the Steelers began the following season 2-6. They ultimately finished the season 8-8 and failed to make the playoffs."You can't take it for granted. You can't get complacent. You got to work the same way you work and remember what got you there. I think last time we didn't do that. I think with the guys we have, having a lot of guys that were here last time, I think we'll do a better job at it this time," said nose tackle Casey Hampton.Saturday, Aug. 1Ben Roethlisberger answered questions at training camp for the first time since a civil lawsuit was brought against him alleging sexual assault, WTAE Channel 4 Action Sports anchor John Meyer reported.When asked if practice in the field was a safe haven, Roethlisberger said, "It's a job and that's what I love being out here doing."Roethlisberger did not answer any questions about the lawsuit. At one point, he told reporters he could walk off the field if non-football-related questions continued.One day earlier, Roethlisberger privately apologized to his teammates for the increased spotlight caused by the lawsuit."It wasn't nothing that was a very long speech or nothing. He just apologized to the team for the media attention that was brought to the team and the organization," said Hines Ward.Ward said Roethlisberger isn't distracted by the lawsuit, saying, "he blocks it out and it's all about football.""It's a tough situation when you get accused of something like that -- put it out there in the media and people judge you -- the court of public opinion judges. That's just the way it is whether you like it or not," said center Justin Hartwig.Ward said the purpose of the meeting was to give teammates Roethlisberger's version of what happened."You really don't know all the stories about it. He came up and talked to the team and gave us his side. He's our teammate, he's like a brother to us," Ward said. "We can show him support and be there for him, and when we're on the field, we don't worry about that."This is the second time in four seasons Roethlisberger enters camp with an off-season distractions looming overhead. In 2006, he dealt with his motorcycle accident. So, how will that experience help him this time around?"Do the best you can and smile and go," Roethlisberger said.Meyer: "The guys said they gave you some support. Is that comforting to know that they're always there?"Roethlisberger: "Absolutely. They have my back and I have theirs."Open Practice At Training Camp
Friday, July 31All players were required to report to camp Friday and take part in the annual run test, which consists of eight 100-yard dashes. Players jog back to the 50-yard line and walk the rest of the way."Justin Hartwig has got a right toe injury that happened a month or so ago. He's a month into the process. He's going to be limited. We feel good about him quickly coming up to speed, but we're going to crawl before we walk," said coach Mike Tomlin."My foot's absolutely fine," said Hartwig. "There's a lot of speculation. I'm 100 percent, I'm healthy, I'm ready to go tomorrow. I haven't had any issues."Coach Anxious Over Casey Hampton's StatusLast year, nose tackle Casey Hampton was placed on the physically unable to perform list after he failed the running test. Tomlin exiled Hampton from practicing with his teammates until he got in shape.On Friday, Tomlin admitted he was anxious to see how Hampton would report to camp this time around."I was curious. You'll always curious about the big men. He's probably the biggest of the big men. It starts inside and up front, and by the nature of his position, that's where he is. He did a nice job, as did a lot of the other guys," said Tomlin.One player who garnered a lot of attention in Latrobe was recently reinstated quarterback Michael Vick.Vick's name has been the topic of rumors involving the Steelers, with Las Vegas odds makers favoring Pittsburgh and New England as the most likely teams to land the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback. On Thursday, Vick said he's "getting close" to signing a deal (More).While the Steelers already have their own franchise quarterback in Roethlisberger, and a backup in Charlie Batch, some players weren't opposed to adding Vick as a teammate."It would be great," said cornerback Deshea Townsend of the Steelers potentially signing Vick. "He's a great football player. No matter what he's done in the past, that's the past. He's served his time."Linebacker James Farrior said he'd welcome Vick as a teammate."I think he's served his time and paid his dues. I think having a player with his caliber and the type of guy that he is, we would enjoy having him around," said Farrior.As always, Tomlin remained mum on any rumors involving his team and Vick."I'm interested in what's going on here, not in talking about potential free agents," said Tomlin. "I'll say this, we'll be prudent and do our due diligence in terms of exploring people who can eventually help us win."Copyright 2009 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. |
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