Steelers: Pouncey returns, Harrison sits, punt returns

Steelers training camp is officially underway. For the next few weeks the team will lay the foundation for the 2015 regular season. While the Steelers are sweating in the hot Latrobe sun we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Tuesday, August 4^th.

Pouncey activated

Steelers All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey began training camp last week on the PUP list but was activated on Monday and participated in his first practice. Mike Tomlin spoke to the media about what he brings to the team. He was asked if a center could actually add swagger to a unit.

"“If it’s Maurkice Pouncey, certainly. Besides the fact that he’s a really good player, he’s a good leader and a good communicator. That’s a significant component of that position. To create clarity prior to the snap with what he’s able to do above the neck, and then obviously his skills after the snap are what they are.” – Mike Tomlin"

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had Monday off but it definitely instantly improves the offense’s practicing to have the starting five linemen back together again.

Harrison sitting and watching practice

One guy who has been sitting out of practice the entire camp so far has been linebacker James Harrison. The Trib’s Ralph N. Paulk explains that the Steelers coaching staff has a plan to keep Harrison as fresh as possible and even though there may be new defensive schemes to learn under Keith Butler, Harrison will better benefit the team if he’s able to play into the post season if needed.

While on the sidelines Harrison is still able to help his team by providing insight and instruction to his younger teammates. Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward illustrates how the team looks up and respects the 37-year-old linebacker.

"“He’s the old guy, but everyone looks up to him. He’s one of those guys who brought the swag, nastiness and fearfulness. And teams and teammates respect him because of that.” – Cameron Heyward"

Steelers rookie linebacker Bud Dupree is very grateful for the instruction Harrison can give him.

"“James is a great help with it comes to physicality. For someone like me, who has mostly played on the edge, he’s teaching me how to take on different blocks. The blocks I didn’t see in college, (Harrison) helps me recognize them.” – Bud Dupree"

You just know that Harrison is itching to hit someone. I doubt we’ll see him in action for the Hall of Fame game on Sunday, we may have to wait until September 10^th to see Harrison unleash the beast on an opposing player. Something tells me it will be worth the wait.

Brown not with special teams

Mark Kaboly of the Trib broke down Monday’s practice at Steelers training camp in Latrobe and brought up an interesting nugget about wide receiver Antonio Brown. Brown has yet to take one rep with the punt return team during training camp so far.

That may be an indication that the special teams unit is moving away from using the No. 1 receiver to return punts.

“I am not even worried about him. We’ll see. We have viable guys. We will put the best player there, and we’ll see.” – Danny Smith

Brown has led the Steelers in punt returns for the last five seasons but the team has been working with Dri Archer and Eli Rogers so far during training camp.

Next: Steelers training camp: Is Golson done?

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