Coach Tomlin Press Conference: Surprises On The Medical Side

October 28, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Mike Adams (76) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Washington Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (97) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Late Friday, Coach Tomlin addressed the media after the team checked into camp and went through the usual conditioning test. There was better news than expected. Tomlin started out by saying four players would be on the PUP list for the start of training camp. At first, you would think it would be of course Heath Miller, Sean Spence, Mike Adams, and maybe even Ben Roethlisberger. Good news came, as Tomlin listed off Heath Miller (Knee), Sean Spence (Knee), David Johnson (Knee), and Alameda Ta’amu (Hamstring), which saw no Ben Roethlisberger or Mike Adams.

When Tomlin was asked what level Adams will be able to practice at, he responded, “he was given full clearance.” This is great news as there was concern whether or not Adams would return during training camp at all. This is a good sign for the young offensive line because the more time they have to jell, the better.

Regarding Ben Roethlisberger, Coach Tomlin said,

"You know, he’s got a little of discomfert, but that won’t stop him from doing what he needs to do. The nature of his position is not one that requires a great deal of running, so it’s less of an issue for us, but more of a personal issue probably for him, but he’ll be fine.”"

Like we figured, the media blew this way out of proportion back in June. We should figure to see Ben participating in everything he usually would, by the sound of Mike Tomlin.

To me, some of the better news today was that no players failed the conditioning test, but one came close. Very recently, Ed Bouchette sent out this tweet shown below:

With Marcus Gilbert projected to be Roethlisberger’s blindside protector, this is not good news, as usually the left tackle needs to be a more athletic player. It is very important that Gilbert gets in shape  as soon as possible, so the young offensive line can play to the best of it’s ability.

Coach Tomlin did not state the conditions of the members on the PUP list, so it will be interesting to track their progress through training camp.

Like his first tweet today that has gotten him 43K followers and counting, Coach Tomlin’s press conference was short and sweet, but had a lot of important info. Today the Steelers embark on their journey they will hopefully attain the most coveted prize, the Lombardi Trophy. Here’s to good health!

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