Aug 12, 2013; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back LaRod Stephens-Howling (34) participates during training camp drills at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Just as quickly as it came, Steelers Training Camp will close up shop this afternoon. No tears to be had because that means we are that much closer to the start of the regular season. There are only three Sundays left without regular season football and we haven’t even gone through the first roster cut yet. Here’s what’s being said about your Pittsburgh Steelers around the block.
Ben Roethlisberger addresses media after practice
Following Friday’s practice, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger answered questions about everything from the offensive line to Dick LeBeau and Larry Foote’s relationship. Ben is excited about the offensive line, and is probably praying a scooch more than the rest of us that they’ll all stay healthy this year, and said that they are gelling and meshing together. Roethlisberger also added that his training regimen during the offseason included untraditional workouts, particularly to strengthen his chest and shoulder area, due to the injury he suffered last season. One of the workouts he took on was kayaking, and said he’s experiencing increased arm strength as a result. Roethlisberger even joked about how no one ever wants to know how close Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau is with his defensive signal caller, Larry Foote but everyone can’t stop asking about him and Todd Haley. You can watch Ben’s interview here.
Le’Veon Bell returned to practice
Actually, both Bell and Redman returned to Steelers practice on Friday, but neither participated in live tackling drills. The Steelers rookie that has shot right up to the top of the depth chart throughout camp without taking any snaps in preseason just yet was said to have re-aggravated the knee injury that kept him out of last Saturday’s game and will probably keep him sidelined Monday night. If it was up to Bell, he’d probably be playing.
"“It’s not too bad, nothing too major. I don’t know the length or period of time, but it’s not as bad as everybody thinks it is.” –Le’Veon Bell"
For anyone who collects football cards, Le’Veon tweeted the debut of his rookie card. I used to collect basketball cards as a kid. Still have a ton of them because although I don’t think they’re worth much, I can’t seem to let go of them.
Strivin' for greatness everyday! Proud to be reppin' the BLACK & YELLOW in my #RookieDebut vid! #Steelers http://t.co/g7ITBpbYVv @toppscards
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) August 16, 2013
Stephens-Howling trying to prove himself in Pittsburgh
Teresa Varley of the Steelers blog describes how the former Pitt running back feels as though he’s starting his career over in Pittsburgh. Stephens-Howling has spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals and knows his best bet to make the roster is with his abilities in the return game and on 3rd down.
"“Every time you get a chance to put something on film you want to put your best work on there. I want to keep improving until we get to regular season. It’s another chance to make the 53.”-LaRod Stephens-Howling"
Anything to help the rushing game from last year that caused me to go through way more of my Xanax prescription than I had intended to.
What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Are you excited for the end of training camp?
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