2018 Steelers Training Camp – Day 6 Recap

After a well-deserved day off, the Pittsburgh Steelers were back at St. Vincent field for their training camp practice, even with the rain making an appearance. As noted by head coach Mike Tomlin in his post-practice interview, referees were introduced for the first time at camp and used at a minimum capacity in this session. Today's storylines include a potential defensive playmaker emerging, another scuffle between teammates, and the evolving outlaw.

So Steelers fans, let's go!

Injury Report

Some good news on the injury front, veteran offensive lineman Ramon Foster was seen making his way to field in crutches, as reported by DKPghSports writer Chris Bradford. After being limited for several practices with a hamstring injury, safety Morgan Burnett participated in today's pad session. Receiver Juju Smith-Schuster was also back on the field after sitting out the previous session with a minor knee injury.  Lastly, cornerback Artie Burns Jr was seen on the field but in a limited capacity, stemming from a groin injury.

The real story was the number of Steelers players out with injuries or injuries sustained during today's session. All-Pro receiver Antonio Brown who was seen in shorts, sat out today's session with an undisclosed injury, outside linebacker TJ Watt continues to be out with a hamstring injury sustained in day four, tight end Vance McDonald was out with a minor foot injury, and safety Sean Davis was out of today session with a minor groin injury. Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver James Washington (left foot), offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva (shoulder), and reserve tight end Ryan Malleck each did not finish today's session with injuries.

News and Notes

• In the 'seven shots' drill, the defense came up victorious, 5-2

• Back in June, hall of fame defensive back Rod Woodson asserted that the defense was in need of a playmaker. Considering the loss of their top playmaker in Ryan Shazier, there were many questions surrounding who would be that next playmaker. In the last few sessions, first-round pick Terrell Edmunds has been showing flashes of his athletic skills and instincts, including consecutive interceptions on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. As reported by Locked on Steelers host Tony Serino, Edmunds made yet another athletic play, this time on running back James Conner.

• If there is any indication of the type of player Edmunds is becoming, senior Steelers writer Mark Kaboly made this assessment of him after only six practices:

• Prior to leaving with an injury, rookie James Washington made the type of catch which gave him national attention during his collegiate days. Washington may only be 5'11, but he is proving to be a deceptively effectively deep threat receiver.

• For the second time in as many days, two different Steelers engaged in a minor scuffle. Today's combatants were defensive lineman Cameron Heyward and offensive guard BJ Finney.

• A player who has caught the eye of Pittsburgh Steelers radio analysts Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley is tight end, Jesse James. Wolfley noted in his post-practice report on Steelers.com, that of all the players he's seen, James has been the one to have made the most strides, citing his performance in the 'back on backer' drill on the first day of pads. Ilkin himself noted his improved blocking (improved hand placement being that reason) and strength in the one-on-one drills.
• Outside linebacker Keion Adams also received praise from Wolfley and Ilkin, described as a "natural pass rusher".  Wolfley even made the comparison to James Harrison, for his ability to dip and use of leverage.

Day 6 Camp Photos

From Steelers.com