The Pittsburgh Steelers opened up OTA's on Tuesday afternoon with their first voluntary practice as a complete team. But the big question mark that still remains is when we're going to see Stephon Tuitt rejoin his teammates. That didn't happen on Tuesday. And honestly that has to be very disappointing for the Steelers and his teammates.
Oct 28, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) and defensive end Tyson Alualu (94) react during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
While this workout is voluntary, the NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year TJ Watt was at practice. Najee Harris was at practice. Minkah Fitzpatrick who is expected to get a new contract by September was at practice. Tuitt's best friend on the team Cam Heyward was at practice.
Following the Draft back on May 5th Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert touched on the return of Tuitt while joining 93.7 The Fan Pittsburgh.
“I think that we have always given him the space he needs to maneuver through his knee injury. Of course, he had a personal issue that he was working his way through, and we’ve supported them. We’ve been in communication. It’s all been positive. But again, once you miss a season like that, you have to determine what kind of player will be coming back, and that’s what we’re anxious to see. And again, we’re going to support that the whole time.”
How long is too long of a wait for Tuitt? While the Steelers know a lot more about his situation than any of us, you can't help but feel that they have to be concerned to still not have Tuitt at practice. He's now been away from the team for almost a year.
#Steelers defensive linemen at OTAs... @937theFan pic.twitter.com/2BcibgFD15
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) May 24, 2022
Tyson Alualu just confirmed to me that Stephon Tuitt is not here at OTAs, but seems optimistic that Tuitt will play this season. #Steelers @937theFan
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) May 24, 2022
