The Pittsburgh Steelers opened up their third week of training camp on Monday afternoon. However, it was the first time the Steelers' potential Stephon Tuitt replacement, DL Larry Ogunjobi fully practiced. The team signed Ogunjobi back in June shortly after Tuitt officially announced his retirement. Ogunjobi has shown a lot of potential in his 5-year NFL career prior to signing with the Steelers. Especially last season with the Cincinnati Bengals as Ogunjobi set career highs in sacks, tackles for loss and quarterback hits.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, Larry Ogunjobi (#65) participates in the 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
A lot of people had incredibly high expectations for Ogunjobi as soon as it was reported that the team was signing him. With Ogunjobi coming off of foot surgery this offseason, the Steelers showed that they wanted to ease him into everything during training camp. He got his first taste of team-period drills on Monday and he did not disappoint. Steelers' HC Mike Tomlin seemed very pleased with Ogunjobi's first dabble in team drills following practice.
“It didn’t take long for his presence to be felt,” Tomlin said in the media session. “He’s a big man. He comes off the blocks. We’re glad to have him out there and look forward to him getting better and better.”
Based on his play from Monday's team drills, he blew up the play and registered a tackle for loss in the backfield in his very first snap of team drills. It's no secret that Ogunjobi looks ready to go. And he's been vocal about feeling good now that he's back on the field.
“It was just good to get back out there,” Ogunjobi said after practice via Trib Live. “It’s been a long rehab, a long process. I’m just glad to get back out there and do what I love again.”
Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
With his injury from a season ago that required surgery, Ogunjobi just wants to prove the team right in their signing of him late this offseason.
“When you think too much, or when you play apprehensive, that’s when you get hurt,” Ogunjobi continued after practice. “So it’s a lot easier to just go. See how it responds. See how it feels. After that first tackle, you move it around a little bit, make sure it’s still alright. But it felt good.”
The Steelers' defense continues to get important pieces back and they're ramping up for an impressive year. If the health of this defense holds up in the 2022 season, they could rank as high as a top five unit in the NFL.
Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Steelers Nose Tackle Tyson Alualu also made his return to practice on Monday as the team activated him off the PUP list prior to practice.
If Ogunjobi and Alualu can maintain their health throughout this season, the Steelers' run defense should be much improved compared to last season's performance. In 2021, the Steelers' run defense ranked last in the NFL, allowing 2,483 yards on the ground for an average of 5 yards per carry. It's high on the defense's priority list, but if they're going to be a top unit in the league, they have to fix the issues against opposing offenses' rushing attacks first and foremost!
What are yinz thoughts on Ogunjobi's impressive debut in team drills? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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