By Mark Kaboly

Published: Saturday, August 11, 2012, 8:18 p.m.
Updated: Monday, October 22, 2012

Rookie left tackle Mike Adams said the right knee he injured during Thursday's preseason game against Philadelphia won't require surgery, but he likely will be out until after the third preseason game Aug. 25 in Buffalo.

“I'm hoping to play before that,” Adams said.

Mike Tomlin wasn't as sure when Adams will return, saying Adams is “day-to-day.”

Jonathan Dwyer sustained a sprained AC joint and could be back for next Sunday's game against Indianapolis.

McLendon's staying power

Nose tackle Steve McLendon views himself as sort of a new-age nose tackle because of his size, strength, body type and, most importantly, his ability to stay on the field.

“Most nose tackles are first- and second-down guys,” McLendon said. “Actually, I can play first, second and third.” McLendon's sack of Michael Vick on Thursday came in the Steelers' nickel defense. Typically nose tackles for the Steelers come off the field for third down. McLendon led the team with three tackles, two for losses.

Turning heads

Even though Adrian Robinson's debut resulted in only one tackle, the rookie free agent linebacker pressured the quarterback a handful of times, including once when Robinson used a spin move.

“I did it all through college. That is one of my favorite moves. I watch a lot of NFL Films and see guys like LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison. You learn a lot,” Robinson said.

Robinson, an undrafted player out of Temple, felt the first preseason game was a good first step for him in trying to make the team. “I know I want more,” he said.

Patience with PUP players

Tomlin said that the five players on the physically unable to perform list (Casey Hampton, Rashard Mendenhall, Jason Worilds, James Harrison and Max Starks) won't be evaluated until after next Sunday's preseason game against Indianapolis.

Heyward to get reps

Cameron Heyward won't beat out Brett Keisel and Ziggy Hood for a starting job on the defensive line, but that doesn't mean last year's top pick isn't first-team.

With the Steelers' penchant to rotate defensive linemen during a game, Heyward plans to get plenty of reps at left and right defensive end during the season.

“When I go out there, I will be ready to go out there for Keisel or Ziggy,” he said. “When I get out there, I try to worry about my technique and my assignment.”

Watch and learn

Dwyer (shoulder), Adams (knee), Isaac Redman (groin), Andre Freeman (undisclosed) and David Johnson (knee) sat out of practice Saturday. Keisel returned following the birth of his son on Thursday.

Mark Kaboly is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at mkaboly@tribweb.com or 412-664-9161 Ext. 1978.

1. Coach Tomlin, Steelers facing plenty of questions as OTAs start
2. Steelers reach agreement with sixth-round pick Williams
3. Steelers rookie moves on after PSU scandal
4. Steelers might be looking at a youth movement in 2013
5. Ex-Steelers QB Batch learns new form of 2-minute drill
6. Robinson: Steelers’ draft grades well ... for now
7. Steelers ink fourth-round pick Thomas to 4-year deal
8. Undrafted lineman Embernate hopes he can stick with Steelers
9. Steelers’ rookie defensive back Thomas doesn’t lack motivation
10. Robinson: The good, bad of speaking out in NFL
11. Steelers Hall of Famer Jack Butler dies at 85

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.