For the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first practice of training camp at Heinz Field, the man who has played more games there than anyone was not present.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was not on hand at Monday’s workout. Coach Mike Tomlin said it was “for personal reasons.”
“He’s been excused by me,” Tomlin told reporters after practice. “We’re looking forward to getting him back (Wednesday). “Other guys working their way back, getting back to us, we expect those guys to be back in a short number of days.”
Over the latter years of Roethlisberger’s career, he typically has approached training camp by practicing fully one day, in a limited capacity the next and then taking an off day. Tuesday was the fifth practice of camp, meaning that pattern dictated he would be on “half” duty if he was in strict adherence to it.
But the Steelers were off Monday, and with Wednesday being the first practice of camp to feature pads and have fans on hand in the stands, Roethlisberger could be ready for a full day of work to mark the occasion.
Among the other regulars who were limited to various degrees Tuesday were outside linebacker T.J. Watt, defensive linemen Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu, inside linebacker Devin Bush and starting offensive linemen Kevin Dotson, Chuks Okorafor and Zach Banner.
All have been doing limited work throughout he first week of camp.
Of the starting offensive tackle duo of Okorafor and Banner — the latter of whom is coming off a torn ACL — Tomlin was asked if fans or media will see either will take part in team drills before the Aug. 5 Hall of Fame Game preseason opener.
“You very well may, certainly,” he said.
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