Bring on ‘Backs on Backers’: Steelers feel ‘certain excitement’ for first padded practice of camp

There’s not much Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin enjoys more than the annual opening of training camp.

Except, maybe, the fourth day each year at Saint Vincent.

After reporting day and two days of practice in shorts and shells, the Steelers for the first time will put on the full pads for Sunday’s practice on Chuck Noll Field.

“I know this is professional football, but this is no different than college football or high school football or little league football, for that matter,” Tomlin said to gathered reporters Saturday. “All of us who have ever been associated with the game, there’s a certain excitement that first day in pads. I’m sure all you guys who have ever played the game can relate to that.”

Quite a showdown between James Conner and Ryan Shazier in Backs on Backers pic.twitter.com/K2Zj8cZjB2

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) July 30, 2017

Sunday’s practice includes one of the highlights of the camp calendar: the annual “Backs on ’Backers” drill in which running backs and tight ends get to go one-on-one with linebackers, the former blocking and the latter doing their best to get past them.

Although the NFL in recent weeks announced new rules banning some practice drills, Tomlin confirmed Saturday that Backs on ’Backers was spared.

Of course, that early-practice drill isn’t the only one a fully padded session features. Live tackling and blocking along the line of scrimmage also adds spice to the workouts, and it gives coaches better evaluation tools of players.

“Excited about getting these guys in pads (Sunday),” Tomlin said, “particularly guys who are new to us and new to professional football, to see how they acclimate themselves to this environment into more football-like conditions.”

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