The Pittsburgh Steelers broke out the pads for the final time at training camp Wednesday, but three members of the team’s draft class were not a part of the hard-hitting workout.
The most notable absence was first-round draft pick Devin Bush, who was in uniform but watched practice while sporting a floppy hat. Fifth-round pick Zach Gentry had his ribs taped, and sixth-rounder Sutton Smith continued his extended absence from contact.
Coach Mike Tomlin did not describe the nature of the injuries to Bush and Gentry other than to say they were being “evaluated.”
With the second preseason game looming Saturday night against Kansas City, Tomlin would like to see the injured players in general and the rookies in particular return to participation.
“It’s important,” Tomlin said, “because time is getting tight.”
Asked if Smith, who has missed at least a week of practice, is falling behind, Tomlin simply said, “Yes.”
Backup guard/center B.J. Finney exited practice Wednesday with heat-related symptoms. Finney already had been subbing for center Maurkice Pouncey (back).
Tomlin said Pouncey “probably” will return Thursday when the Steelers practice without pads. It will be the final practice at Saint Vincent before the team breaks camp. Tomlin said inside linebacker Vince Williams (hamstring) is “getting close,” and categorized guard David DeCastro (undisclosed) and cornerback Joe Haden (ankle contusion) as “day-to-day.”
Cornerback Sean Davis (finger) went through his first padded practice since the Steelers donned pads on the third day of camp. Donte Moncrief (finger) also practiced for the second day in a row as did cornerback Artie Burns and wide receiver Diontae Johnson. All three sat out the preseason opener.
