Kevin Dotson, Stephon Tuitt, others limited as Steelers open camp, but none on PUP list

Of the 90 players who opened 2021 training camp on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, none earned the “physically unable to perform” tag. But that doesn’t mean everyone was going full-bore during Thursday’s first practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

Mike Tomlin confirmed that guard Kevin Dotson, defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt, linebacker Devin Bush and tackle Zach Banner were, to varying degrees, limited in their participation.

Of Dotson, the second-year player who is pegged to start at left guard this season, Tomlin said: “We were taking care of him. He’ll get a day or two (off). He should be fine. I think he tweaked a little something, but it’s not anything of any concern whatsoever from a big-picture perspective.”

Bush and Banner each are recovering from suffering torn ACLs suffered during games early last season. Each was present and working Thursday, but Tomlin said the team “will be thoughtful” about their usage early in camp ramping up to the regular-season opener Sept. 12 at the Buffalo Bills.

“Both guys have worked their tails off,” Tomlin said after Thursday’s practice. “It’s great to see them back out here and working. We will just continue to be thoughtful of the reps we give them. Today was a big day for them to get back out, put jerseys on and be with their teammates. But we will be thoughtful about it through the journey and have good days and continually push them forward to Sept. 12.”

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