Something resembling normalcy returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, as 76 players strapped on a full practice uniform for the first padded practice of 2020. But four starting-caliber players were not taking part in the workout at Heinz Field.
Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey was excused for personal reasons and guard David DeCastro, receiver James Washington and defensive lineman Chris Wormley did not participate because of injury, coach Mike Tomlin said during a post-practice video conference call with media.
Of the three with injuries, Tomlin called them “minor physical ailments that could be described as day to day.
“Fully expect all three of those guys to be full participants here in a short number of days,” Tomlin added. “But we did actually kind of exercise that precaution today.”
Wormley missed at least some time during prior workouts, per team-provided photos released after practices last week. Monday was the first day of training camp that media was permitted view practice, although there are restrictions on what can be reported.
Tomlin did not offer any specifics on Pouncey’s absence.
“We will be of support to him,” Tomlin said, “and hopefully he will back to us here in a short period of time, as well.”
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