Attrition affecting tight ends as Pat Freiermuth leaves Steelers practice

Already without Eric Ebron and Zach Gentry from the start of Tuesday’s training-camp practice because of injury, the Pittsburgh Steelers tight end corps finished the session at Heinz Field with only two healthy bodies after rookie Pat Freiermuth suffered an apparent shoulder injury.

Freiermuth took part in stretching and individual drills, making a scoring catch in the “Seven Shots” 2-point conversion simulation and another fine catch during a drill matching up against outside linebackers. But he was spotted with his jersey and pads off and his shoulder heavily wrapped soon thereafter.

That meant that only Kevin Rader and recently-signed Marcus Baugh were left among tight ends for about the final 45 minutes of practice.

Ebron has an elbow injury, and Gentry sat out for undisclosed reasons. It’s possible it was a routine day of rest because Gentry suffered a significant knee injury during a game last November.

The Steelers open their preseason Thursday in Canton, Ohio, against the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Mike Tomlin was not available after practice.

Among others missing Tuesday was running back Benny Snell, who was not spotted on the field at all. Snell also was not present Monday.

Starting offensive linemen Chuks Okorafor and Kevin Dotson continue to sit out team drills but work on their own while in pads. Starting right tackle Zach Banner (recovery from ACL surgery) for the second consecutive day participated in a pair of live 11-on-11 snaps but mostly was kept from team work.

Starting defensive players T.J. Watt and Stephon Tuitt also continued to work on their own but not in team drills. Receiver Cody White continues to sit out because of an apparent left hamstring injury. Offensive linemen Chaz Green and Anthony Coyle also remain out.

Receiver Ray-Ray McCloud was a new addition to the injury list. He did not practice Tuesday.

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