Steelers camp report: Back to non-padded practice, Russell Wilson status quo

After two days of physicality associated with fully padded players, Thursday’s Pittsburgh Steelers practice reverted back to “shells.” But coach Mike Tomlin tried his best to ensure that didn’t mean a drop in intensity.

“Attire cannot dictate attitude or approach,” Tomlin said after the Thursday session at Saint Vincent. “We’ve had some really intense practices in pads the last couple of days, and the intensity cannot wean as we wear helmets, so that was a focus of ours.

“There’s still a lot of work that needs to get done. Oftentimes, we just shift our focus to skill development and drills that are less attire-specific.”

After taking Wednesday off following the debut of pads Tuesday, veterans Minkah Fitzpatrick, T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward and Isaac Seumalo were among those who returned and — with the exception of a “half day” by Fitzpatrick — generally carried full workloads.

“Sometimes when we work (without full pads), it allows more people to be able to work,” Tomlin said.

R. Wilson update I

The status of starting quarterback Russell Wilson generally remained static. He took part in individual drills, both throwing and footwork. He directed the first-team offense during 7-on-7 situations. But as he has throughout the full first week of camp, Wilson ceded first-team reps in 11-on-11 to Justin Fields.

R. Wilson update II

Tomlin provided his first substantial public update on rookie receiver Roman Wilson, who suffered an ankle injury Tuesday.

“It’s week-to-week at this juncture,” Tomlin said of the third-round pick who was expected to contend to be the top receiving option out of the slot. “We have him walking around in a boot as a precaution. I’ll give you more information as he gets closer to health.”