Each day of Steelers training camp, the Trib rounds up some things to pay attention to during practice at Saint Vincent:
WHAT TO WATCH
Last tuneup: Thanks to an off day Monday and a game Friday, the Steelers have only two practices this week on campus, and they will wrap up the short week Wednesday. Expect coach Mike Tomlin to give extended playing time to the younger players on the roster – the ones who will be taking the bulk of the snaps in the preseason opener against Tampa Bay.
Who’s left?: The Steelers had almost as many starters out – or leave practice early because of injuries – as they did on the field Tuesday. Among the players who departed early were left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, outside linebacker Bud Dupree and wide receiver Donte Moncrief. Safety Sean Davis, center Maurkice Pouncey and inside linebacker Vince Williams already were injury absences. Ramon Foster had the day off, and Cameron Heyward missed practice because of the birth of his daughter. It makes little sense for players to rush back from injuries for one day of practice, particularly when most starters play only sparingly in the preseason opener.
Roster management: Tomlin will detail his plans for the preseason opener prior to practice. Although he might not name a starting quarterback, Joshua Dobbs and Mason Rudolph figure to be center stage when the Steelers hit the field for practice. They figure to get most of the work against the Buccaneers, although fourth QB Devlin Hodges also could factor into the rotation.
Practice time: 2:55-5 p.m., Chuck Noll Field
