Summer nuggets as the countdown to Latrobe continues …
BIG IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER: Running back Najee Harris became something of a springtime sensation based on how much bigger he appeared to be in the eyes of some of the media attending OTAs and Mandatory Veteran Minicamp.
Harris maintained he was 244 pounds, a mere two pounds heavier than he'd been as a rookie.
But the narrative persisted.
Offensive coordinator Matt Canada was even asked about Harris' quads, among other body parts.
"I haven't noticed that," Canada maintained. "That's not been a talking point for me. I'm not surprised, the fact he's in shape and ready to go. That's who he is and that's why we're big fans of him."
The guy who's in-person size raised Canada's eyebrows was rookie wide receiver George Pickens.
Canada even referenced the second-round pick from Georgia as "Big George."
"I didn't notices the quads (on Harris), but if you don't notice how big George is, I mean, he's a freakin' big dude," Canada maintained.
Pickens checked in at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds.
He looked bigger.
ALL FOR ONE: Canada characterized the three-way quarterback battle as a competition of cooperation during the spring.
Free agent-addition Mitch Trubisky took the first-team reps and impressed as a player and a presence, Canada said.
Mason Rudolph and first-round pick Kenny Pickett did the same.
"I just really enjoy Mitch as a guy," Canada said. "He has a real good moxie about him. He's fun to be around. I think he's done a great job getting to know the players and kind of putting his own leadership style out there.
"All three of the guys have done that. All three of the guys are different players but they're also different people, different type of leaders. That's been a real enjoyable thing to watch."
Trubisky emphasized he intends to keep working with his fellow QBs, not against them, when asked about Pickett following one of the springtime sessions.
"He's growing," Trubisky assessed. "He's getting better every day. Any pointers I can give him about the offense, whether it's like a two-minute situation, just continue with conversations, he'll continue to build and learn get better.
"Every single rep when you're new into the league is important and you can learn from. I'm just trying to be that wall he can bounce ideas off of and talk to. Really, any of the guys can come to me and have those conversations about how to get better. I just try to build confidence in all the guys who are here so our team can be strong."
Take a look at the best black and white photos of the 2022 Steelers minicamp
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (25) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Mason Cole (61) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard James Daniels (78) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Edmunds (33) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Kendrick Green (53) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Mason Cole (61) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer (60) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Nicholas Sciba (16) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chaz Green (74) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Tyler Snead (84) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Derrek Tuszka (48) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer (60) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Mataeo Durant (40) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Carlos Davis (73) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Tuesday June 7, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Derrek Tuszka (48) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Derrek Tuszka (48) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer (60) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday June 8, 2022. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer (60) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Thursday June 9, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Anthony Miller (17) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Thursday June 9, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Delontae Scott (50) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Thursday June 9, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Thursday June 9, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Thursday June 9, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers participate in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Thursday June 9, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Thursday June 9, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Jordan Tucker (72) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Thursday June 9, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Tyler Vaughns (80) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Thursday June 9, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.D. Moultry (46) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Thursday June 9, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers participate in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Thursday June 9, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Chris Oladokun (5) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (89) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Donovan Stiner (37) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chaz Green (74), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (69), and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor (76) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Derrek Tuszka (48) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyree Johnson (44) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jace Sternberger (85) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Tre Norwood (21) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Thursday June 9, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
MANY HAPPY RETURNS: Free agent-wide receiver/returner Gunner Olszewski arrived with experience as a punt and kickoff returner for New England and with an understanding of what makes kickoff returns work.
"The guys getting their blocks and keeping their leverage and taking advantage of the mistakes of the kickoff team," he said. "That's what most kickoff returns are, any big ones, mistakes on the other side."
"I've been so impressed with the specialists they have here and the way they approach special teams, it's been awesome. I'm sure it'll click real fast."
The emphasis the Steelers place on special teams made an impression on Olszweski.
That's as it should be according to special teams coordinator Danny Smith.
"That's understood when you come into this organization and it starts with the first meeting and it makes my job easier and I stay on it," Smith insisted. "We were talking to running backs and safeties and I said, 'Najee Harris ain't coming out of a game; where are you getting your caries? Minkah Fitzpatrick ain't coming out of a game. I want you to want to be the staring running back. I want you to want to be the starting safety. Hell, I want to be the head coach, but that ain't happening. So I better take care of my business and you better take care of your business on teams and we'll have a nice life.'"
THE PLACE TO BE: Olszewski was pleased with much more than the attention his new team devotes to special teams.
He emerged from the spring believing he's really going to like playing for the Steelers.
"It's badass, man, if I could sum it up in one word," Olszewski said. "Playing for 'Mike T' (head coach Mike Tomlin) and for this organization is badass."
Olszewski was asked to elaborate but apparently didn't feel the need.
"It just is, man," he said.
