It was back to work for the Steelers on Monday, and with their next preseason game a week away against the Washington Redskins, the focus was on team development.
"Good work getting back into a training camp like setting and continued to move forward and get better," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "I think the big point of emphasis for us is back to Steelers versus Steelers. We are going to focus back on us, against us, developing fundamentals and skill. I liked their approach to it today."
Rookies Nick Williams and Terry Hawthorne were back on the practice field Monday, a welcome sight after they have missed valuable practice time.
"That is encouraging," said Tomlin. "Obviously, they don't have the chance to make the team if they are not on the field, so good for them."
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress had shoulder surgery on Monday morning, and while it's been deemed as a "significant" injury, Tomlin wouldn't say it was season-ending until he receives more information from the doctors.
"That is the speculation, but again, I always hold my thoughts, comments and feelings regarding stuff until I get the official words from surgeons after the procedures," said Tomlin. "I hadn't had that yet."
Tomlin said that tight end Matt Spaeth's surgery for a lisfranc injury went well, but did not offer any kind of timetable on a return for him.
Guard David DeCastro said he liked the use of the zone-blocking scheme against the Giants, but understands that a balanced running attack using the power game is also a necessity.
"You want to have both," said DeCastro. "I think it's nice to have the arsenal to where you can do both things depending on what the game is dictating to you and what the front is."
After watching film on Monday DeCastro said the reviews were decent from new offensive line coach Jack Bicknell.
"He thought we did some good things up front, some good thinks with the zone blocking," said DeCastro. "We just have to keep it going, keep moving."
The Steelers are off on Tuesday, and resume practice at St. Vincent College on Wednesday, Aug. 14 with an evening practice at 5:25 p.m. Campus and the UPMC Steelers Experience will open at 2 p.m. The Steelers will resume their normal practice time on Thursday, Aug. 15 with a 2:55 practice.
