Running back Frank Summers is hoping to open some eyes against the Lions on Saturday night at Heinz Field in the preseason opener.
Summers played in two games, starting one, last year as a rookie before being placed on injured reserve with a back injury.
"In the business you prove yourself yearly and day in and day out," said Summers.
"They are always trying to get someone to replace you and you have to prove your worth.
"I am looking forward to the game. I think it's a great opportunity to go out and display myself athletically, physically and mentally."
Summers feels like he has made major improvements since his rookie camp and hopes it shows on the field where he is willing to do whatever is asked of him – from fullback, to short yardage back to special teams.
"I want to do what the coaches think I can do," said Summers. "I want to be a go-to guy in more than one situation and help the team out any way I can. I pride myself in being a team guy and wanting to win games and that is what I am here to do."
With more than half of their training camp practices already in the books, Steelers players are looking forward to getting on the field on Saturday night against the Lions and hitting players other than their own teammates.
"Just being in camp, hitting the same guys every day gets boring," said linebacker LaMarr Woodley. "During the preseason you have the chance to see what guys really got, what young guys are going to do in a game situation."
And it's not just the defensive guys who are feeling that way about the hitting.
"It's only been a week, but it seems like forever," said wide receiver Arnaz Battle. "We have been going against our own guys. We have been banging on each other. Guys are excited. It's an opportunity for us to go out and play against someone else and take out our frustration."
It would be tough to knock the smile off of Mike Wallace's face these days. Wallace is still beaming about becoming a first-time dad this past weekend.
Wallace's girlfriend Vanessa Cole gave birth to their daughter Maliha, weighing in at five pounds, five ounces, on Friday night.
"It was hard to focus on practice on Friday night," said Wallace. "An hour before practice she went into labor and I knew what was going to happen. But at the end of the day I had to go to work.
"She was born after practice. I was talking to her while she was in labor. She said she would call me back then and about three minutes later she was born."
Wallace was excused to go home on Saturday and Sunday to meet his daughter and then it was back to work.
"She is so tiny," said Wallace. "They let her go home and we had to put her in a car seat with an extra pad because she was too small.
"It was crazy to just see her. I know I am not here just for myself. I have to look out for her and do things in the best interest of her. I felt like a whole different person. It's funny to think I made her. I see my teammate's kids, but it's different when it's your own. I can't wait to see her again."
