LATROBE, Pa. - The Steelers finally got a warm, dry day to work at Saint Vincent College, and with NFL officials on hand to watch, the energy level was high.
"It was another good day's work, very similar to the work that we did yesterday and probably very similar to the work that we're going to do tomorrow," said Tomlin. "We're finding our rhythm in this thing and trying to develop consistency with our techniques and so forth, which are appropriate, but I like the energy and enthusiasm. Guys are competing. We'll continue to put them in those situations to show what they are and get better through the process."
Tomlin provided an injury update after practice, which included wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and tight end Eric Waters.
"A couple guys went down in practice (and) are being evaluated," said Tomlin. "Heyward-Bey went down in a drill against the defensive backs. I didn't see it. I don't know what the nature of his deal is. We'll see.
"Waters has got a lower back (injury) of some description. We'll have those guys evaluated and see if they can come out and get back out tomorrow. We had a couple guys in limited participation that (are) working themselves back into the mix, that being Le'Veon Bell and C.J. (Goodwin). So we'll continue to do more of this. It's been a good process thus far."
In addition, running back LeGarrette Blount, as well as tight ends Matt Spaeth and Michael Palmer, was given the day off as a "maintenance" day.
"We have a lot of young backs," said Tomlin. "We want to give those guys the opportunities. They are taking advantage of it. I like some of the things we've seen thus far. LeGarrette will be back out soon."
Tomlin also addressed the following topics.
On what he likes about rookie DE Stephon Tuitt:
"More than anything (it's) his willingness to work. He comes in in great shape, he's highly conditioned, he's chasing the ball (and) he's developing the skill associated with the position. He's got a ways to go there. They all do. But I like his attitude and approach to it."
On his thoughts on the team's night practice Friday at Latrobe Memorial Stadium:
"It's a change of environment. It's an exciting environment. You can feel the energy of the fans. We like getting on the yellow buses; it takes us back a day or two. It's just a good environment (and) we're going to do similar things, but you have to acknowledge the energy in the place and it's a good thing for our football team."
The Steelers will practice on Friday night at Latrobe Memorial Stadium beginning at 7 pm. Fans can purchase tickets for $5 for adults and $2 for senior citizens (children five and under are free).
Earlier in the day fans can enjoy the 2014 Steelers Fest at Latrobe presented by PNC Bank will occur on Friday, August 1st. Festivities will be set up at the Latrobe Memorial Stadium from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm and will feature games, food, face painting, the Steelers FedEx Traveling Great Hall, and the xfinity Mobile Tour. Steelers Alum Craig Wolfley will be signing autographs from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
