Saturday's storms produced a picturesque day in Latrobe, Pa., on Sunday for the Steelers second training camp practice at St. Vincent College.
"It was a good work day for us," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "I liked the energy. We look forward to tomorrow getting the opportunity to carry our pads and take away the football in shorts element of what is going on here. I liked the energy and the enthusiasm of the group."
The one negative were two minor injuries that hit the secondary. Cortez Allen, who is slated to be the team's new starter at left cornerback, was held out of practice with what Tomlin referred to as "discomfort in his knee." Fellow cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke hurt his left hamstring in practice.
"As we get into camp, we have some minor camp-like injuries we are dealing with," said Tomlin. "That is part of this preseason team building process. We will deal with it. One man's misfortune creates opportunities for others. We'll treat it as such. We'll expect guys to absorb those snaps."
Tomlin didn't have many details on Van Dyke's injury as he pulled up with it late in practice.
"It happened at the very end," said Tomlin. "We haven't even looked at him in any form or fashion. No information in regards to a time table on either guy."
The team will take it to the next level on Monday afternoon, when they have their first practice in pads. Something Tomlin is definitely looking forward to.
"It's like the first day of school," said Tomlin. "It really is. Checking in here and getting on the grass is one thing, but football is a game that is played in pads. (Monday) is the first day of school."
The Steelers practice at St. Vincent College on Monday, July 29 at 2:55 p.m. Parking lots and the UPMC Steelers Experience open at 12 noon. The Steelers are off on Tuesday, July 30, and resume practice on Wednesday, July 31.
