LATROBE, Pa. – One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity.
When it comes to Coach Mike Tomlin's favorite sayings, that one is a long-time favorite, and in a low-key way it kind of served as the theme of the Steelers first on-field session of this training camp.
Understanding that what was happening on the pristine grass at Saint Vincent College was a padless session – one of the acclimation days mandated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement – and that the scoreboard at Chuck Noll Field was turned off, and that it really wasn't anything more than a glorified minicamp practice.
Still it involved the starting quarterback wearing a baseball cap instead of a helmet and watching instead of participating. And so, it attracted attention.
Take a look at the Steelers training and preparing for the 2024 season at Saint Vincent College
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jacob Copeland (89) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jacoby Windmon (45) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Duece Watts (85) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Jack Colletto (45) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Marquez Callaway (17) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Devery Hamilton (67) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back La'Mical Perine (38) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers legend Troy Polamalu and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker David Perales (33) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Anderson Hardy (68) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko (96) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kyron Johnson (53) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back La'Mical Perine (38) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard/offensive tackle Tyler Beach (69) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Ward (35) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Ryan McCollum (62) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jacob Slade (79) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Devery Hamilton (67) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Ward (35) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Ward (35) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 25, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
"You know, starts aren't always ideal. But that's like life," said Tomlin. "Russ woke up today, his calf was tight. It was my decision to sit him down today to create a little short-term discomfort for him, not allowing the small problem to become a bigger problem. He could be characterized as day-to-day.
"But on the flip side of that, it was an awesome opportunity for Justin (Fields) and a challenge for our offensive unit to deal with a little adversity at the outset. We all like to start with great fluidity and clean, but football isn't always like that. And so I looked at it as a good thing for the collective, a challenge for the offensive unit, a challenge and an opportunity to get to know Russ a little bit, create a little short-term misery for him, and opportunities for others. And so that's the story there."
Tomlin then described Russell Wilson's reaction to the decision to make him a spectator on Thursday.
"He wanted to (practice), and he was probably capable," said Tomlin. "But I'm getting to know him, and I just chose to create a little misery for him and the offensive unit."
And so for the first play of the first 11-on-11 on this opening day of practice, Fields took the snap and threw a quick pass to Pat Freiermuth.
"He was excited about the opportunity to lead that first group out of the huddle and take charge today. And so we're not painting with a broad brush just yet, or making too many judgments. It was a good afternoon."
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS: The "starting" offensive line was: (left to right) Dan Moore Jr., Isaac Seumalo, Nate Herbig, James Daniels, and Broderick Jones. The No. 2 offensive line was: (left to right) Dylan Cook, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, and Troy Fautanu … Rookie free agent running back Daijun Edwards flashed some burst on a couple of running plays during the padless, non-contact practice.
TOMLIN'S INJURY UPDATE: There was no change to the status of the three players put on "lists" following the team's conditioning test on Wednesday, those being Cole Holcomb and Dean Lowery on the physically unable to perform list, and Cordarrelle Patterson on the non-football injury list. Tomlin concluded, "We'll see what this evening tells us from an availability standpoint in terms of things that may have happened in (today's) practice."
