Steelers camp report: Tomlin reduces wear and tear on players day after physical night workout

On the heels of a physical workout under the lights at Latrobe Memorial Stadium, coach Mike Tomlin dialed back the contact Saturday as training camp returned to its normal weekend afternoon time slot.

After players wore pads Friday night and Tomlin held a rematch of the feisty “backs on backers” pass-rushing drill that initially opens the first practice in pads, he had his players practice in helmets, shirts and shorts.

“The guys gave it to us last night,” Tomlin said. “It’s our intention to work hard in this environment but also to work smart. We did some things to help them with the bounce back.”

Defensive stars Watt, Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick had their participation limited to individual sessions. Inside linebacker Patrick Queen did not take part in team periods, and left guard Isaac Seumalo watched practice while second-year lineman Spencer Anderson got the bulk of the first-team snaps at Seumalo’s spot.

Fitzpatrick hasn’t taken many team reps this week, and that is by design.

“I’m healthy,” he said. “It’s Year 7. I’ve got a lot of miles, and I’m blowing up the GPS when I’m practicing.”

Tomlin had team periods devoted to the run and running the offense in the red zone. The 7-on-7 portion also was devoted to the red zone. It came on a day when practice was delayed because of lightning in the area. It also rained lightly at times during the two-hour workout.

“We have to find ways to make each day productive, but it’s being productive on different levels,” he said. “I like the work we got done today.”

Tomlin anticipates a return to hitting Sunday when the Steelers will practice short-yardage and goal-line situations for the first time in pads.

Tomlin had no new injuries to report.

In one individual drill, cones were placed about 10 yards inside the near sideline, and defenders were tasked with keeping the player with the ball from reaching the open field or scooting along the boundary. One player who participated was quarterback Justin Fields.

“We need offensive guys that can win in that space and turn short into long,” Tomlin said. “We need defenders that can consistently make that tackle and get their first in the air on third down. The fundamental thing is being efficient in the flat. We have to defend the pylon in the red zone, and we can’t get beat in the flat.”