PITTSBURGH — Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi was a part of the proceedings for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the team’s third season of organized team activities on Thursday.
Ogunjobi is expected to once again be the team’s starting defensive tackle alongside Cam Heyward, and that’s exactly where he was on Thursday, following Heyward in the drill line at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Getting the work in, @Mr_Ogunjobi. pic.twitter.com/aLBA8FqyoH
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) May 25, 2023
The DL getting work in with Karl Dunbar pic.twitter.com/3PkYVXArje
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) May 25, 2023
Ogunjobi wasn’t doing anything this time last year, while recovering from the Lisfranc surgery that ended his 2021 season. In fact, he wasn’t even a member of the Steelers. He signed with the team on June 21, 2022.
There’s hope that Ogunjobi can provide more splash plays than he did in 2022 with a more complete offseason with the team. He played in 16 games, recording 1.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss in 2022.
“I just think that there’s a benefit in him being here and knowing what to expect and having been a lap around the track and going into an offseason where he’s not rehabilitating, coming off a surgery is an exciting prospect,” head coach Mike Tomlin said earlier this offseason.
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The Steelers have upgraded their depth around the starting duo, as well, bringing in second-round nose tackle Keeanu Benton and free agent tackles Breiden Fehoko and Armon Watts.
The Steelers do not release attendance or participation figures for OTAs, but the team has been very well represented in the first week of action so far, including the highest-paid player on the club. The Steelers will wrap their first week of action with practice session No. 3 on Thursday. The club can hold up to 10 OTA sessions over a three-week span.