UNITY TWP., Pa. — Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Montravius Adams and tight end Connor Heyward both went down with injuries as the team continues to have a lengthy list of players that are not fully participating in trining camp practices.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said Adams left with an ankle injury. Heyward left the field after going to the ground awkwardly in a drill with what looked like a cramp, but did not return. Steelers tight end Zach Gentry did not practice but was in attendance. The reason for his absence was not released.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth worked in pads for the first time since missing time with a hamstring injury last week, but only participated in the seven shots drill at the start of practice before sitting out the rest of the team periods.
Kevin Rader took most of the first-team tight end reps with Freiermuth resting and Gentry not in the lineup. Jace Sternberger is the only other tight end on the roster, so the team may be looking for a body over the next couple days.
Diontae Johnson (hip flexor), Tyson Alualu (knee), Najee Harris (foot), Miles Killebrew (pec) were all limited participants. Johnson and Harris do not seem all that far from a full return, though there seems little reason to rush them back to health at this point.
Ulysees Gilbert III (ankle), Marcus Allen (ankle), Genard Avery (groin) and Mateo Durant all didn’t practice. Durant took a blow to the head after losing his helmet in a drill on Monday, but the team has not officially announced why he’s out.
Derek Watt (shoulder), Alex Highsmith (ribs) and Kevin Dotson (ankle) weren’t even in attendance for most of the practice, which is unusual. It’s possible the time change to a morning practice in order to avoid afternoon thunderstorms conflicted with their training treatment schedules.
Derrek Tuszka replaced Highsmith (and possibly Avery) as the starting right outside linebacker. Delontae Scott and Tuzar Skipper worked with the second team. Kendrick Green was the left guard with Dotson out.