Steelers OLB Melvin Ingram Missed Practice Friday with Injury, Not Because of Trade Request

PITTSBURGH — Reportedly disgruntled outside linebacker Melvin Ingram did not practice on Friday, head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed to the media after the team’s final workup for the Cleveland Browns at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex completed, but his absence was because of his groin injury, and not his reported request for a trade, Tomlin said.

Tomlin did acknowledged that Ingram has come to him with concerns about playing time, but did not confirm whether he has formally requested a trade, as was reported by NFL Network on Thursday.

“I’ve had some conversations between me and Melvin, but I’ll leave those between he and I,” Tomlin said. “The reason he didn’t work today is because of his groin.”

As to whether or not the Steelers would trade Ingram, Tomlin said he preferred not to discuss such matters.

He did say that he does not envision a greater role for the team’s fourth outside linebacker, Derrek Tuska, which would be an indication that he expects Ingram to be available.

“He’s primary been a special teams guy and I don’t expect that to change this weekend,” Tomlin said.