Steelers Sights and Sounds: Kendrick Green Joins in Ball Security Drill
UNITY TWP., Pa — The major excitement from this past week of Steelers training camp was when center/guard Kendrick Green lined up as a fullback. While many speculated that Green playing fullback was a one day thing, he continued to get work in at the position over the weekend.
Friday night’s practice was Green’s first day receiving reps at fullback but now after two straight days of destroying linebackers in space, it is clear that the Steelers intend to give Green a chance to become the team’s fullback after the undrafted rookie free agent, Monte Pottebaum, retired just days into training camp.
On Friday, Kendrick Green had a big-time block on Toby Ndukwe. Then, he caught a ball and took it for 10 yards, but not before having to be brought down by three defenders. To close the day out, he would pull on a block and clear the lane as a lead blocker so Darius Hagans could rip off a 15 yard run after that happened.
Then on Saturday, Green caught another pass, put his shoulder into Tanner Muse, got a hand down to keep balance, and kept going for about 10-15 yards.
On Sunday, Green joined the Steelers’ skill players in practicing ball security during a team drill. As a offensive lineman, the blocking assignments of a fullback will come naturally to Green but as far as running the ball, catching the ball, and protecting the ball, Green still has work to do.
While the chances of Green playing significant snaps at fullback during the regular season are slim to none, it appears as if the team will at least continue the experiment into the preseason.