Practice report: July 30

LATROBE, Pa. – It was a big day at Saint Vincent College. With the NFL observing a league-wide initiative titled “Training Camp: Back Together Saturday” the Steelers opened their version of the festivities by announcing on campus that Myron Cope, Sam Davis, Ray Mathews, and Heath Miller will make up the 2022 Class of inductees for the team’s Hall of Honor. And then before the start of the day’s scheduled 1:55 p.m. practice, Coach Mike Tomlin addressed what was the biggest crowd so far this summer to watch the team practice.

“As we work to be a team that we all want to be this year, we got this league initiative called, Back Together Saturday, and we just wanted to take a pause not only as the Pittsburgh Steelers but as members of the National Football League to thank all of you who put so much energy and passion into supporting us,” Tomlin said into a microphone from the 50-yard line at Chuck Noll Field. “You are a driving force for us. Hopefully we entertain you today and get better, make a few plays, and have some fun.”

After the two-hour session ended, Tomlin met the media, and it was clear he still was energized by the crowd that turned out for a weekend practice on a perfect summer day to watch the Steelers in their return to their long-time summer home after a two-year absence because of the pandemic.

“We’re just so excited to be back in this environment and to feel supported by the fans. I’d be remiss if I didn’t open up with that,” Tomlin told the media. “We had an opportunity to get better today. Thankfully, today is the last day of acclimation (practice in helmets and shorts), and so we’re pushing more towards some real football. Next time you guys see us we’ll be carrying full pads, and that’s just a significant component. of this process. Now we’ll get an opportunity to stop speculating and started looking at the realities of play.”

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