Here are some notes below I have collected from the Steelers Friday mini-camp practice. Byron Leftwich worked as the first team quarterback followed by Dennis Dixon and then Charlie Batch. Cornerback Bryant McFadden worked as the first team left cornerback ahead of William Gay while Gay worked as the nickel back and the first-team special teams gunner opposite special teams ace, Anthony Madison. Andre Frazier worked first team outside right linebacker in place of the absent James Harrison, who was excused for a death in a family back home. Second-round pick Jason Worilds backed up Frazier. Fourth-round Read more [...]

Below are some links to practice reports from the two practices on Friday. The Steelers did not run the goalline drill in the Friday night practice like many hoped. Wide receiver Brandon Williams (hip), running back Mewelde Moore (hamstring), linebacker LaMarr Woodley (knee), defensive tackle Scott Paxson (knee), tight end Sean McHugh (knee), wide receiver Martin Nance (hamstring ) and defensive lineman Ra'Shon Harris (groin) were injured players missing time. http://news.steelers.com/article/107349/ http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/2009/08/friday-odds-and-ends.html http://steelers.dve.com/pages/mikeprisuta.html http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/viewfromthepressbox/show_comments.php?entry_id=4766 http://www.wpxi.com/steelers/20236340/detail.html Read more [...]

Getty images has some of the first mini camp pictures up on their website. They feature a bunch of the rookies.
http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?EventId=86288738

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The Steelers opened their mandatory mini-camp on Friday with everyone in attendance except for linebacker Larry Foote. Foote has asked for his release and thus will not report until traded or released. All players practiced except for wide receiver Hines Ward, safety Ryan Clark and wide receiver Martin Nance. Ward and Clark are still recovering from injuries and there is no word on why Nance had to sit out.

Long snapper Jared Retkofsky did not practice on Monday due to an injured right arm suffered in an off season motorcycle accident. Veteran long snapper Greg Warren snapped in practice today as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered last season. Running back Rashard Mendenhall, punter Daniel Sepulveda and quarterback Charlie Batch all practiced as they return from season-ending injuries suffered in 2008. Veteran wide reciver Hines Ward did not practice on Monday as he is still recovering from surgery to repair his torn left rotator cuff.

Eight Steeler players were absent from the first of fourteen organized team activities on Monday. OTA sessions are not mandatory, but are encouraged by the coaching staff. Of the eight players listed below, most are expected to attend the post draft mini camp on May 1st.

Absent OTA Players

WR Santonio Holmes
S Troy Polamalu
S Ryan Clark
S Tyrone Carter
LB Larry Foote
LB Lawrence Timmons
RB Willie Parker
DE Nick Eason

A little hometown article on undrafted WR Micah Rucker.

Micah Rucker got his first taste of the NFL last week, spending four days in Pittsburgh for a Steelers minicamp.

He caught passes from Ben Roethlisberger. Had dinner with Dan Rooney. Took pointers from Hines Ward.

read the rest

Good article by Lolley this morning in the Observer Reporter about the Steelers comments on the offensive line. Hopefully Marvel Smith is as healthy as he says he is as he will be one of the most important cogs on the line along with the battle for the center position. I would feel much better if the Steelers were to sign one more free agent. Perhaps even Dylan Gandy who was released by the Colts. Also Steelers mini camp wrapped up today with some good progress by Lawrence Timmons. [phpbay]Lawrence Timmons, 4, "", ""[/phpbay] Read more [...]

What is it with these first round picks and hamstrings? Are they not stretching properly? Is it the weather? This is getting tiresome. Hopefully this will not keep Rashard sidelined too long. Hopefully some of the other backs got in some good work today. Tomlin does not seem to be too concerned with the injury, but you would like these kids to get their full share of repetitions early on.

Dale Lolley reports that Purdue WR Dorian Bryant was in Pittsburgh on Thursday night, but was a no show for mini camp on Friday. Bryant has been touted as having some character problems in the past and I am glad it did not take long for them to surface. Bryant was a long shot to even make the practice squad. So get your Bryant stuff while it last!! Come to find out Bryant failed his physical. The Steelers, who did not say why he failed, likely will sign someone to replace him. [phpbay]Dorian Bryant, 3, "", ""[/phpbay] Read more [...]

Rashard Mendenhall post practice press conference

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Hines Ward nor Troy Polamalu dressed for this morning's practice. Ward is still recovering from surgery to repair a partially torn right meniscus, while Polamalu is still recovering from late season knee surgery.

http://kdka.com/steelers/Steelers.2008.mini.2.714202.html

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