Steelers/NFL category, Page 359
First Call: Jim Rutherford keeps trade talk open on Evgeni Malkin, Matt Murray. Bounce back for JuJu? Marte Par-tay in Miami.
The trade action could be swift on Penguins goalie Matt Murray, and general manager Jim Rutherford is letting speculation linger about Evgeni Malkin. That’s how we start Wednesday’s “First Call.” Meanwhile, former Pirates outfielder Starling Marte has started his new chapter in Miami with a bang. Someone is thinking JuJu...
Steelers rookie guard Kevin Dotson can’t contain enthusiasm in return from injury
It becomes apparent within moments of speaking to Kevin Dotson that the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie guard doesn’t lack energy. So imagine unleashing Dotson onto an NFL practice field following a 10-day injury hiatus that stalled his first pro training camp? Then consider that practice session — only his second complete...
First Call: Someone may want Nick Bjugstad? Someone signed Donte Moncrief? Cole vs. Glasnow.
Tuesday’s “First Call” examines some potential Penguins roster movement. An ex-Steeler has a new home. Leonard Fournette gets a swift kick on the way out of Jacksonville. And we look at how Glasnow vs. Cole Round 3 turned out. Bjugstad or Bonino Buffalo-bound? Looking for a team that might absorb...
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin remembers ‘mentor’ John Thompson
Mike Tomlin opened up his remarks Monday not by wrapping up the Pittsburgh Steelers’ just-completed practice but by saying “rest in power to the legendary coach John Thompson.” Thompson, the longtime basketball coach at Georgetown, died Monday at 78. As a native of Virginia in the vicinity of Georgetown’s Washington,...
Guard David DeCastro misses Steelers practice, others limited
David DeCastro continues to be an infrequent participant at Pittsburgh Steelers training camp practices, but coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t sound too concerned. “He’s just dealing with a lower-body injury,” Tomlin said via video conference call after Monday’s practice at Heinz Field. “We’re managing it, he’s managing it. Hopefully he will...
With improved offense in 2020, could Steelers defense make even more ‘splash’ plays?
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense led the NFL in sacks and turnovers during the 2019 season. Imagine what it could do if the opposing offenses had to revert to taking chances, throwing more or went into desperation mode to come back? The Steelers managed 54 sacks and 38 takeaways last season....
‘Missed’ by teammates, Ryan Shazier’s role with Steelers less prominent in 2020
The highest-profile unofficial assistant position coach in the NFL is no more — at least not for now. A familiar sight in the team’s practice facility and practice fields the past two years, Ryan Shazier has not been taking part in Pittsburgh Steelers training camp this season. A combination of...
Bud Dupree has ‘bittersweet’ feelings about possibly playing final season with Steelers
Bud Dupree signed a franchise tag tender that will pay him $15.8 million this season. Then, he filed a grievance in hopes of convincing an arbitrator his tender should be $17.78 million. But those salary figures are peanuts compared to the numbers the Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker joked Monday were...
Mark Madden: Ben Roethlisberger will be AFC North’s best quarterback, not worst
Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum says Ben Roethlisberger might be the fourth-best quarterback in the AFC North. “I would rather see the ball in the hands of Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield or even Joe Burrow,” Tannenbaum said on ESPN. While he was the New York Jets GM, Tannenbaum drafted...
Madden Monday: Steelers are ‘9-7 team, 10-6 at best.’ Penguins have a potential move bigger than Kasperi Kapanen trade.
In this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden and I talk about the Steelers outlook in 2020, the Penguins looming offseason, and the Pirates at the Major League trade deadline. Mark isn’t lacking for opinions on any front. “I see the Steelers as a 9-7 team. 10-6 at best,” Madden...
Tim Benz: Steelers lineman Stefen Wisniewski deserves praise for his team-first approach
If new Steelers guard Stefen Wisniewski misses any time during training camp with an undisclosed “upper body injury,” I’m going to assume it’s a badly bitten tongue. Because for a guy who has a right to complain, he sure isn’t saying anything. The Penn State and Central Catholic alum signed...
Steelers sign another former Penn State receiver, DeAndre Thompkins
The Pittsburgh Steelers added a former Penn State wide receiver to their roster for the second time in three days, announcing the signing of DeAndre Thompkins on Sunday. Tompkins left Penn State tied for fourth in school history with two punt-return touchdowns and 21st in career receiving yards (1,245). The...
Stefen Wisniewski ready for whatever Steelers throw at himVideo
Driving across the Fort Pitt Bridge as he heads to work each day at Heinz Field brings a smile to the face of Stefen Wisniewski. It reminds him of his daily commute to Central Catholic more than a decade ago. The South Fayette native would pass through the Fort Pitt...
Steelers’ Cameron Heyward, Vince Williams want to be part of solution in social justice reform
Pittsburgh Steelers players stood in silence on the Heinz Field grass Friday night, arms interlocked while coach Mike Tomlin spoke for them about the social injustice issues taking place in the country. It’s a cause that has unified sports teams and leagues against police brutality and racial inequality. On Saturday...
Mom, dad won’t be able to attend Watt football reunion when Steelers play Texans
When the NFL schedule was released a few months ago, the Watt family circled the date Sept. 27. With the Houston Texans visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field that day, it would be the first time all three Watt sons would occupy the same football field. That was made...
Steelers simulate road conditions during rainy Heinz Field scrimmage
The Steelers turned on the lights and simulated game conditions Friday night at Heinz Field amid a steady rain coach Mike Tomlin embraced. In little more than two weeks, the Steelers will open the regular season at the New York Giants, so Tomlin used the occasion to simulate road conditions...
Mike Tomlin, Steelers speak up about social unrest prior to night scrimmage at Heinz Field
After remaining silent for two days while other NFL teams displayed signs of unity against social injustice, the Pittsburgh Steelers took their turn in the spotlight Friday night with coach Mike Tomlin delivering a strong message before a scrimmage at Heinz Field. Flanked by team president Art Rooney II and...
Lawsuit settled over misuse of Terrible Towel trademark on masks
The foundation that owns the Terrible Towel trademark has settled a lawsuit it filed last week against an Indiana County shop that had been marketing “The Terrible Mask” pandemic face coverings. On Friday, the Eamon Foundation, which previously operated as the AVS Foundation — part of the Allegheny Valley School...
Diminutive CB Mike Hilton brings big value to Steelers
He is, arguably, the smallest player on the roster, but Mike Hilton was talking big Friday. Hilton’s warm smile, demure demeanor and soft voice belied some of the things the Pittsburgh Steelers’ veteran slot defensive back was saying with relative nonchalance. “With my run-stopping ability, I’m one of the best,”...
Steelers, ex-PSU OL Stefan Wisniewski: ‘The Big Ten is going to look really stupid not playing’
Late during a 10-minute video conference call with media that mostly dealt with his role on the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line this season, Stefan Wisniewski cracked a smile. It was one part incredulity, one part an attempt at restraint. “I don’t know how to say this without offending lots of...
Steelers bring back former Penn State WR Saeed Blacknall
Seven days after releasing him, the Pittsburgh Steelers brought back former Penn State wide receiver Saeed Blacknall. The Steelers announced the signing of Blacknall on Friday. In the corresponding move, they released undrafted rookie outside linebacker James Lockhart. The Steelers were up to seven outside linebackers on the 80-man camp...
Fantasy Sports podcast: QB draft strategy. Sliding RBs atop the board. ‘Stacking’ debates.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this column. This will be my last post. I mean, after drafting two absolutely perfect fantasy football teams on back-to-back nights, I am already counting my winnings as I fully expect to roll through my leagues undefeated. I will no doubt win dozens — if not...
Will the Giants play their opener against the Steelers? Saquon Barkley won’t rule out boycotts.
Of course, Steelers fans want to get off to a 1-0 start against the New York Giants. They don’t want it to happen this way, though. On Thursday, New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley said he and his teammates aren’t ruling out the possibility of boycotting games this...
First Call: Steelers, Ravens considering Clowney? Nebraska players sue Big Ten.
Friday’s “First Call” starts with an unlikely free-agent target for the Pittsburgh Steelers. A former Steelers coach makes some headlines discussing our nation’s civil unrest. The Big Ten is getting sued over its football cancellation. And an honor for Tony Dungy that may help the late, great Bill Nunn’s legacy....
Eric Ebron (illness) misses Steelers practice, Anthony McFarland leaves early
As Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin went into the injury-listing portion of his post-practice remarks Thursday, he rattled off about a dozen names. “It’s the dog days of summer,” Tomlin said. “That’s just how it is.” Fortunately for the Steelers, Tomlin did not indicate any of the injuries are serious....
