Larry Ogunjobi’s first practice with the Pittsburgh Steelers began with a thud.

In the opening team period Monday, Ogunjobi shed a block, burst through the line and dropped running back Anthony McFarland for a loss. The tackle brought slaps on the back and cheers from his defensive teammates.

Coach Mike Tomlin also took notice.

“Didn’t take long for his presence to be felt,” Tomlin after the two-hour workout at Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium. “He’s a big man. He comes off blocks. We’re glad to have him out there, and we’re looking forward to him getting better and better.”

Ogunjobi was itching to get back to work after being limited to individual drills in the first two weeks of training camp. The Steelers took the slow approach to Ogunjobi’s return after an ankle injury sustained in the playoffs last year with Cincinnati required surgery.

Ogunjobi signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Steelers in June.

“It was good to get back in the swing of things,” Ogunjobi said. “It’s been a while. Thank God I’m able to get back out there.”

Ogunjobi wasn’t intending to make a splash in his first series. It just worked out that way.

“The best thing is to start fast, but there is a game speed,” he said. “You have to get acclimated, but it felt good to get back out there and get going.”

Also taking part in team portions of the padded practice were wide receiver Chase Claypool (shoulder) and free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (wrist). Tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) and nose tackle Tyson Alualu (activated from PUP list) wore pads but were limited participants.

“The key is not taking any steps backward as we push them toward full participation,” Tomlin said.

Players who didn’t finish because of injury were outside linebackers Alex Highsmith (ribs) and Genard Avery (groin), wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hip flexor) and guard Kevin Dotson (ankle). Fullback Derek Watt (shoulder) and inside linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III (ankle) did not practice.

Because of wet fields at Saint Vincent, the Steelers shifted practice to Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium. It was a makeup of sorts after the Steelers had to cancel their Friday Night Lights practice because of lightning.

Call this session Monday Afternoon Clouds. Players signed autographs before and after practice.

“We’re glad to be back at this venue and entertain the fans,” Tomlin said.

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