Daily camp report: NT Tyson Alualu practices for 1st time since fracturing his ankle last year

For the first time since he fractured his ankle in the second game last season, Tyson Alualu was on the practice field and taking part in team portions of practice with his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates.

The 35-year-old nose tackle, who was activated from the physically unable to perform list earlier in the week, took part in the final practice Thursday before the Steelers open the preseason Saturday against Seattle.

“You always want to be out there with the guys, building and jelling well at practice so it carries over into games, so it is a little frustrating,” Alualu said before practice.

Alualu’s practice debut was delayed by two weeks because the Steelers didn’t rush his return from surgery that ended his season after two games last year.

“There have been no setbacks since I got here,” Alualu said. “It’s getting a lot better. I’m being smart about it so there won’t be setbacks.”

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hip flexor) returned to practice, but Chase Claypool (shoulder) was a bystander. Tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) also was a full participant. Zach Gentry (shoulder) also didn’t participate.

At running back, the Steelers were down to three healthy players: Anthony McFarland, Jaylen Warren and Master Teague III. With injuries to Najee Harris, Benny Snell and Mataeo Durant, they could be the only healthy runners available against Seattle.

“I’m really interested to watch them in a stadium,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “Ball security is a component of that position. It’s non-negotiable. You get those guys in the stadium and get a chance to see their second effort in a game-like circumstance. They need to do those things while safe-guarding the football.”

To that point, the Steelers had the running backs work on ball security in a one-on-one open-field tackling competition with the defensive backs.

With Kevin Dotson sitting out with an ankle injury, Kendrick Green is in line to start at left guard in the preseason opener. Tomlin said the first-team offensive line will play a quarter against Seattle but left it open for individuals to get more playing time, if required.

Two newcomers joined the Steelers in time for practice: outside linebacker Hamilcar Rashed Jr. and wide receiver Christian Blake. Rashed was claimed off waivers from the New York Jets on Wednesday, and Blake was signed to take the spot of injured receiver Javon McKinley.