Steelers' Mike Tomlin ‘little bit numb’ over end of season

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin held a season-ending session with media members Tuesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side.

Tomlin opened by appreciating the efforts of his players. But said he’s still “a little bit numb” over the way the season ended and the way it came to a “screeching halt.”

The coach continued to say he’s not in the mindset of “wrapping a bow around 2019” just yet. He said the Steelers must “absorb lessons learned” from this season.

He began meeting with players Tuesday morning. He requires all rookies, practice squad players and those with expiring contract to meet with him first.

About the missing the postseason, Tomlin said, ”When you’re not in the tournament, it allows you more time for that self-analysis, if you will.”

Here is some of what Tomlin had to say:

Tomlin said he could have more of an update on Ben Roethlisberger after a scheduled checkup in early February.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 31, 2019

Tomlin: roughly in a month, Ben Roethlisberger will be evaluated for the next time in regards to a status update for when he can progress in rehab/throwing/etc.

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) December 31, 2019

Tomlin won't be "shocked" if there is movement on the coaching staff but he is concentrating on the players first.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 31, 2019

Tomlin on the QBs:
"(Mason Rudolph) had an opportunity to grow in a lot of ways and get a lot on experience. He missed some time with injury and so forth. But I am comfortable with Mason Rudolph."
(What about Duck?)
MT:"In what way?"
(same way as Mason)
"Um, Mason is the backup."

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) December 31, 2019

Tomlin said Mason Rudolph is the backup quarterback. He is comfortable with Rudolph backing up Ben Roethlisberger.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 31, 2019

Regarding impending free agents, Tomlin said they are "Steelers until they are not."

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 31, 2019

Tomlin doesn't have any updates on Roethlisberger, Tuitt injuries.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 31, 2019

Tomlin on the pending free agents: "All these guys, they're Steelers until they're not. And we mean that."

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) December 31, 2019

Tomlin doesn't expect any upcoming surgical procedures for any of his players.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 31, 2019

Tomlin: "When you're not in the tournament, it allows you more time for that self-analysis, if you will."

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) December 31, 2019

Tomlin said he began meeting with players Tuesday morning. He requires all rookies, practice squad players and those with expiring contract to meet with him first.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 31, 2019

Tomlin said he's not in the mindset of "wrapping a bow around 2019" just yet. He said Steelers must "absorb lessons learned" from this season.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 31, 2019

Mike Tomlin opens by appreciating the efforts of his players. Said he's still "a little bit numb" over the way the season ended.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 31, 2019

One final “Good afternoon” of 2019 pic.twitter.com/Xx55QU04Ei

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) December 31, 2019

Final Mike Tomlin press conference about to get underway in a moment.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 31, 2019