Given the adjustments made to the training camp environment because of the coronavirus pandemic, Mike Tomlin has talked about the need for the Pittsburgh Steelers to be “light on their feet” in case unforeseen issues arise.

Those collective feet were put to the test Tuesday when the threat of rain and lightning caused the Steelers to move practice from Heinz Field to the indoor facility at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

The Steelers already had to cut short practice Saturday night because of lightning.

“We didn’t want to combat that today,” Tomlin said. “We lost part of a day recently. It also gave us an opportunity to move this group and change locations and still adhere to covid protocols that come with transportation.”

This time, the change occurred before a scheduled day off for the players. The Steelers got in a 90-minute workout while wearing helmets and shells.

Center Maurkice Pouncey returned to practice following an absence of several days to attend his grandmother’s funeral. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger also practiced after being given the day off Monday.

Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster sat out for a second day a row in what was characterized on the official pool report as a day off.

Others players who missed practice were guard Kevin Dotson (knee), safety Terrell Edmunds (undisclosed), wide receiver Anthony Johnson (leg), wide receiver Diontae Johnson (calf), running back Wendell Smallwood (shoulder), defensive end Chris Wormley (shoulder) and guard Chuks Okorafor (groin). Offensive lineman Jarron Jones also did not practice with an undisclosed injury, and tight end Vance McDonald was given the day off.

Players suffering injuries while practicing on the turf surface were wide receiver Ryan Switzer (foot), running back Kerrith Whyte Jr. (groin) and cornerback Alexander Myres (groin).

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)