The Pittsburgh Steelers took to the practice field at St. Vincent College on Saturday in a padded practice on the heels of Friday Night Lights. After missing Friday night’s practice for festivities at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media following Saturday’s practice. Asked several questions by those in attendance, e are ready for another players mentioned article. Remember these are players where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period.

Kendrick Green

The Steelers former starting center went from reviled to endeared by fans simply by lining up at a different position in the backfield. Coach Tomlin was asked about Green’s position flexibility and what he’s done at H-back the last few days.

“You know he’s done some nice things, but it’s not new to him. We really discovered it late last season in preparation for Baltimore when he was representing that big fullback for them. That guy’s a unique guy. And so, we asked KG (Kendrick Green) to provide a quality look for us, and he really did and so we just kind of put that in a hip pocket. In an environment like this man, we want to see what guys are capable of doing adding to their cause and ours, and he’s shown some flexibility there.”

In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked if Green is a viable option to line up in this position in a game.

“Small sample size.”

Minkah Fitzpatrick

After missing several days due to an excused personal issue, Minkah Fitzpatrick re-joined the Steelers on Saturday. Coach Tomlin was asked if it would take a couple days for Fitzpatrick to get up to full speed.

“Yeah, he’s back and in a short period of time you’ll see him up and running in full capacity, I’m sure.”

Damontae Kazee

Another safety who has missed time but due to injury is Damonte Kazee who did have his helmet on Saturday but did not participate. Coach Tomlin was asked if it’s the same situation of taking a few days to get up to full speed as it is with Fitzpatrick.

“Not so much, not so definitive there.”

Mitch Trubisky

Last year the Steelers had a three-way quarterback battle throughout training camp but this year the roles are much more defined. Coach Tomlin was asked how much comfortability it gives him to have Mitch Trubisky with the second team.

“Comfort is not something we see. It’s just not, this is not a comfortable business. You better not be in the team development atmosphere, using words like comfort. We’re leaning into it, there’s urgency, regardless of roles. This stuff is fluid, it is if you think it’s not, you’re kidding yourself. That’s why we’re here.”

Darnell Washington, T.J. Watt, & Nick Herbig

The Steelers have set up some very interesting matchups in their back on backers drill, particularly with rookie tight end Darnell Washington. Coach Tomlin was asked about having Washington go up against T.J. Watt again and not having the same success and if that is part of the learning process with him.

“He’s doing a good job of representing the skill set and putting quality effort on top of quality effort and that’s what’s important in this thing. You’re going to have some good days and can you stack them, and he appears to be doing some of that and that’s encouraging. Let’s hope it continues.”

In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked about the matchup between Darnell Washington and Nick Herbig and if it’s fun to watch them since they have two different body types and skill sets.

“No doubt, both guys are really urgent. Just by virtue of what it is, those two guys are going to
come together time to time. Just really enjoying the competitive atmosphere that those type
matchups provide us.”

Kwon Alexander

Only being with the Steelers for a week, linebacker Kwon Alexander has already made an impact during practice. Coach Tomlin was asked if Alexander has been what he thought he would be and how he has been integrated into the group.

“He’s doing a really good job. He’s vocal, he’s urgent, he’s competitive. You feel his experience. It’s going to be fun to watch that group continue to sort itself out.”

Jaylen Warren

Last year, Jaylen Warren was the camp darling who showed what he could do and made the Steelers 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent. Coach Tomlin was asked if he had seen Warren transfer into a guy that’s not fighting for a roster spot but honing in on things in a different way.

“I don’t know that he’s doing it in a different way. He’s still extremely urgent and highly competitive as you can see, in backs on backers. And that’s probably the appropriate recipe the minute he starts, you know, exhaling is when he and we are going to have major issues. I like the energy he’s bringing; he’s sustained it. He’s got some experience to go along with it, and I think that’s what you value.”

Mike Tomlin’s complete interview can be seen here:

Coach Tomlin speaks with the media about Saturday's #SteelersCamp practice: pic.twitter.com/kn0Isctqfk

— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) August 5, 2023