At least three bands of severe thunderstorms made their way through western Pennsylvania on Thursday, but sunny skies prevailed for what is an annual rite of rebirth and hope in the greater Pittsburgh area: The first official full practice of Steelers training camp.
In could almost have been interpreted as a sign that Mather Nature waves her own Terrible Towel. Need more evidence? The heavens opened almost immediately after afternoon practice ended, and two strong thunderstorms pounded St. Vincent College.
All but seven rostered players took part in the practice, although two others were forced to leave the field early with what were described as "nonsignificant" injuries. Although OTAs and minicamp provided a glimpse, all eyes are on the offense, where new coordinator Todd Haley has no shortage of weapons.
Who’s here: There is great anticipation surrounding rookie RB Chris Rainey, whose speed and production at the University of Florida have Steelers fans, teammates and coaches salivating at the possibilities. But he's in a crowded backfield that includes Baron Batch. Batch was the training-camp darling at this time last year before suffering a torn ACL. Signed two days prior, G David DeCastro ran with the second-team offense Thursday -- but no one expects the team's first-round pick to stay out of the lineup for long. DeCastro and second-round pick Mike Adams, a tackle from Ohio State, missed minicamp due to their college class schedules.
Who’s not: The only player not in Latrobe was WR Mike Wallace, a restricted free agent who has been offered a $2.7 million tender by the Steelers but wants a longterm deal. The Pittsburgh Post-Gaztte reported the team pulled their multiyear offer and won't negotiate one until Wallace signs his tender and reports to camp. Also not taking part in practice Thursday were the six players on the physically-unable-to-perform list: NT Casey Hampton, LBs James Harrison and Jason Worilds, RB Rashard Mendenhall, OT Max Starks and S Damon Cromartie-Smith. TE Heath Miller (ankle) and rookie NT Alameda Ta'amu (foot) left the workout early with minor injuries.
Follow Steelers reporter Chris Adamski on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLPIT and @BuzzsawPGH.
