Pittsburgh offensive lineman Willie Colon missed work Saturday and Sunday at his new place of business: left guard.FBut it wasn’t because of his scrap with defensive lineman Cameron Heyward in Friday night’s practice at Latrobe Stadium. Rather, he is hobbled slightly by a sore ankle, which limits a tackle who’s suddenly learning the nuances of guard for the first time in his 29 years.
It has been an adjustment since coaches asked the longtime Steelers starting right offensive tackle to move inside and to the other side of the line. “It’s a lot more about my instincts and being able to discipline my mechanics,” Colon said. “Really owning my craft, that’s the key.”
The two most difficult aspects for Colon remain staying healthy –- he has played just one game over the past two seasons due to Achilles and triceps surgeries –- and learning how to pull. His predecessor, Chris Kemoeatu, was masterful at pulling but mediocre at best at the rest.
“It’s one of those things in the game where you don’t get good at it until you run it continuously. It’s definitely in our run package. Just trying to be as good as Kemo was,” said Colon, athletic even at 345 pounds.
“I have no complaints. I still have the ability to start and crack the lineup, with everything I’ve been through. I’m just trying to stay smart and patient.”
What about that Friday night fight?
“That was just one of those scuffles,” Colon said. “Me and Cam love each other. Have no beef with each other.”
Mike Tomlin declined to address the punches thrown Friday night, but did he let Colon hear about it?
“He never says too much: ‘Just don’t be a dummy.’ “ Colon said.
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