Steelers Insider: Wheaton, Brown putting in work
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By Chris Bradford
cbradford@timesonline.com | Posted 5 hours ago
During spring practice, OC Todd Haley remarked that he had trouble getting his own workouts in because Markus Wheaton and Justin Brown were hogging up the team practice facility.
The two receivers have been inseparable in Latrobe, too, often burning the midnight oil together at Rooney Hall watching film late into the night in order to improve their games.
Apparently, it’s working.
Wheaton was listed as the No. 2 receiver behind Antonio Brown on the Steelers’ initial depth chart released Sunday. Although it’s hardly surprising, Wheaton says he relishes the chance to hold down that spot.
“I’m glad they’re pushing me to take that spot,” said Wheaton, who had six receptions for 64 yards as a rookie. “Obviously, I want that spot but there’s lot of great guys competing for that spot.”
Veteran CB Ike Taylor is impressed with Wheaton’s confidence in Year 2.
“The sky is the limit,” Taylor said. “I don’t think he knows how good he can be.”
Brown, on the practice squad last season, is holding down the No. 4 spot, ahead of both Darrius Heyward-Bey and Martavis Bryant. Derek Moye (Rochester) is listed third behind Wheaton and Lance Moore.
NOTEWORTHY
-- Although he’s a rookie, DE Stephon Tuitt is expected to make a contribution this season. On Saturday, Tuitt got his first taste of the big time as he practiced with the first team defense. Suffice to say the 46th overall pick was a little excited. Afterwards, he rushed off the field to call his mom with the news. “Right now I’m working hard and it’s showing,” Tuitt said. “That’s the best thing I can do for my teammates, is just going on the field every day and try and get better.”
-- Some have questioned the commitment of WR Martavis Bryant, but few can question his ability or size. The 6-foot-5, receiver displayed the latter two on Saturday in what he described as his best practice as a pro. The fourth-round pick from Clemson says he’s been responding to the tough love shown by coach Mike Tomlin, who has regularly chided Bryant in practice. “I like hard coaching,” Bryant said. “It motivates you, it drives you to keep working.”
-- Joey Porter doesn’t need no stinking golf cart. While other coaches and players are whisked between the locker room and cafeteria in chauffeured carts, Porter makes his own way on a Vespa. The defensive assistant even has his name printed on the front. During his playing days, Porter was forbidden from driving it by former coach Bill Cowher.
-- With the first preseason game less than a week away, the Steelers released their initial depth chart as required by league rule. There were no real surprises though it should be noted that Brad Wing and Adam Podlesh are listed as co-starters. Podlesh, a seven-year veteran, has been absent from training camp due to personal reasons. Coach Mike Tomlin said he had no update on Podlesh’s status.
-- As scheduled, the Steelers did not hold a morning walk-through. Due to morning rain, tarps covered Chuck Noll Field into early afternoon.
UNDER THE ROPES
-- Rookie LB Ryan Shazier took the worst of a hit on RB Le’Veon Bell late in practice. Shazier limped off and later had his right calf/knee wrapped in ice. It doesn’t appear to be serious.
-- On his first carry from scrimmage against the first team defense, RB Dri Archer broke off a 40-plus-yard run to the delight of the spectators.
-- There’s little chance WR Justin Brown spends another year on the practice squad after making catches like the one he did Sunday. Brown leapt high to haul in a QB Landry Jones pass in the left corner.
-- The coaching staff appears very high on the development of DE Stephon Tuitt in his quest to earn an opening day start. For the second straight day, Tuitt practiced with the first team defense as did FS Shamarko Thomas.
-- G/C Chris Elkins (Beaver Falls) took reps at center after practicing at left guard last week.
-- Special teams coordinator Danny Smith, who left practice early a day earlier with an apparent illness, appeared no worse for wear.
-- Receivers and defensive backs participated in an Oklahoma Drill, believed to be the first at a Steelers camp since the Chuck Noll days.
-- TE Rob Blanchflower, now wearing a sleeve on his left leg, and LB Jordan Zumwalt continued to rehab on the sideline.
-- QB Ben Roethlisberger did not practice and neither did NT Loni Fangupo, who appears to have suffered a calf injury.
-- Much of Sunday’s afternoon practice, dedicated to red zone play, was held in a steady downpour. There was no morning walk-through.
BY THE NUMBERS
6: Days until the Steelers’ preseason opener against the New York Giants at the Meadowlands. It’ll be the first NFL game at MetLife Stadium since Super Bowl XLVIII in February
QUOTEWORTHY
“A little boo-boo.” – Mike Tomlin, coach, on apparent knee injury to rookie running back Ryan Shazier.