Camp Notebook: Steelers Run Last Practice Of Camp

Channel 11 will have daily updates from Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp in our Training Camp Notebook. Check back throughout the days of camp for injury updates, cuts and much more!

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SPECIAL SECTION: Steelers 2011 Training CampTRAINING CAMP: 2011 Camp Schedule, Directions

Day 21: Aug. 17

9 a.m. - The Steelers break camp today.

Day 20: Aug. 16

PHOTOS: Steelers' Final Open Practice At St. Vincent's College

5:15 p.m. - The team is all together in the middle of the field. They have completed the St. Vincent's portion of training camp. A lot of fans have stuck around to cheer the team on as they leave the campus.

A lot of the players' families are on the field. They're all interacting with each other as they wait for their player-family members.

4:51 p.m. - The crowd just let out their loudest cheer of the day when the offense scored during the two-minute drill. Roethlisberger looked sharp in the drill completing passes to three different receivers and his tight end Heath Miller.

4:33 p.m. - The offense's best play during 11-on-11 came when Roethlisberger connected deep down the middle with wide receiver Hines Ward for about a 40-yard pass. The crowd cheered loudly and didn't seem to care that it came against the second-team defense.

4:29 p.m. - The Steelers are running a lot of running plays and quick passes during 11-on-11 drills. Everyone on the defensive side of the ball is chasing the running back or receiver well after the play is over. The coaches can be heard yelling, "Go get 'em!"

4:18 p.m.-The offensive coaches can't be happy with the position drills right now.

There have been too many drops by receivers and tight ends.

Coach Tomlin is standing right next to the quarterbacks as they throw. He talks to Roethlisberger after every ball he throws. The secondary and linebackers look strong in coverage.

3:28 p.m. - The Steelers' last open practice at St. Vincent college is underway in front of one of biggest crowds of camp.

It's a hot day and the sun is shining, but practice is on the turf field because the grass fields still look pretty wet.

Some of the big-name players not practicing are Aaron Smith, Bryant McFadden, Ike Taylor and Emmanuel Sanders. Ziggy Hood took reps with the first team during the playbook walk through.

2:24 p.m. -

Cornerback Ike Taylor underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair his broken left thumb.

Taylor injured the thumb in the first quarter of Pittsburgh's 16-7 loss to the Washington Redskins in the preseason opener on Friday. He had a pin inserted into the hand during Tuesday's procedure, but felt well enough to join his teammates for lunch.

Taylor anticipates returning before the Steelers open the regular season at Baltimore on Sept. 11.

The 31-year-old Taylor signed a four-year, $28 million contract last month to remain with the Steelers.

William Gay will likely start in Taylor's place on Thursday when Pittsburgh hosts Philadelphia at Heinz Field.

12 p.m. - Head coach Mike Tomlin wants to see a little better effort in the Steelers second preseason game on Thursday but definitely likes what the team has done here on the practice fields at camp.

"I feel comfortable with what we've done to this point, but ultimately, we measure camp on productivity based on outcomes of the football season. But I will take a look at camp in hindsight of season,” Tomlin said during his weekly news conference on Tuesday.

Cornerback Ike Taylor is currently having surgery on his left thumb after breaking it in last week’s game against the Redskins. He is ruled out of Thursday's game against the Eagles.

Safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker James Harrison, who both sat out that game, are expected to play against the Eagles.

-- Rich Walsh

9:30 a.m. - The Steelers will hold a private morning practice, followed by an afternoon practice at 2:55 p.m., which is open to the public. Tuesday's afternoon practice will be the final practice open to the public as the team breaks camp tomorrow.

Day 19: Aug. 15

6:34 p.m. - The Steelers are done for the day. At least the part of the day that they allow us to watch them work.

The Steelers began their afternoon workout after a weather delay. A few minutes after they finished practice the rain started up again.

To get their work in, the Steelers used the field turf field. They would rather play on the grass field at St. Vincent College but the weather hasn't allowed that. After practice, Mike Tomlin said the field turf has been great because it allowed them the chance to work in the rain.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger believes the work his offense puts in this year can be as good as they want it to be. Roethlisberger also believes Jerricho Cotchery will be a receiver that is dangerous inside and outside. Roethlisberger said he hit his wrist on a shoulder pad against the Redskins and it hasn't bothered him.

The right guard position hasn't been locked down just yet. Ramon Foster looks like the front runner for the job, but he is being pushed by Doug Legursky and now Tony Hills is getting reps at guard. Foster and Coach Tomlin believe this can only help the O-Line.

Camp ends tomorrow for the Steelers and that's not early enough for Mike Wallace and Keenan Lewis - they are good friends and jokingly said today that they have seen enough of each other and they are ready to get out of the St. Vincent dorms and go home.

5:30 p.m. - The Steelers will open the regular season against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore on September 11. Wide receiver Hines Ward said that's what he is focused on.

"Preseason is preseason. I mean, you want to go out and play well, but I'm just looking forward to Baltimore," Ward said. You know, I want to go out and go out and continue to get better each day. When I step off the practice field and go down to Baltimore it's going to be an all out war."

Ward said he has been looking forward to the season opener since the schedule came out.

"I call it the lion's den. When you go down there it's a mob of fans that hate the Pittsburgh Steelers. What better way than to go down there and try to start their season off with a loss," Ward said. "I'm studying out the new cornerback - looks like a pretty good talent. I'm worrying about Baltimore."

3:11 p.m. - The Steelers can't get on the field to start their afternoon work-out, thanks to bad weather in the Latrobe.

The Steelers did come down to the turf field, but were forced off of the field after a couple of large lightning bolts were seen.

With rain coming down the Steelers left the field for cover in the teams locker room. A team official said he expects the Steelers to be back on the field in 45 minutes.

1:03 p.m.-The rain has arrived at St. Vincent College in Latrobe.

Things we learned from the Steelers as they went into lunch:

Hines Ward says all he thinks about at camp is playing Baltimore in the season opener. Ward says he even watched the Ravens preseason opener - he says that is something he wouldn't do for any other team.

Ike Taylor says he isn't nervous about undergoing surgery Tuesday to repair his broken left thumb.

Bryant McFadden says he will practice this week on his sore hamstring but isn't sure if he will be ready to play against the Eagles on Thursday.

Keenan Lewis who is getting extra reps with McFadden out says this isn't a make or break year for him but he does think he needs to step-up his game.

Defensive end Cam Heyward says he isn't happy with the way he played against the Washinton Redskins. Heyward made three tackles and picked up a sack.

10:29 a.m. - Good Morning from Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. We have to remember that the Steelers are not the only football team going through training camp here at St. Vincent College. St. Vincent College has a football team of its own and this morning I arrived early enough to see it practicing -- not on the fields the Steelers practice -- but the field above the upper parking lot.

The great thing for the school is once the Steelers leave, they will have access to the Steelers' practice field, which is actually St. Vincent's home field, and the lower turf field.

. The Steelers took to the practice field this morning at 10 a.m. for a walk-through practice.

The Steelers and everyone else here at St. Vincent College will keep an eye to the sky today because it is very gray and it looks like it might rain at any moment. Right now, the rain is holding off as the Steelers go through their morning workout.

-- Bill Phillips

9:41 a.m. - The Steelers will hold a private morning practice, followed by an afternoon practice at 2:55 p.m., which is open to the public.

Day 18: Aug. 14

4:50 p.m. - There was a brief scuffle during practice between Cameron Heyward and Jonathan Scott. The team quickly broke it up and practice continued.

2:40 p.m. - The Steelers have activated Chris Kemoeatu from the P.U.P. list and he is expected to join the team today at practice. The team also announced that they've waived defensive end Sunny Harris to make room for Jerricho Cotchery on the active roster.

1:15 p.m. - Channel 11's Rich Walsh just spoke with the teams newest edition, Jerricho Cotchery, who says he is ready for his first practice. Cotchery thinks this team is a perfect fit for him. He calls himself a tough and gritty wide receiver that is not afraid to get dirty. Cotchery also said he is looking forward to catching passes from Ben and helping this team win a Super Bowl.

1:05 p.m. - The Steelers were off this morning and are scheduled to practice at 2:55 p.m. That practice is open to the public.

Day 17: Aug. 13

7 p.m. - The Steelers are back at St. Vincent's College in Latrobe following yesterday's 16-7 loss at Washington. Coach Tomlin gave this injury report about the game, "Ike Taylor broke his left thumb. He could be out for a couple of weeks or so. Whether that will require surgery remains to be seen, but he did break his left thumb. Sunny Harris has a foot injury; Wes Lyons has a concussion; Crezdon Butler had a quad injury and wasn’t able to finish; and Keenan Lewis had a calf injury and wasn’t able to finish.”

On the game itself, Coach Tomlin said, "That was not the kind of performance we were looking for or hoping for tonight. Quite frankly, we got outplayed in just about all areas – blocking, tackling, running, throwing, kicking. That team was better prepared tonight than us, and they showed it. We accept that, and I look forward to this group responding to what we put out there tonight and understand that we have a lot of ground to cover. Such is life. I’ll expect these guys to respond accordingly, and we’ll go back to work, we’ll assess this performance and it needs to be better quickly."

Day 16: Aug. 12

7:45 a.m. - The Steelers take on the Redskins in Washington tonight at 7:30 p.m. for their first preseason game this year.

Day 15: Aug. 11

The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to terms with former New York Jets wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery.

The seven-year veteran was released by the Jets last week. Cotchery gives the defending AFC champions some needed depth at wide receiver behind Mike Wallace and Hines Ward.

Cotchery has 358 career receptions, but his numbers fell considerably last season in New York. He hauled in just 41 passes in 14 games in 2010, his lowest reception total since he became a starter in 2006.

Pittsburgh has been in the market for a bigger receiver. The team failed to sign Plaxico Burress, who ended up with the Jets. The 6-foot-1 Cotchery will be the tallest proven wide out on the team when he joins the Steelers in training camp on Sunday.

Cotchery won't play in the preseason opener on Friday night against Washington, though his new teammates didn't wait to welcome him aboard.

"We welcome Jerricho Cotchery (sic)! Any man willing to put his hand in the pile is always welcome!" safety Ryan Clark posted on his Twitter page. "Going to be a lot different from the Jets though!"

Cotchery is hoping for a bigger role than the one he fulfilled in New York last season, where he became a second or third option for quarterback Mark Sanchez. He requested his release earlier this month after the team signed Burress and went after Derrick Mason.

The Steelers have a young core of receivers led by Wallace, who had 60 receptions for 1,257 yards a year ago. Second-year players Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are also expected to contribute this year, though Sanders has been slowed by a foot injury during camp.

There is also some concern about Ward. The "Dancing With the Stars" champion underwent thumb surgery in the offseason and sat out the first week of camp. He will play vs. Washington.

8 a.m. - The Steelers are traveling to Washington in preparation for their first preseason game tomorrow against the Redskins. Campus is closed to the public.

Day 14: Aug. 10

6:04 p.m.-Steelers rookie running back Baron Batch sustained what he described as a torn ACL near the end of practice today at St. Vincent College.

Batch confirmed on his blog that he tore the ligament. The injury will likely keep him out for the season.

“I've never been so close to something and then have it pulled away,” Batch wrote. “I felt like my NFL career was within grasp, I could feel it on my fingertips only to have it pulled away and postponed."

The injury was a non-contact one, and it happened on the turf field the Steelers have been relegated to this week because the regular fields are too wet to practice on.

Batch pulled up at the end of a run and immediately waved over the Steelers' trainers. He could not stand on his left leg, and he was carted off the field after quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and strong safety Troy Polamalu offered sympathetic encouragement to the seventh-round draft pick.

The 5-foot-10, 210-pound Batch has been one of the stars at training camp, standing out in blocking drills and making decisive cuts when running the ball.

Batch notes in his blog that he is a man of deep faith and said that tough times like this just help him grow.

2:25 p.m. - On Friday night, the Steelers will play their first exhibition game of 2011 when they travel to Washington to face the Redskins.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin meet with the media following his teams morning walk-through practice on Wednesday. At this point, he has ruled out seven players for their game with the Redskins -- Adam Mims, Bryant McFadden, Cortez Allen, Mario Harvey, Emmanuel Sanders, Chris Kemoeatu and Eugene Bright.

That doesn't mean other players won't play, players like Hines Ward or the 15 free agents that missed a few works at the start of camp.

"Some of the intimate details about other people; if they are going to play, how much they are going to play, are undecided," Tomlin said. "At this point, the seven names I gave you are the only definites in terms of participation at this time."

For veterans, the game isn't critical, because the Steelers coaching staff already knows what they are capable of. For the rookies and free agents trying to make the team, this week could be make or break.

"Really going to take a simple approach to this in terms of evaluation of our men," Tomlin said. "We want to see who can block under those conditions, tackle, run, pass, etc."

The Steelers starters can expect to play roughly 10 plays during the teams first preseason game, Tomlin said.

2:20 p.m. - Dennis Dixon is hanging around. Charlie Batch is hanging on. Both quarterbacks know there's only room for one of them on the Steelers' roster, and each is hoping to use the preseason as a chance to showcase why they should be the one who sticks around.

Dixon and Batch figure to get plenty of snaps when the Steelers open the preseason on Friday night. They find themselves at opposite ends of their careers. The 26-year-old Dixon is eager to show he's ready to become a starting quarterback. The 36-year-old Batch is hoping to get through another season.

Dixon signed a one-year contract last week and knows time is running out for him to make an impact in Pittsburgh, while Batch said he's not ready to think about retirement yet.

8:30 a.m. - The Steelers will hold a private morning practice, followed by an afternoon practice at 2:55 p.m., which is open to the public.

Day 13: Aug. 9

VIDEO: 1-On-1 With Maurkice Pouncey

Ben Roethlisberger worked with the first strong offense on a two-minute drill, looking sharp.

Big Ben started with a 17-yard completion to tight end Heath Miller. He followed that with a 7-yard pass to Arnaz Battle.

On the next play, Roethlisberger threw deep to Tyler Grisham for a touchdown, ending the drill.

Dennis Dixon took snaps next, starting the drill with a short pass to undrafted rookie Armand Robinson. He hit Robinson twice more, once for a 6-yard pass and another for an 18-yard strike.

On the next play, Dixon threw an incomplete pass. He then scrambled for a 13-yard gain before calling timeout with 11 seconds left on the clock.

Linebacker Jason Worilds ended the drill on the next play with a sack.

12:56 p.m. - The heavy rain in the Latrobe area has taken its toll on the practice fields at Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College.

The Steelers were on the outdoor artificial surface for their Tuesday morning walk-through. A fierce thunderstorm moved into the area around noon, and they'll be watching the fields closely as they get closer to this afternoon's scheduled 2:55 p.m. practice, which is open to the public.

8 a.m. - The Steelers will hold a private morning practice, followed by an afternoon practice at 2:55 p.m., which is open to the public.

Day 12: Aug. 8

6:30 p.m.- Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said he's happy to have Hines Ward back on the field.

Tomlin said it's about more than just his play as a receiver - he says Ward brings a great energy to the team, as well as leadership.

Ward, who is returning from off-season thumb surgery said he felt good and his thumb wasn't sore during or after the workout.

Also after practice coach Tomlin talked about this week being a game which will allow the Steelers to test themselves for the first time, but they won't change their focus for an exhibition game. The Steelers play the Washington Redskins Friday night.

3:23 p.m.- The Steelers are warming up for their afternoon practice.

Over the weekend the Steelers offensive line was dinged up with two ankle injuries. All-pro center Maurkice Pouncey and left tackle Jonathan Scott both had to leave practice but they are back for this afternoon's workout.

Pouncey and Scott both told me they expect to play against the Redskins in Washington Friday night in the Steelers first preseason game.

Two offensive linemen not taking part today are guards Ramon Foster and Chris Kemoeatu.

12:18 p.m. - The Steelers are currently at lunch as they get ready for this afternoon's practice. Today's practice will be the first for wide receiver Hines Ward, who was on the physically unable to perform list after thumb surgery a few months ago.

Ward told Channel 11's Bill Phillips the thumb is fine but he will have it wrapped for practice. Ward said he injured the thumb in the Steelers' second game last year. Ward said he tore a ligament in the thumb after it was bent back to his wrist.

Phillips asked Ward if he expects to play in the first preseason game of the year against Washington on Friday, to which Ward said, "That's coach Tomlin's decision."

Mike Wallace is excited to have Ward back on the field.

"He (Ward) is our leader, our backbone," Wallace said.

Ward said fellow wide receiver Antonio Brown is having a great camp thanks to the confidence he gained last year.

The Steelers are looking a veteran wideout Jerricho Cotchery. Ward said Cotcherycould add some valuable experience if he signs with Steelers.

8 a.m. - The Steelers will hold a private morning practice, followed by an afternoon practice at 2:55 p.m., which is open to the public.

Day 11: Aug. 7

8 a.m. - The Steelers have the day off today. Campus is closed to the public.

Day 10: Aug. 6

PHOTOS: Steelers Back On Practice Field After Batman Filming

5:30 p.m.- The Steelers had a special media guest at training camp today, Peter King of Sports Illustrated and Football Night in America. Last season King predicted that the Steelers would represent the AFC in Super Bowl XLV. He thinks the Steelers could be headed back to the big game again this year.

King told Channel 11's Bill Phillips, "As long as they have a healthy Ben, and the defense stays away from injuries, the Steelers will be back in the thick of things in the AFC."

He was asked how this year's crazy free agency system will impact the season and he said, "one of the great things free agency did over the last 10 days was reshuffle everything." King likes the fact that you really have to re-examine every team before you can say which team should be the best in 2011.

As for the NFC at this point, King's top three teams lead by the Philadelphia Eagles are the Eagles, Atlanta Flacons and Green Bay Packers. His upset pick is the Detroit Lions.

Football Night in America will be back on WPXI this fall every Sunday night. King said the schedule is one of the best he has ever seen.

You can follow WPXI's Bill Phillips on Twitter at WPXI_BPhillips and Facebook at WPXI Bill Phillips.

4:40 p.m.- For the first time in training camp, the Steelers are doing the goal line drill. Baron Batch continues to make a name for himself. He has scored on consecutive plays. The first-team defense looks a little confused and upset with their performance.

4:01 p.m.-Most of the team, with the exception of linemen, have come together for live drills. There is a quarterback, tight end and running back on offense and two linebackers on defense. They are essentially playing 2-on-2. The linebackers are having some problems covering, but dropped passes are bailing them out. Roethlisberger connected with Heath Miller after a nice double-move left James Farrior five yards behind him.

3:32 p.m.-The Steelers have spread out across two fields into individual position drills. The secondary is working hard on dropping into coverage and intercepting passes. The linebackers are also doing drills on pass coverage. The quarterbacks are working with wide receivers on route running. Far too many passes are falling incomplete.

3:21 p.m.-The team is going through the normal stretching and warm-up routine. The mood seems a little bit more serious than usual. I think a lot of players are anticipating the goal line drill later in practice.

3:10 p.m.-The team is getting some special teams work. The field goal and punt return units have taken reps. Coach Tomlin stood directly behind Swayze Waters as he kicked field goals. Shaun Suisham and Greg Warren watched from the sideline.

2:55 p.m.-The Steelers have made their way to the turf soccer field at St. Vincent's College. The main field is still covered by a tarp. Bryant McFadden, James Harrison, Casey Hampton and Maurkice Pouncey are all in shorts watching practice. Those who are practicing are in game pants and leg pads. As usual, the afternoon session begins with the offense and defense running through the playbook separately.

1:38 p.m.- The Steelers have returned to St. Vincent College from Gotham City, where they took part in the shooting of Batman's latest movie Dark Knight Rises. The Steelers players played football as the Gotham City Rouges under the direction of former Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher. The uniform colors are reportedly black and gold.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told Channel 11's Bill Phillips it was "cool" a lot of hurry up and wait but "cool". Phillips also had the chance to talk with Steelers tight end Heath Miller and defensive end Aaron Smith about the chance to take part in the latest Batman movie. They enjoyed it but didn't give out to many details. Smith said Batman is his son's favorite super hero. Now they wait to see if they make the final cut of the movie.

One of the fields has been covered with a tarp due to all the rain in Latrobe. The Steelers will likely play on the field turf field.

Day 9: Aug. 5

4:26 p.m.- Steelers hold their night practice tonight at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.

Fans have already started to arrive as they try to get the best seat or spot against the fence to watch the practice or get an autograph.

The Steelers veterans know practice will be in-front of a standing room only crowd tonight.

The same can't be said for rookie running back Baron Batch who said earlier today that he is excited about tonight's practice and is interested in seeing what the atmosphere is like.

Baron Batch, who has impressed so far in camp, said that his song of choice if asked to sing for the veterans is Sugar Pie Honey Bunch by the Temptations.

LaMarr Woodley, who agreed to a six-year deal with the Steelers today, will film a scene in the Batman movie being filmed in Pittsburgh tomorrow as an extra with some of his teammates.

1:54 p.m. - "Don't call me the $61 million dollar man," LaMarr Woodley said. "I haven't earned it yet."

Earlier today, the Steelers Pro-Bowl linebacker came to terms on a 6-year $61 million deal that will keep him with the Steelers for what Woodley hopes is the rest of his career.

Woodley knows playing linebacker in Pittsburgh is special. He told Channel 11’s Bill Phillips that he wants to uphold the tradition that has been established by the linebackers that have come before him.

The linebacker has already played in two Super Bowls, winning a Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLIII. He has also been selected to the Pro Bowl.

Woodley said he appreciates the fact that he has already accomplished more than most players do in an entire career at the earliest stage of his NFL career and that is one of the reasons why he wanted to stay with the Steelers.

Woodley said the Steelers always find a way to position themselves to win. The linebacker pointed out that the Steelers were also able to get deals done with players like Ike Taylor and Willie Colon in order to give the team the best chance to win.

Many people thought the Steelers would have to decide which player they wanted to sign Woodley or Taylor -- they signed both.

8:28 a.m. - Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley is all a twitter about a new contract. Woodley's Twitter page shows a picture of him signing the new deal, which the team confirmed on Friday, and suggests he plans to retire a Steeler.

Woodley's tweet posted early Friday said, "Wanted u 2 hear it here 1st- drafted here... super bowl here.. will retire here!! time 2 get u (hash)7!!" -- a reference to the team's hopes of winning a seventh Super Bowl.

The team signed Woodley to a six-year, $61 million contract extension.

Woodley had signed a one-year, $10 million deal after naming him their franchise player, but the team is known to prefer a long-term deal with the star linebacker.

Named to his first Pro Bowl following the 2009 season, Woodley led the team with a career-high 13.5 sacks. He has started 47 regular-season games in his first four seasons with the Steelers and has 39 sacks, three interceptions, seven forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries in his career.

Woodley has posted at least 10 sacks in each of his last three years.

Woodley also owns an NFL-record four consecutive postseason games with at least two sacks. In seven career postseason games, he has 11 sacks, including three in Super Bowls, which is tied for second all-time.

Woodley earned $550,000 in the final season of his rookie contract and has played four seasons with the Steelers who drafted him in the second round from Michigan.

8 a.m. - The Steelers will hold their annual night practice at Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m.

Day 8: Aug. 4

PHOTOS: Full Roster Back At Practice

6:53 p.m.- Another two and half hour practice has come to an end. The players definitely seemed more energized and willing to work now that the entire roster is on the field. The Steelers will hold their annual night practice tomorrow evening at Latrobe High School at 7 p.m.

6:29 p.m.-Most of the team, with the exception of the linemen, are running 7-on-7 drills. The receivers are spreading the field, forcing the defense to run with them. The highlight of the drill was when Roethlisberger hit Antonio Brown deep down the middle and Brown laid out to make the catch. Secondary coach and former Steeler Carnell Lake was very vocal during the drill. After William Gay made a great break on an out-route and deflected a Byron Leftwich pass, Lake tapped him on the helmet and yelled, "There you go Will, way to go!"

6:01 p.m.-The team is practicing kickoffs and kick returns at full speed. Antonio Brown is returning the kicks. Ike Taylor, William Gay and Ziggy Hood are among the big names playing special teams.

5:38 p.m.-The team is lined up in 11-on-11 and it seems like everyone is excited. A lot of players look like they're really going full-speed. On one play Ike Taylor knocked Tyler Grisham to the ground well after the play was over. The two slapped hands when Grisham got up.

5:13 p.m.-The team has split up into individual position drills. For the first time during camp we are seeing almost the entire starting offensive line together. From left to right it's Jonathan Scott, Doug Legursky, Maurkice Pouncey, Ramon Foster, and Willie Colon. On the second play, the offensive line jumped and was called for false start. The entire offense let them hear it when they yelled, "Welcome back!" Emmanuel sanders is watching the wide receivers closely in his walking boot. The linebackers, secondary and defensive linemen are all doing their own drills.

5:08 p.m.- The new collective bargaining agreement passed. The Steelers afternoon practice was pushed back an hour and a half to coincide with the start of this new era in the NFL.

In the days leading up to today's vote, the Steelers players made it clear that they weren't happy with the exclusive power of commissioner Roger Goodell to issue fines. Well, that complaint may have resonated. Ryan Clark, the Steelers player rep, told us today that the commissioner relinquished a bit of that power, which could mean bringing in a second opinion on the issuing of fines. The deal could also include a limit on what players can be fined.

"There's a cap on what guys can be fined. So that's good. We're just gonna continue to work, but clearly, we had the biggest problem because we had a guy who we felt like he was targeted," Clark said.

LB James Harrison, led all NFL players with $125 thousand in fines last season.

"You can't be judge, jury and executioner. You gotta have other people in there who can help make those decisions. Otherwise you're appointing yourself with too much power," Harrison said.

The final approval of the new CBA allows a long list of Steelers, including Ike Taylor and Willie Colon, to join their teammates on the field for the first time this training camp.

5:07 p.m.-Greg Warren, Jeremy Kapinos and Shaun Suisham have also joined the team wearing pads and helmets.

5:04 p.m.- Chris Hoke, Dennis Dixon, Mewelde Moore, Willie Colon, Doug Legursky and William Gay have just joined the team in stretching lines in full pads.

The fans and players let out a loud cheer to welcome them back. Chris Hoke then did his pre-practice dance as the whole team cheered.

4:55 p.m. - The special teams work has shifted to the punt team.

Antonio Brown is getting almost all of the reps at punt returner. He is working with a referee to make sure he signals his fair catches appropriately.

Whenever Brown needs a break, Byron Leftwich and Maurkice Pouncey are fielding the punts. Pouncey joked, "Better watch out, I want this job!"

The gunners are also working on shedding their blockers and chasing the punt. Coach Tomlin is watching them closely.

4:47 p.m. - The field goal and field goal block units are on the main field.

A lot of familiar faces are watching from the sidelines. Daniel Sepulveda, Dennis Dixon, Mewelde Moore and Greg Warren are all here in shorts and T-shirts. Swayze Waters does not look good from 40 yards. He missed three kicks in a row with Mike Tomlin standing five feet from him.

4:43 p.m.- The free agents are watching from the sidelines or working out on their own. They are not in pads as originally anticipated.

The offense and defense are running through plays as usual to begin practice. On a side note, four referees just made their way onto the field.

4:27 p.m.- A few players have started making their way onto the field. On the other side of campus Dan Rooney, Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert just talked for about five minutes. Afterwards all three went their separate ways.

3:55 p.m.- Practice delayed for 2nd time due to vote on collective bargaining agreement.

12:41 p.m.- Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley said that he's, "been a Steelers fan since the 8th grade," and added, "Why wouldn't I want to end my career here?"

Woodley's agent, Doug Henderson has started "preliminary" talks with the Steelers about a long-term contract. Despite his affection for the Steelers, Woodley knows this is business, and says "the numbers have to be in line."

11:50 a.m.-Steelers player representative Ryan Clark says that he and his teammates will vote on the proposed collective bargaining agreement late this afternoon, probably at 1:00 or 1:30.

If the CBA is ratified, then all recently signed free agents, including Ike Taylor and Willie Colon, can start practicing with the team at 4:00 p.m. With that time in mind, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin pushed his afternoon practice back by one full hour, to 3:55 p.m.

If the CBA is ratified, the Steelers will have 24 hours to get under the league's new salary cap of approximately $123 million. Sources tell Alby Oxenreiter that the Steelers are currently $8.8 million over the cap, but they're expected to undergo additional contract restructuring to become cap-compliant.

9:21 a.m. - The Steelers' public afternoon practice has been moved to 3:55 p.m. It was originally slated to begin at 2:55 p.m. Gates will open at 2:30 p.m. for fans arriving on campus.

8:23 a.m. - The Steelers will hold a private morning practice, followed by an afternoon practice at 2:55 p.m., which is open to the public.

Day 7: Aug. 3

PHOTOS: Rain Doesn't Keep Fans, Players Away From Practice

4:21 p.m.- The team has lined up for 11-on-11. On the first series Roethlisberger went 3-3. The first two passes were short completions and the third was a deep completion to Arnaz Battle on blown coverage. The field conditions really look like they're affecting players. Too many throws are missing targets.

3:55 p.m. - For the first time today, there are drills being conducted at full speed and full contact. The wide receivers are working on run blocking against the corner backs. Ike Taylor, William Gay and Bryant McFadden are all coaching the younger defensive backs. A lot of coaches and players are huddles around watching.

The linebackers and tight ends are on the other side of the field doing a similar drill. The tight ends are holding a block for a few seconds, then releasing out on a route. The linebackers look like they're getting beat on too many throws.

3:15 p.m. - Before stretching and warm-ups, the team practiced kickoff and kick return packages.

They did a lot of work with squib kicks, short kicks and onside kicks. After their usual pre-practice routine, they broke up into individual positions.

The quarterbacks and wide receivers looked sloppy. A lot of passes fell incomplete. The defensive linemen continued to work on timing drills. Aaron Smith jumped offsides on one rep and the rest of the linemen jokingly let him have it. The linebackers were working on pass coverage drills.

3:10 p.m. - Troy Polamalu and James Harrison have both been given the afternoon off, but are on the field with the team. After running through plays to start practice, the field goal unit worked for about ten minutes.

2:35 p.m.-A light drizzle has turned into some pretty heavy rain. Most of the fans on campus have piled into the St. Vincent College bookstore for shelter.

A few hundred are braving the weather under umbrellas and ponchos. A lot of players are riding stationary bikes and working out in the weight room.

Ryan Clark is signing autographs, wearing a Steelers poncho for those that are fighting the rain outside.

2:20 p.m.- If you are coming to Steelers Training camp this afternoon, you may want to bring rain gear. A steady misty rain is sitting over St. Vincent College.

Channel 11's Bill Phillips spoke with Steelers player representative Ryan Clark today and he said that there is a very good chance that a final agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement may not be reached today.

That would keep players like Ike Taylor, Willie Colon, Dennis Dixon, and Chris Hoke off of the practice field. Most of the players had expected to have everyone on the field by August 4. Those players could use the St. Vincent facilities but they would have to work-out by themselves until a final deal is done.

The number one sticking point for the Steelers with the proposed collective bargaining agreement is the fact that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is still the only one that decides if a player should or should not be fined on illegal hits.

"A big issue for us, especially as a team, is having Roger Goodell have absolute control over the fines process, being judge, jury and the appeals system. We play a brand of football that sometimes subjects us to his opinion, so that's something that we want to work on, but its something that really hasn't even been talked about yet throughout this process. So without these things done and without these things collectively bargained to our satisfaction, as player reps, we don't feel like it's right to get a deal signed," Clark said.

Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel told said that he feels like the Steelers have a bulls-eye on their chest especially James Harrison because of the style of football the Steelers play.

Keisel thinks a committee should be in place to decide if a player should or shouldn't be fined for a hit. Keisel said if the current structure remained in place the Steelers players would vote "No".

12 p.m.- Ryan Clark told Channel 11's Bill Phillips that the Steelers players will vote no on the final version of the collective bargaining agreement if nothing is changed about how fines are issued.

The current version gives the commissioner sole power to issue fines to players. Steelers players want there to be a fine committee. (Goodell issued $100K+ in fines to Harrison alone last year, so you can understand their interest in this.)

If the finalized CBA isn't approved by 10 a.m. tomorrow, that'll keep players who signed contracts since the end of the lockout out of practice. Some big names are included: Willie Colon, Ike Taylor, Dennis Dixon, Willie Gay and Chris Hoke. The longer they wait, the less likely they'll play in the preseason opener. For now, they just work out on their own.

The rest of the team isn't affected for now.

8:09 a.m. - The Steelers will hold a private morning practice, followed by an afternoon practice at 2:55 p.m., which is open to the public.

Day 6: Aug. 2

PHOTOS: Steelers Focus On Special Teams, Running Game

5:15 p.m.- The afternoon session has come to an end after almost two and a half hours. The wide receivers are taking turns catching balls from the jugs machine. The offensive linemen, plus Ben, are running sprints on one of the far fields. A very small number of players have gone straight to the locker room. Almost everyone has stayed on the fields to do some sort of extra work.

5:01 p.m.- The team is rotating through players every couple of plays. They're running a mixture of runs and passes. Coach Tomlin has to be pleased with his defense, but not so much with the offense. Of course, this could change on Thursday when everyone is on the field.

4:42 p.m.- The team is back in 11-on-11 formation for a red zone drill. James Harrison continued his good day when he sacked Ben on the first play. Obviously he can't bring him down, but he was in the backfield well before Roethlisberger though about releasing the ball. On another play, Polamalu jumped a route and had an interception bounce off his hands. The crowd let out a loud cheer. Overall, the receivers are not getting open, not catching the ball, and Ben is holding it too long. The offense did not look good in the red zone drill.

4:32 p.m.- Most of the players are given a quick break, except for those on the punt team. The "gunners" are doing a drill to work on avoiding their blocks, and chasing the returner.

4:19 p.m.- For the first time today, the team is lined up for 11-on-11. Curtis Brown is the third player in as many practices to work in at Ike Taylor's spot with the first team. James Harrison had a nice couple of plays in the first series. He blew up an HB toss play and forced Isaac Redmond to fumble the pitch. The majority of the plays were runs, which explains why the linemen were working on run blocking early on in the practice. The second time the starters came up, Baron Batch was in the backfield. Limas Sweed looked like he may have been favoring his hamstring the slightest bit. James Harrison and rookie tackle Joshua Harrison went at each other well after the whistle blew. It ended with James tapping Joshua on the helmet as to say, "good work." Roethlisberger went deep to Antonio Brown when the play broke down for about a 40-yard completion. The crowd acknowledged the nice catch with a large cheer.

4:01 p.m.- Coach Tomlin has split the players up to do offense verse defense work. The wide receivers and defensive backs are on one field. The linebackers and tight ends are in another group. The offensive and defensive lines are in another. Ben does not look crisp in the pocket. There is no pass rush, but he's still not connecting with his receivers enough. Arnaz Battle, who is definitely fighting for a spot on the team, had a bad drop on a great pass from Byron Leftwich. On the defensive side, Curtis Brown is struggling. He is making the wrong decision when receivers cross and just losing his man. He is definitely behind the curve early on in camp.

3:32 p.m.- The offense and defense have split up for position drills. The offense is working on the playbook again. The wide receivers are working on getting off the ball. Emmanuel Sanders is right in the huddle as one of the coaches explains their drill. Hines Ward is doing some coaching of his own. You can see him talking to the young receivers after every rep. After a nice tip-toe catch by Wes Lyons, Hines said, "There you go Wes, there you go!" Coach Tomlin watches Roethlisberger miss on consecutive attempts to Mike Wallace. The offensive line is concentrating on run-blocking. They're doing contact drills against each other.

3:20 p.m.- Everyone is now in their usual position for stretching and warm-ups. You can hear James Farrior yelling in a joking tone. The whole team is cheering for Chris Hoke while he does a pre-practice dance. The mood definitely seems light starting the afternoon session.

3:17 p.m.- Special teams work has shifted to punt formation. The linemen are working on holding their block, then releasing to cover the punt. A lot of players are rotating in.

3:10 p.m.- The team is now lined up in field goal formation. It looks like the first units for kick and kick block are on the field. Aaron Bates is holding for Swayze Waters as they rotate from hash to hash. Baron Batch, who has already turned a lot of heads in camp, is returning the field goal attempts. If he wants to make the team, he is definitely going to be expected to contribute on special teams. For the first time today Coach Tomlin lets out a yell, "Second unit on the ball, let's go!" Hines Ward, Chris Hoke and others are running sprints on a side field.

2:55 p.m.- As usual, the team is running through the playbook. The offense and defense are separated. Antonio Brown is getting the reps with the first team while Hines Ward remains on the P.U.P. list and Emmanuel Sanders is out with his foot injury. Coach Tomlin is watching the offense, standing by himself.

2:40 p.m.- Cameron Heyward is the first player out of the locker room. He is signing autographs while other players walk by. A few familiar faces just walked out that haven't been here yet. Chris Hoke and William gay both agreed to contracts yesterday, and thus are with the team today. Limas Sweed is back in pads after missing Sunday's practice with an injury.

2:39 p.m.- Steelers defensive lineman Chris Hoke arrived at camp today after coming to terms on a new deal last night.

"When I pulled into the college last night, I was so fired up to be here. Hamp (Casey Hampton) looked at me and started laughing. He goes, 'Hokie you are so fired up.' and I was like, 'I love being here, I love playing for the Steelers. I love being a part of Pittsburgh and this is where I want to be.'"

2:12 p.m.- Kevin Colbert, director of football operations, told Channel 11 News that he expects to have the team in compliance with the salary cap by Thursday's deadline. Colbert said one of the biggest reasons has been because the players' willingness to restructure their contracts.

Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison and Brett Keisel all restructured their deals.

"That is something the office has to worry about, but they are going to do whatever is necessary to get it done. This is one of those things that is necessary to get it done," Harrison said.

Channel 11's Bill Phillips reported that none of the players lost money, however none of them got raises.

"We asked for more money but none of us got that I don't think. At least it's not less and we get good players to help us," Keisel said.

Steelers tight end Heath Miller said that he restructured his deal and said the willingness to restructure by he and his teammates is an example of how close the team is.

"It is how we operate. I think all of the people in our locker room legitimately care about winning. That is the bottom line. So I think it probably speaks to that," Miller said.

Wide receiver Hines Ward said he isn't planning to restructure his deal this year but he knows the value of moving money around.

"The $120 million dollar cap number didn't come back to where they thought. Every team is going through it. That's why you see a lot of guys getting cut. But I've done all I can to try and help the team. I restructured last year," Ward said.

12:22 p.m. - Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is wearing walking boot on his left foot and is on crutches today.

Sanders' off-season included surgery on both feet. He told Bill Phillips when he arrived at camp that he had been running and expected to be ready to go but a stress fracture in his left foot was bothering him, so team doctors decided to inject his foot with bone marrow and calcium.

He expects to be back on the field in two to three weeks. His biggest concern is making sure he is healthy for the regular season.

11:01 a.m. - The Steelers are currently on the practice field for their morning walk-through practice, and Channel 11's Bill Phillips is there.

When Bill arrived at the camp office, he ran into Steelers Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert. Bill said he kidded Colbert, saying his eyes looked tired from working salary cap numbers. Colbert said things haven't been too bad and the Steelers should be fine by Thursday.

The Steelers have also come to terms on a couple of deals, signing long snapper Greg Warren.and tight end John Gilmore.

8 a.m. - The Steelers will hold a private morning practice, followed by an afternoon practice at 2:55 p.m., which is open to the public.

Day 5: Aug. 1

The players may have been off today, but the Steelers still had a busy day.

The team restructured the contracts of three players, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, outside linebacker James Harrison and defensive end Brett Keisel, as it tries to get in compliance with the salary cap.

Roethlisberger agreed to restructure his contract to help the team get under the $120.4 million salary cap by Thursday.

Roethlisberger's agent said the team approached his client about the move. Ryan Tollner adds that the restructuring would not affect the length or the terms of Roethlisberger's current eight-year, $102 million deal signed in 2008.

Roethlisberger and Harrison are the highest-paid offensive and defensive players on franchise history. Their base salaries for this season were projected at $11.6 million and $3.66 million, respectively. Keisel was set to make a little more than $3 million in base salary this season.

The Steelers also re-signed nose tackle Chris Hoke and added to the competition behind Roethlisberger when Dennis Dixon signed the one-year deal he had been offered as a restricted free agent.

Both Hoke, who also signed a one-year deal, and Dixon are not allowed to practice until Thursday because of the rules this year regarding free agents.

8:54 a.m. - The team has the day off. St. Vincent College is closed to the public.

Day 4: July 31

PHOTOS: Steelers Hold First Full-Contact Practice

The Steelers bolstered their secondary on Sunday, agreeing to terms with cornerback William Gay.

The team also re-signed punter Daniel Sepulveda, who is coming off a knee injury.

The 26-year-old Gay gives Pittsburgh some added depth in the defensive backfield. He had 34 solo tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery last season working most of the time as a nickel back.

Sepulveda averaged 45.5 yards a punt in 12 games in 2010 before tearing the ACL in his right knee. If he passes a physical, he'll compete with Jeremy Kapinos and Aaron Bates for the punting job.

Neither player can practice with the team until Thursday under new NFL rules.

5:25 p.m.-The first practice with pads comes to an end after two and a half hours. The players have earned their off-day tomorrow. A lot of players are signing autographs and talking with the media.

4:55 p.m.-Coach Tomlin lines up some more 11-on-11, but this time the offense is in the two-minute drill. Roethlisberger looked crisp moving the first-team offense up the field. They finally scored when Ben hit Tyler Grisham for about a 20-yard touchdown. When the second and third units were on the field, Wes Lyons continually got open. On one play he had at least five steps on Curtis Brown down the left sideline. There wasn't a safety within 25 yards, but Byron Leftwich failed to notice it and checked down.

4:35 p.m.-The team has divided into what looks like special team players and non-special team players. During one drill Ziggy Hood jokingly gets yelled at for knocking over a tackling dummy. He said, "Sorry coach, I'm too strong!"

4:20 p.m.-Coach Tomlin has decided to keep the entire team together. They're lining up to play 11-on-11. Crezdon Butler is at Ike Taylor's corner back position with the first team. The first two plays were nice runs by Isaac Redmond to the right side. Roethlisberger then hit Wallace on a quick out on the third play. Bryant McFadden was all over Wallace and Tomlin notice. "Good work, good work!" he said. The best play of the session came when Charlie Batch bootlegged right and hit Heath Miller coming across the field for about a 25-yard completion. After the catch, the crowd yelled, "Heeeeath!" The next time the starters were on the field didn't go so well for the offense. Roethlisberger tried to go deep to Wallace, but was intercepted by McFadden on the first play. On the second play, Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown weren't on the same page and the pass fell harmlessly to the ground.

4:17 p.m.-The rest of the positions have finished their drills and everyone is huddled around watching the backs verse backers drill. The offensive players cheer for their guys, and the defense does the same.

4:03 p.m.-The crowd just let out a huge cheer when they heard Coach Tomlin announce the next drill. It's time for "backs verse backers". Rookie running back Baron Batch stole the show. Twice he took on James Harrison head-on and stood him up. James Farrior got by Rashard Mendenhall on their first rep. Lawrence Timmons made John Clay look like the rookie that he is. Larry Foote was probably the most impressive linebacker overall. Coach Tomlin acknowledged him on one rep saying, "There you go, five-oh!"

3:32 p.m.-After warm-ups are over, everyone has split up for individual position drills. In the defensive line drills, the starters don't look like they're putting forth nearly as much effort as the reserves. Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel have put in their time and are now watching the younger guys. At the linebackers station, Jason Worilds is getting a long look from Keith Butler and Coach Tomlin. Ben Roethlisberger and the quarterbacks are working on throwing on the run. Ben's foot, which he chose to not have surgery on in the off-season, looks great. He's moving fine.

3:20 p.m.-Everyone is now on the field to go through their normal stretching and warm-up routine. Ben Roethlisberger is wearing number 78 instead of 7. I am guessing it has something to do with Max Starks. I'll try to find out later. Ryan Clark is also wearing a different number. He is wearing number 21 and I have no idea why.

3:10 p.m.-They're now lined up in kick return coverage. Antonio Brown is the deep man and Isaac Redmond is the forward returner. Lawrence Timmons and Ziggy Hood are on the first kick return unit. Cameron Heyward works in with the second unit. A lot of guys are spread around the field before practice really begins. Ryan Clark is running laps around the field, interacting with fans along the way. Hines Ward is running sprints on one of the side fields. Curtis Brown is getting a few reps with the second unit as a returner. Special teams coordinator Al Everest yelled at him when he brought a kick out from nine yards deep. "In practice, sure bring it out," Everest said. "But in a game, everyone will tell you to stop."

2:55 p.m.-They start the afternoon session running plays. The offense is on Chuck Noll Field and the defense is on the one next to it. Coach Tomlin is watching the offense. I can't help but think he has to be hot wearing his usual all-black outfit. He is giving the second and third teams more reps than the first. It looks like offensive line coach Sean Kugler is calling the plays.

2:45 p.m.-For the second day in a row, Heath Miller is the first player to walk down the steps. He looks different today, though. This will be the first full-contact practice of the camp, thus players are in shoulder pads. They'll be back on all four fields today after using just the soccer field yesterday. Emmanuel Sanders, Limas Sweed, Keenan Lewis and Marcus Gilbert are all sitting out with injuries. Hines Ward, still on the physically unable to perform list, is one of the last players out and signed autographs for fans for about 20 minutes. They congratulated him on his Dancing With The Stars victory, while some gave him support on his pending charges. The crowd is a little bit larger than Saturday, but still not nearly as big as previous years. I have to wonder if the lockout has anything to do with it.

Day 3: July 30

PHOTOS: Big Ben, Steelers Looks Good During Drills

5:10 p.m.-The second afternoon practice at training camp ends after two hours and fifteen minutes. Some players head for the showers while others are still running sprints or talking to members of the media.

4:50 p.m.-The team has split up on different sides of the field. On one side they're running a 7-on-7 drill. The offensive and defensive linemen are on the other side of the field getting their own work in. More of the same from Roethlisberger, he's completing almost every pass he throws.

4:30 p.m.-Coach Tomlin must have wanted some more work on the playbook, because they are lined up offense verse defense again. The first-team defense blew an assignment on one play that let Tyler Grisham run for 30 yards after the catch before someone caught up to him. Overall, the first-team offense's passing game dominated the first-team defense's pass defense. On the very last play of the session, Wes Lyons leaped up and stole a jump-ball from two defenders. The fans reacted with the loudest cheer I've heard all day.

4:20 p.m.-They stayed 11-on-11, but now they're in punting formation. Aaron Bates punted to Antonio Brown, Arnaz Battle and Adam Mims. Mims rough day continued when he let a punt bounce and it rolled 20 yards passed him. Tomlin yelled at him, "You let that be a 54-yard punt!"

4:05 p.m.-The crowd started cheering when they realized the offense and defense were about to start their first drill together. It's 11-on-11, first-team offense verse first-team defense. On the first play, Antonio Brown dropped a pass Ben put on the money on a quick slant. On the second play, the offensive line missed an assignment and Lawrence Timmons got the sack. On the third play, Tyler Grisham and Isaac Redmond were put in, as if it were third down. Roethlisberger hit a wide-open Grisham for about 25 yards down the right sideline. The second-team offense was up next. Arnaz Battle had a tough three plays. On the first play, he went in motion when he wasn't supposed to. On the third play, he dropped a pass that hit him in the hands. The ball deflected in the air and Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith intercepted it. Charlie Batch missed on all three pass attempts when the third team was on the field. Tomlin and Harrison watched together and I can only guess what they were saying about Charlie's poor throws. When the first team came back up, the mood got a little more serious. Bryant McFadden jumped an out-route on the first play, but the ball slipped through his fingers and Mike Wallace made an acrobatic catch on the sideline. On their last play, Roethlisberger threw his only deep ball of the drill and missed short by at least five yards.

3:35 p.m.-Everyone has split up for individual position drills. Coach Tomlin went straight for the defensive linemen. They are doing a "watch the ball" drill. Cameron Heyward, showing signs of nerves, jumps offside twice in his first three reps. Coach Tomlin yells, "Come on, Killa Cam!" The running backs are working with the quarterbacks on passes out of the backfield. Roethlisberger to Mendenhall looks sharp. However, that's not the case with all of the RBs. Rookie running back Baron Batch runs the wrong route on his second rep and hears it from running backs coach Kirby WIlson. During the quarterback to wide receiver drills, Ben only throws to Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Heath Miller. The defensive backs are working by themselves. Third round pick Curtis Brown from Texas has a real chance to see time this year for the Steelers, but his second day of training camp got off to a rough start. He looked clumsy on his back pedal and dropped a few balls.

3:25 p.m.-The team has spread out across the field for their normal running and stretching exercises. Everywhere I walk around the field I can hear fans talking about the Plaxico rumors.

3:10 p.m.-The team has transitioned to some special teams work. Aaron Bates holds as Swayze Waters kicks field goals. Shaun Suisham isn't allowed to practice yet. The long snapper is Derek Chard, a rookie from Connecticut. A lot of guys are getting work returning kicks. The first one in line is Adam Mims, a rookie from Furman. Cameron Heyward is on the field goal block unit. For the first time today we hear Coach Tomlin yell. After Waters drilled what appeared to be about a 45-yard kick, Tomlin yelled, "There you go!"

2:55 p.m.-Today's practice starts with the offense and defense splitting up to run through plays. Coach Tomlin is watching the defense. Keenan Lewis is working with the first team while Ike Taylor watches from the sidelines. Cameron Heyward and Ziggy Hood are both working with the second team defense. Each time they rotate out, Hood and Heyward talk to each other. The first team offense looks very different from what is expected to be on the field Week 1 verse Baltimore. From left to right, the offensive line is Kyle Jolly, Keith Williams, Maurkice Pouncey, Ramon Foster, and Chris Scott. Isaac Redmond is working with the second team with Mewelde Moore not in camp yet due to contract issues. John Clay, wearing number 38, looks huge and he's not even wearing pads. It will be interesting to watch him in full-contact practices.

2:45 p.m.-The Steelers have begun making their way onto the field. They are still not allowed to wear pads. Some of the first guys out here are Heath Miller and Byron Leftwich. They'll be practicing on the far soccer field today because the normal ones are very wet from yesterday's storms. The biggest cheer from the crowd came when Ben Roethlisberger and James Harrison walked down the steps HOLDING HANDS! Doug Legursky and Emmanuel Sanders will sit out today's practice. It may be the heat, but the crowd is extremely small for the first Saturday of camp.

Day 2: July 29

PHOTOS: Steelers Hold First Public Practice

5:46 p.m.- The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to terms with first-round draft pick Cameron Heyward.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to terms with first-round draft pick Cameron Heyward.

The former standout tackle at Ohio State is the son of former Pitt and NFL running back Craig "Ironhead" Heyward. The 6-foot-5, 288-pound Heyward is part of a youth movement along Pittsburgh's aging defensive line. He's the second defensive lineman to be taken in the first round by the Steelers in the last three years, joining 2009 top pick Ziggy Hood.

Heyward signed in time to join the rest of the team for practice on Friday afternoon. The 22-year-old Heyward, who was born in Pittsburgh, called it a life-long dream to play for the Steelers and an "honor" to play on the "best" defensive line in the league.

Heyward was a first-team All-Big Ten selection last year.

4:48 p.m.- Practice was cut 20 minutes short by thunderstorms that seemed to exit St. Vincent's campus as quickly as they arrived.

The days strong points:

Harrison looked sharp following his public apology earlier this morning and veteran leadership played a significant role in the overall organized nature of the afternoon's drills.

The lowlights:

Hines Ward seemed especially jovial for a guy who didn't dress for practice and is surrounded by numerous off-field distractions.

Also - while rookie corner Cortez Allen was anything but outstanding, one would imagine the reps he is recieving are tremendously helpful as he fights for playing time with third round pick Curtis Brown out of Texas, who remains unsigned.

4:42 p.m.-Despite the extreme heat and rainfall towards the end of practice, fans said they were excited and happy to be at St. Vincent College to see the Steelers prepare for the season.

Fans lined the walkway as players made their way down to the field. Most took photos, while others hoped to get an autograph or a high-five from their favorite Steeler.

For die-hard fans, a visit to training camp in Latrobe is a must.

"We're all the way from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, so we're excited to be here. We're Steelers fans no matter where we live," said Alexis Gallagher.

"On Sundays, they're there for a job. They got to get their job done. Here, they're fun. They talk to us. They interact with us. So we have a good time with them," said Cindy Shaw.

"We went to three super bowls, we're season ticket holders and we're ready to go to Indianapolis this year. Right now, let's do it," Robin Powell said.

4:37 p.m.-Channel 11's Bill Phillips and Alby Oxenreiter spoke with James Harrison and Hines Ward before the start of the first public practice on Friday.

Head coach Mike Tomlin called Harrison's comments in a recent Men's Health Journal article, especially those comments made about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, "inappropriate."

Harrison told Channel 11 News that he didn't disagree with Tomlin.

"The comments I made about Roger Goodell were inappropriate at the least and way out of line. I was speaking out of frustration and anger at the time, "Harrison said.

Harrison's comments weren't only directed at the commissioner. He also took shots at the play of running back Rashard Mendenhall and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Mendenhall said he had no problem with Harrison and Roethlisberger said he is tougher on himself than Harrison ever could be.

"It had no affect on me, no ill effects, and we're fine. We were joking literally that day. We were talking about it because no one is going to be harder on me than I am. I told James, I told everybody, it was my fault we lost the Super Bowl, so he can reiterate what I said. That's fine," said Roethlisberger.

Ward, who is facing DUI charges in Georgia, said he wishes he had never put himself in that position but is confident everything will work out.

"It's the price of fame, you know. Every little thing you do is in the media eye, the public's eye, so for me it was a learning process. You can't be one of the boys and doing things. You have to look at the big picture," Ward said.

4:33 p.m.- Heavy downpours put a stop to practice. Players were sent to the locker room and spectators were asked to leave.

4:17 p.m. Though the defensive line is getting good work in despite the absence of Cameron Heyward, the same cannot be said for the ill-attended offensive line drills. After releasing Flozell Adams today the squad has thinned; the silver lining being the number of reps rookies Keith Williams and Marcus Gilbert have recieved as a result. As the team transitioned to 7 on 7 passing drills, attendees were charmed to hear safety Ike Taylor let out a cry of, "That's a good start, yo."

3:48 p.m.- While Keisel and Hampton displayed their fair share of power outbursts during defensive line drills, Dorian Brooks put on a show. He nearly knocked the sled over twice, which was well recieved from the small crowd not still congratulating Ben on his marriage as he ran through various packages with the first team O.

3:08 p.m. - Mascot Steely McBeam is being virtually ignored as the offenses and defenses have split up for the first set of drills. The defense is running through Red Zone coverages, while Ben and Byron Leftwich take snaps with the first and second team offenses, respectively.

2:55 p.m. - Players have begun making their way onto the field for the start of afternoon practice.

Heath Miller and Mike Wallace are showing off some one-handed snags during reciever warm-ups.

There was no shortage of love for the newlywed Mr. Roethlisberger as he entered practice to rousing congratulations.

1:51 p.m. - Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he has no problems with linebacker James Harrison, who took a shot at Roethlisberger's play in Super Bowl XL in a recent magazine article.

Roethlisberger said Friday that Harrison called him to warn him what was in the article before it came out. Roethlisberger said he is tougher on himself than anyone else could be, so he had no problem with what Harrison said.

The Super Bowl loss still weighs on the Steelers quarterback. Roethlisberger said some players have the ability to leave a loss behind while others keep it with them. He said it’s still with him and he uses it as motivation.

Big Ben also said he’s thrilled that the team has re-signed offensive tackle Willie Colon. Roethlisberger said Colon is in tremendous condition as he returns from an Achilles tendon injury and that he may have been ready to play in last year's Super Bowl. Roethlisberger believes Colon can have a big year.

Plaxico Burress back with the Steelers? Roethlisberger is all for it. The Steelers quarterback said he has been in touch with Plaxico but didn't share with us what Burress’ thoughts are on a possible return to the Steelers. Burress is scheduled to meet with the Steelers sometime this weekend.

Also, running back Rashard Mendenhall said he is no longer "tweeting" after his controversial comments regarding the death of Osama bin Laden.

Safety Troy Polamalu said he, "Feels good" as training camp begins. He also talked about getting his college degree from USC while on break. He's hoping to get a teaching degree at some point.

11:44 a.m. - Steelers linebacker James Harrison apologized to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Friday morning, Channel 11’s Alby Oxenreiter has learned.

After the Steelers held their first workout of training camp, Harrison gathered the media and, for the first time, talked about his criticism of Goodell in a recent "Men's Journal" article.

"The comments that I made about Roger Goodell were inappropriate at the least... way out of line,” Harrison said. “I was speaking out of anger and frustration at the time… I apologize."

Harrison added that he doesn't think he'll be disciplined.

"I don't expect anything to be done,” he said.

Wide receiver Hines Ward also talked with Bill Phillips about his DUI investigation.

"Everything is in the public eye. You have to be careful. You can't just be one of the boys anymore,” Ward said.

When asked if he thought about his fans after his arrest,Ward said he always does but hopes that his 13 years of good citizenship will go a long way with the fans. Ward also said the DUI charge has not been an issue with his teammates and that he has not heard from the league.

In the meantime, the players are on break until their afternoon practice at 2:55 p.m.

11:15 a.m. - The Steelers released veteran offensive tackle Flozell Adams on Friday, a move made possible after the team agreed to terms with free agents Willie Colon and Jonathan Scott late Thursday night.

The 36-year-old Adams was in the second year of a two-year deal with the Steelers and was scheduled to make $5 million this season. He started all 16 games in 2010 after Colon went down with an Achilles injury.

The five-time Pro Bowler spent the first 12 years of his career with Dallas.

Colon and Scott can officially sign with the team Friday evening, but can't practice until next week, leaving the Steelers thin along the line when practice begins Friday afternoon.

8:16 a.m. - The team will hold a private morning practice. A public practice session is open to the public later in the day at 2:55 p.m.

Day 1: July 28

VIDEO BLOG: Alby, Bill Report From Camp PHOTOS: Steelers Arrive To Training Camp At St. Vincent College

Defensive end Brett Keisel has already gotten started on his famous beard. Last year, Keisel made national headlines, giving the beard much of the credit for his outstanding play and the team's run to the Super Bow.

Keisel dubbed it the "baby beard," and said he hopes to have the same success with it this year.

6 p.m.- After the annual run drill was complete, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media, saying that he "likes the condition of many of the men."

Tomlin said he and his coaching staff are looking to see where the players stand from a conditioning standpoint and that the run drill went "extremely well."

A total of 86 players participated in the first conditioning drill. Channel 11's Alby Oxenreiter reported that Limas Sweed struggled during the exercise and was asked to sit out.

Camp resumes Friday.

5 p.m. -The players have all reported to St. Vincent College and the annual run test is under way. Coach Tomlin is expected to talk to the media after the run test is complete.

1:10 p.m. - Players need to report to camp by 3 p.m. The annual run test is set for 4 p.m. Free agents can't sign until Friday. Head coach Mike Tomlin will talk to the media at 5 p.m.

12:33 p.m. - Casey Hampton and Lawrence Timmons are only big name players to arrive as of now. Others who arrived are unsigned free agents.

11:43 a.m. - A few rookies arrived very early before media crews got to St. Vincent College

9:42 a.m. - Versatile Antwaan Randle El, a hero of a Super Bowl victory, and veteran tackle Max Starks have been released by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Teams officially could cut players Thursday, and the Steelers got started early in the day.

Randle El, a college quarterback who became a receiver in the NFL, threw a touchdown pass to Hines Ward to clinch Pittsburgh's win over Seattle in the 2006 Super Bowl. He had two stints with the Steelers and also played four seasons in Washington.

Starks was drafted by the Steelers in the third round (75th overall) in 2004. He started 68 games in his seven seasons in Pittsburgh, including seven in 2010 before being placed on injured reserve with a neck problem. Starks started two Super Bowls for the Steelers.

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