LATROBE, Pa. -- 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!

Refresh this page throughout the day for updates.

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SPECIAL SECTION: Steelers 2009 Training Camp
TRAINING CAMP: 2009 Camp Schedule, Directions

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Day 22: Aug. 21 -- Rich Walsh

No practice for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers today. Ben's status is uncertain for Saturday's preseason game against the Washington Redskins, but sources close to the situation say Big Ben will be just fine.

I'm hearing that Roethlisberger could play a series or two in the game, but ultimately head coach Mike Tomlin will decide whether or not he plays.

Day 21: Aug. 20 -- Rich Walsh

In the final practice of training camp, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered an injury when lineman Max Starks rolled over Ben's ankle. Ben iced his ankle and watched the remainder of practice, then limped off the field on his own power. The severity of the injury is not known.

4:36 p.m.

It was the last day of training camp for the defending Super Bowl champions, but head coach Mike Tomlin didn't give them a break on this final day.

Jeff Reed might now be known as the joker. It's been a tradition at camp that the players get a morning off to go to the movies. The players thought today was the day. School buses pulled up early this morning, but it was just a prank pulled by the Steelers kicker. The players were disappointed, but Tomlin said, "The players need to know what it's like to play after disappointment."

Day 20: Aug. 19

4 p.m.

The Steelers weren't the only champs at camp in Latrobe on Wednesday. Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma, who guided the Pens to their third Stanley Cup victory, spent the day with the Super Bowl champions.

Bylsma, along with some of the team's front office personnel, showed up wearing a Steel City Champions shirt.

They had lunch with Kevin Colbert, who is, by the way, a Pens season ticket holder and huge pens fan.

Then the two championship-winning head coaches had a chance to talk.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and some other members of the team were regulars at games during the Pens' Stanley Cup run, and the Super Bowl champs are excited to now see the Pens supporting them.

Byslma and the Pens are less than a month away from their training camp. The players will report to Mellon Arena on Sept. 12.

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Day 19: Aug. 18

7 p.m.

Ben Says His Arm Is Fine -- "You guys made such a big deal about my arm being sore, hopefully you will start writing that my arm's looking better,” said Roethlisberger. "It feels good. Today, the red zone period, seven on seven, we completed every pass. I think we completed all but one in the team red zone, so it's really starting to come along. It just took about a week; that's kind of what we anticipated."

Old Meets New -- Ex-Steelers guard Sam Davis, who played for the team from 1967-79, stopped by practice on Tuesday.

Davis said he was impressed with the field conditions and accommodations at St. Vincent College. He said being back at the college brought back some good memories for him.

5:19 p.m. -- Alby Oxenreiter

On the field, it was an uneventful day at Steelers Training Camp. The Steelers had two workouts, including the afternoon workout, which was held under mostly cloudy skies and in front of thousands of fans. Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl watched the afternoon workout from the sideline.

Day 18: Aug. 17

6:47 p.m. -- Bill Phillips

Sends them Home -Piotr Czech is a hero tonight!

Czech, the Steelers second string place kicker, ended practice early when he drilled a 52 yard field goal.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin likes to put pressure on his kickers in practice so Czech was told if he made the kick practice would end roughly a half an hour early and the entire team could get out of the 90 degree heat!

Czech was equal to the task.

5:39 p.m. -- Bill Phillips

Death in the Family - Steelers defensive back and special teams standout Anthony Madison was excused from practice due to a death in the family. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony and his family," Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said following practice. Coach Tomlin indicated that Madison will have as much time as he needs to attend to family matters before he is required to return to the team.

One on One - Steelers Wide Receiver Hines Ward is used to being covered by Safety Troy Polamalu in practice - not today - today Ward covered Polamalu! On one play during the teams passing drills, Ward and Polamalu switched positions. The pass from Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to Polamalu was almost picked off by Ward. It fell incomplete.

Clark " The Entertainer "- Safety Ryan Clark had the Steelers fans at practice today laughing at themselves. After a short five yard completion to Hines Ward the crowd cheered as if it was a regular season touchdown pass - Clark went over to the stands and reminded the fans that the defense is not allowed to tackle anyone during the passing drill but if they were Hines wouldn't have made the catch and probably would have been knocked out. He went on to say Steelers fans are very intelligent and they wouldn't be fooled into cheering such plays in the future. The crowd laughed and on the next play when the pass fell incomplete - the crowd gave Clark a big ovation.

Frog Prank - Steelers Kicker Jeff Reed played a prank on wide receiver Limas Sweed this morning - Sweed is apparently not a big fan of frogs, so Reed put a frog in Sweed's helmet which got a big reaction from Sweed. "Kickers they have nothing to do all day," Hines Ward said. Following the Steelers afternoon workout Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the prank and he glared back at the reporter wondering why anyone would ask such a question before finally mumbling, "It's camp."

3:10 p.m. -- Bill Phillips

Johnson and Johnson - WPXI's David Johnson paid a visit to Steelers training camp this morning to meet - who else! - Steelers tight end David Johnson. The Steelers David Johnson is a 6'2" 260 pound rookie out of Arkansas State. WPXI's David Johnson is about 6'1" or 6'2" - 180 pound Florida Gator and a veteran anchor! David interviewed David but before the interview started Johnson gave Johnson an Arkansas State welcome mat for his new home in Pittsburgh. Johnson and Johnson caught some passes from Steelers Quarterback Charlie Batch and enjoyed their first meeting. David asked David if he had every meet another David Johnson before -- his reply "no, the only other David Johnson I know is my father." Check out my Johnson and Johnson video blog right here on WPXI.com.

Gators at Camp - As I mentioned WPXI's David Johnson is a Florida Gator as is Steelers Tackle Max Starks, so before he left camp - David spent a few minutes talking with Starks about the upcoming Florida football season. Johnson and Starks believe the Gators will win another National title.

H-H-H - Hazy , Hot and Humid...... that is a great way to describe the weather here at St. Vincent College today. The Steelers players all say they will make sure to drink extra water so they don't have any problems with the heat. "These are the Dog days of camp," Steelers WR Hines Ward said. "We have to push through these days because this will help us late in the season."

How Fast is Fast - Usain Bolt of Jamaica ran a 9.58 - 100 meters at the World Track and Field Championships in Germany Sunday that's a new World record. The Steelers all marveled at the time Bolt ran but they don't believe being that fast on the track translates automatically to the football field. Hines Ward says he would rather have a guy that's quick and runs good routes over a straight line sprinter but Hines also said "I wish I had that speed."

The Weight Room is empty - Steelers Training Camp 2009 will be over before we know it. This morning here at St. Vincent College moving trucks arrived to take all of the Steelers weight room equipment back to their South Side complex so I guess it will just push-ups and sit-ups the rest of the week for the Steelers.

Bylsma at Camp - We learned today that Penguins' Head Coach Dan Bylsma will be a guest of the Steelers here at training camp on Wednesday. Bylsma is still celebrating the Penguins third Stanley Cup Championship.

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Day 17: Aug. 16

6 p.m. - Rich Walsh

The highlight of the Steelers only practice on Sunday was the goal line drill. Rookie running back Isaac Redman, who scored twice in the team's preseason win over the Cardinals on Sunday, was the star. No. 33 scored five times from the 1-yard line and is hoping he caught coach Tomlin's eye. Redman is an undrafted rookie free agent from Bowie State. Redman was the only running back to carry the ball in the drill.

A couple of guys left practice a little early with minor injuries, including star safety Troy Polamalu. In other injury news, running back Rashard Mendenhall was back after missing yesterday's practice with a quad injury.

This is the final week of training camp in Latrobe. The Steelers break camp on Friday and play their second preseason game in Washington D.C. on Saturday.

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Day 16: Aug. 15

11 p.m.

Bride and Groom Hit camp: Jennifer and Michael Detore tied the knot on Saturday and then stopped by training camp for some photos.

Pittsburgh Native: Tackle Jason Capizzi, of Pittsburg, has been getting to see a different side of camp now that he's a play and not a fan of the Steelers. He shared some thoughts of camp with Steelers.com.

“I used to be one of those people that would come up,” Capizzi said. “I was one of those people that used to come up and sneak on for the morning practice. They would try to chase me off. I would hide behind a tree and they would tell me to go. It’s cool to see it from the other perspective.”

“The food hasn’t been bad, but I am a fussy eater. I eat when I am hungry. If I am forced to schedule my eating habits, you are going to get tired of eating."

“The sweets table is the devil. They had little banana cream pies the other day and I said how much I liked them and they made me a whole banana cream pie to take back to the dorm. It’s sitting in my room, the empty tray, collecting ants."

10 p.m. - Rich Walsh

The Steelers only had an afternoon practice on Saturday. The big news of the day is starting center Justin Hartwig was back on the field for the first time with the first team. I had a chance to talk with Hartwig after practice, and he said he feels great and is happy to be back.

Hartwig missed the first two weeks of camp with a fractured right toe. In other injury news, running back Willie Parker also returned to practice after missing a couple of days, but his back up Rasher Mendenhall was held out of practice with a quad injury. He is expected to return on Sunday.

Steelers rookie Stefan Logan was one of the highlights of camp. The speedy running back made a nice catch in traffic over the middle.

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Day 15: Aug. 14

No practice scheduled today.

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Day 14: Aug. 13

11:30 p.m.

Isaac Redman, an undrafted rookie from Bowie State playing long after the starters for both Super Bowl teams left the field, scored twice in the fourth quarter and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 20-10 in a preseason opener Thursday night.

Click Here for the game recap.

9 a.m.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Arizona Cardinals tonight in their first preseason game of the year. The game will be the first for both teams since the Steelers beat the Cards in February to capture their sixth Super Bowl championship.

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Day 13: Aug. 12

The Steelers will hold their final practice today before taking on the Arizona Cardinals in their first preseason game.

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Day 12: Aug. 11

4:43 p.m. -- Alby Oxenreiter

The sun came out for the afternoon practice today as the Steelers prepare for Thursday night's exhibition opener against the Arizona Cardinals, but heavy storms moved in near the end of practice. Steelers Hall of Famer Mel Blount was a visitor at the morning practice, and actor Ving Rhames spent some time on the sidelines at the afternoon workout. Rhames is in town for tomorrow's premiere of "The Bridge To Nowhere."

Head Coach Mike Tomlin said there will be no game-planning, and the play-calling by both coordinators will tend toward the simple in order to put the emphasis on the players and how they find ways to win their one-on-one battles on the field.

Tomlin said the time had come for games since the players, going up against one another in the same competition in the same drills on the same fields under the same conditions has gotten stale.

Tomlin also said rookie receiver Mike Wallace will get the first opportunity to return kickoffs, and he indicated it could be rookie Joe Burnett getting the first crack at returning punts.

12:30 p.m.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the rest of the Steelers' starters are expected to play a couple of series in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, which lost to Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl six months ago.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he plans to keep the offensive starters together, although injuries are making that difficult. Starting center Justin Hartwig (toe) is not expected to play and neither will backup Darnell Stapleton (knee). Former practice squad player Doug Legursky, an undrafted 2008 rookie from Marshall, may start.

All four quarterbacks on the team's roster could play in Thursday night's game in Pittsburgh, depending on how the game goes, Tomlin said.

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Day 11: Aug. 10

3:54 p.m. -- Bill Phillips

Restful Morning - The Steelers were scheduled to have practice this morning, but head coach Mike Tomlin gave his guys the day off. Steelers defensive lineman Chris Hoke thinks Coach Tomlin gave the team the morning off because "We've really laid it on the line for him," Hoke said. "We really did a great job of getting after it ."

What to do? - So what does a player do with a morning off? Heath Miller told me he slept until 9 a.m. before going and getting into a cold tub, which is basically a tub full of ice water that a player stands or sits in to help refresh the muscles. Chris Hoke spent his morning with his feet up before going and getting in a workout. Rookie defensive lineman Ziggy Hood watched film as he continues to try and learn the Steelers defense.

Hall of Fame - Saturday former Steeler Rod Woodson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. During his speech, he made a point of thanking Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and asked the Hall of Fame voters why LeBeau isn't in the Hall of Fame as a player or coach. As a player, LeBeau - a defensive back - had 62 interceptions and as a coach, he developed the "zone blitz" and put together some of the best defenses ever constructed. The 71-year-old LeBeau told me he was "humbled " by Woodson's words.

New Center - The Steelers signed Alex Stepanovich to add depth at center. Justin Hartwig is nursing a toe injury. Stepanovich has played for the Cardinals, Bengals and Falcons in the NFL. He played his college ball at Ohio State. He told me he is "thrilled" to have a chance to play for the Steelers.

11:20 a.m.

The Steelers signed center Alex Stepanovich to add depth to the offensive line today. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

Stepanovich (6-4, 296) was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He played three seasons with the Cardinals before playing one season each with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Atlanta Falcons.

To make room for Stepanovich on the roster, the Steelers released defensive lineman Jordan Reffett. Reffett spent time the past two seasons in the team’s training camp and was also on the Steelers’ practice squad for two weeks during the 2008 season.

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Day 10: Aug. 9

No Ring For Polamalu: Safety Troy Polamalu still has yet to receive his Super Bowl ring, he said. He was not in town for the team's OTAs, and he missed the ring ceremony, but he said it looks "impressive."

"Honestly I don’t know where it is at. It’s kind of irrelevant at this moment. I will get it later on this season. We won the Super Bowl; I don’t need anything to remind me of that," Polamalu told Steelers.com.

Rookie running back Isaac Redman scored twice during goal-line drills, catching the attention of fans.

During his first TD run, Redman powered over fellow rookie Andrew Schantz.

8 p.m.

It was family day at Steelers training camp today. Only one practice for the black and gold and their relatives got a show towards the end of practice.

9:07 p.m. -- Rich Walsh

Today’s afternoon session focused on short yardage plays and goal line offense and defense. Mike Tomlin ended practice with the highlight of camp so far...the highly anticipated goal line drill. It’s 7 plays from inside the five yard line.

The first team defense stopped the first team offense three straight times. Second year back Rashard Mendenhall and rookie running back Frank 'The Tank' Summers took the majority of carries for the offense. The Defense won the drill 4-3.

Injury news - Willie Parker sat out for the second straight day with back spasms. He will be back tomorrow afternoon. Melwede Moore joined fast Willie on the sidelines. Moore is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Limas Sweed and Casey Hampton left practice early because of injuries. They both are expected to be minor and should be back to practice shortly.

Hampton left practice with a knee injury, although coach Mike Tomlin said the four-time Pro Bowl player is expected to be fine. Sweed also had a hamstring injury.

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Day 9: Aug. 8

6 p.m.

Mike Tomlin and the Steelers were back at it this morning after a night practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.

6:49 p.m. -- Rich Walsh

Linebacker Lamarr Woodley was held out of practice. Woodley is resting his right knee. Tomlin said he used the practice this morning to take a look at some of the younger guys.

Rookie wide receiver Mike Wallace has continued to impress coaches and some teammates. I also had a chance to talk with Moon native AQ Shipley. The rookie offensive lineman is doing whatever he can to make the 53 man roster. Shipley has been practicing at both guard spots and center. Center is Shipley’s natural position. Shipley has also been long snapping.

Woodley along with Willie Parker sat the afternoon practice out. Parker woke up with back spasms.

The Steelers practiced their fake field goal play. Jeff Reed received loud cheers from an estimated crowd of 8,000 after catching a touchdown pass. Reed actually got some wheels. He looked pretty fast against the Steelers special teams unit.

Wide Receiver Shaun McDonald has only dropped one ball during camp so far. During a drill head coach Mike Tomlin likes to call backed up. McDonald caught a long touchdown pass over the middle.

The catch of the day was made by rookie free agent Tyler Grisham from Clemson. Grisham made a diving catch from Dennis Dixon.

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Day 8: Aug. 7

3 p.m.

Right guard Darnell Stapleton will get arthroscopic surgery on his left knee today and the team has no timetable set for his return.

The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Stapleton had been practicing at center in place of Justin Hartwig, who arrived at training camp with a toe injury. But Stapleton had swelling in the knee and has not practiced since Sunday.

The injuries have left the team thin on the offensive line. Trai Essex, a top backup who had been expected to challenge Stapleton for a starting spot, is playing right guard. Doug Legursky, an undrafted player out of Marshall who spent the part of the 2008 season on the practice squad, has filled in at center.

2:30 p.m. -- Bill Phillips

Special Practice -- The Steelers morning practice featured special teams play with the kickoff return team getting the majority of the attention. Stefan Logan, who was signed out of the CFL, was the player returning most of the kicks.

Logan isn't real big at 5 foot 6 inches, 180 pounds, but he is very fast. Hines Ward calls him "Pinball."

Night Practice -- The Steelers will go to work under the lights for the first time later tonight when they hold their one and only night practice of training camp at Latrobe High School Field.

"It is a game like atmosphere," Steelers safety Ty Carter said. "You get the feel of a real game but it's just practice."

Trophies -- The Steelers six Super Bowl trophies will be on display at tonight's practice. Which Trophy or Championship is your favorite? The sixth Super Bowl trophy is my favorite since I had the chance to hold it in the Steelers locker room following their win over Arizona in Super Bowl XLIII.

NFL Officials -- The NFL sent a crew of officials to Steelers camp this week to explain the rule changes the league has made for the 2009 season. One rule was adopted because of Hines Ward's legal hit on Cincinnati linebacker Keith Rivers, who broke his jaw on the play.

That blindside hit will no longer be legal. If head and neck contact are made on the play but if Ward made the same hit on River's and the impact zone of the hit was River's chest it would be a legal play.

Weekend Workouts -- If you want to come out to St. Vincent College for Steelers practice this weekend, they will hold afternoon practices that are open to public on Saturday and Sunday. Players will take the field at roughly 2:55 p.m.

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Day 7: Aug. 6

Outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley missed practice Thursday, the first day he's sat out. Tomlin said LaMar Woodley has swelling in his right knee.

3:33 p.m. -- Bill Phillips

Ward at Work - For the first time in seven practices, Hines Ward is in full pads and taking part in practice. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has made a point of resting his veteran players.

Ben Back - After a day off - Wednesday Ben Roethlisberger is back on the practice field.

Officials on the field - At today's practice NFL officials will be working with the Steelers. The officials are in camp to go over rule changes with the Steelers.

1:40 p.m.

Beautiful Morning - It is a picture postcard day at St. Vincent College in Latrobe the training camp home of the Steelers. It was a great morning to have off. Some of the Steelers took advantage of the break and left campus others stayed on campus and just got some extra rest, while a few others had their cars washed in the upper parking lot.

Nice Backpack - Steelers kicker Jeff Reed has been traveling around campus with a pink backpack. He says if the team has a rookie kicker or punter on the roster the rookie has to take the back pack everywhere they go but with no rookies on the squad this year he decided to take on the responsibility himself. "I like to try and keep the team loose," Reed told me. "It helps to keep their minds off of what they are going through here at camp."

Backpacks are popular with Steelers' players on the St. Vincent campus. Safety Ryan Clark, who likes to wear a unique backpack at camp each year, decided to go with an Optimus Prime Transformers backpack this year.

Taking the Opportunity - With Darnell Stapleton out with an injury to his right knee, Trai Essex has a chance to get extra work at right guard. Essex has the ability to play a number of offensive line positions but hasn't found a home as a start so this might be his opportunity if Stapleton is out for an extended amount of time. I asked Trai what his goals for camp are - his response - "I want to winning a starting spot."

Contract Talk - I spoke with defensive end Brett Keisel and kicker Jeff Reed about their current contracts which run out at the end of the season both want to stay in Pittsburgh but both say they won't worry about their contracts while the season is going - they will leave that up to their agents. Reed says "Every year is a contract year for a kicker."

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Day 6: Aug. 5

3:47 p.m. -- Rich Walsh

Ben Roethlisberger is not practicing this afternoon. The Steelers star quarterback practiced this morning. Big Ben did not throw but did take part in some running drills during the afternoon session. Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu are also not practicing.

2:09 p.m.

The Steelers hit the field this morning. Hines Ward didn't practice again. We are still waiting for more results with Darnel Stapleton, who also didn't practice. Ike Taylor made an incredible pass deflection towards the end of practice.

9 a.m.

The team has a closed morning practice and public practice at 2:55 p.m.

Refresh this page later for updates.

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Day 5: Aug. 4

Music superstar John Legend, who was in Greensburg for a concert Monday, attended Steelers practice on Tuesday.

Legend met several Steelers, including Santonio Holmes, Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison and Troy Polamalu.

Tuesday was also annual Kids Club Day, which hosts children from other states like New Mexico and Florida, among others.

Linebacker James Farrior talked with kids, holding a press conference and letting them ask the questions.

1:23 p.m. -- Rich Walsh

The Steelers worked on special teams this morning. We had a chance to talk with punter Dan Sepulveda afterwards. He is excited to get back on the field after missing last season because of injury. Sepulveda wears a brace on his knee but says he's back to 100 percent.

The team only worked on special teams this morning -- formations and some punts and kicks. Off to the side, the quarterbacks threw a little into nets. It was really just a short special team session this morning.

The Steelers had a closed practice Monday morning. Their afternoon session, which is open to the public, is set to start at 2:55 p.m.

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Day 4: Aug. 3

7:30 p.m. -- Bill Phillips

Sore Arm -- Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says his arm is sore three days into workouts at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. Roethlisberger told me following today's practice that it is something he will work through, and it isn't a big deal.

"It's frustrating at times. I think I have a pick every day at practice, because my arm's not where I want it to be yet," said Roethlisberger. "I try to make the throws I can make later in the year. I try to do it now, and my arm's not ready yet. I just continue to get that ready and keep developing the offense. We probably add something new every day, so it's fun."

Impressed -- Roethlisberger also told me he has been very impressed with the work second year wide receiver Limas Sweed is putting in. Sweed is competing for the No. 3 wide receiver position that was left open by the departure of Nate Washington.

5:09 p.m. -- Bill Phillips

Crowd into it -- The Steelers fans in attendence at this afternoon's practice were really into the workout - cheering on the defense with chants of Defense! Defense!

Good coverage -- Keenan Lewis, a rookie cornerback out of Oregon State broke up a pass on the sideline and Joe Burnett another rookie out of Central Florida made a pick over the middle. Veteran Ryan Clark also had a pick.

Sitting Out -- Hines Ward had the afternoon off as did Darnell Stapleton who had a knee wrap on as he watched practice this morning. Rookie RaShon Harris who played at Oregon was also sidelined this afternoon.

Nice Catch -- Wide Receiver Brandon Williams had a solid afternoon of passing drills make a number of nice plays. Limas Sweed also played well this afternoon - his camp is off to a good start.

3:30 p.m. -- Bill Phillips

Timmons Returns -- Over the weekend Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons was sidelined with cramps, but he returned to practice today and made a big hit on rookie running back Frank "The Tank" summers in the morning workout.

Hines Helps Out -- During the Steelers morning practice Hines Ward worked with rookie wide receiver Mike Wallace on getting off of the line of scrimmage.

Hines and Farrior Rest -- Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin continues his practices, giving some of his veterans time off during camp. Today, Hines Ward and James Farrior both watched practice while saving their legs.

Dallas Baker -- He was called the "Touchdown Maker" at Florida, but so far as a pro, Baker is still trying to prove himself. Today, the wideout made a great leaping catch over the middle that had his teammates cheering.

Batch looks good -- Steelers QB Charlie Batch looked good throwing the football today. If you will recall Batch missed the entire season after breaking his collarbone in a preseason game last year. Batch told me after practice that "everything feels great. I just have to work on my timing with my feet."

The Steelers have another practice this afternoon.

8 a.m.

The Steelers have a closed practice scheduled for Monday morning. Their afternoon session, which is open to the public, is set to start at 2:55 p.m.

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Day 3: Aug. 2

9 p.m.

Limas Sweed was the star of the afternoon practice. The second year wide receiver made some nice catches, which caught the attention of his teammates, coaches and the fans. Big Ben even pulled Sweed aside during practice to give him some encouraging words.

Lawerence Timmons sat out practice with cramps.

Channel 11's Rich Walsh spoke one-on-one with wide receiver Hines Ward, who is at his 12th Steelers training camp.

"It's great to come back to start the foundation all over again," Ward said.

Coach Mike Tomlin is stressing that last season is in the past, but that can be tough for the players to do.

"Sometimes you can be on top of the world for the whole season," said Ward. "A lot of guys and our peers envy us, and they envy the Super Bowl ring. That's all the hard work and preparation that you put into it. It all comes down to that ring."

Ward said he hopes to pick up where the team left off last season.

"This year, you understand this is the foundation that needs to be set for us to have a great appreciation to go out and make a playoff run," Ward said.

The Steelers are back to two-a-days on Monday. The afternoon session is open to the fans.

4 p.m. -- Rich Walsh

There was no practice this morning for the Steelers. Head coach Mike Tomlin gave his team a little break with only one practice on Sunday.

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Day 2: Aug. 1:

Saturday night marked the singing tradition the Steelers like to hold at camp. All of the rookies have to line up in the cafeteria to sing for the veterans during dinner.

The event kicked off after wide receiver Mike Wallace got things started.

Wallace went old school, belting out R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly." The teammates joined in and got a round of applause when finishing.

Before dinner, during the afternoon practice, Chirs busted out the Hokey Pokey dance before team stretching.

Watching practice was ex-Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan. Shanahan said he never went to another team’s training camp and wanted to check out the Steelers for a few days.

7:15 p.m. -- Rich Walsh

The Steelers made it through day one without any major concerns. Head coach Mike Tomlin likes the way the team looks after day one but says the players still have a long way to go. He has been stressing that 2008 is behind them, and now it's time to focus on 2009.

Some Steelers, including Hines Ward, put in a little work after practice.

Fans had a chance to watch the Steelers second practice of the day.

3:15 p.m. -- Rich Walsh

The Pittsburgh Steelers began two-a-days at St. Vincent College Saturday. The afternoon session was open to the public.

Ben Roethlisberger talked for the first time at training camp in Latrobe. The star quarterback would only talk about football. He has said he will not discuss the civil sexual assault case. I did find out that Ben apologized his teammates for any possible distractions that might arise from his legal issues. Hines Ward said Ben's off-field issues will not be a distraction to the team.

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Day 1: July 31

7:30 p.m. -- Bill Phillips

All of the Steelers players reported to camp on time, but not all of the Steelers enter training camp at 100 percent.

Tight end Heath Miller will be limited in his activities after surgery on a sports hernia in June. He is expected to be ready for the regular season opener.

Defensive backs Troy Polamalu and Deshea Townsend will be limited as they nurse hamstring injuries.

Offensive linemen Justin Hartwig and Darnell Stapleton will also be limited in their activities. Hartwig has a toe injury, while Stapleton is dealing with a knee swelling.

Running back Stefan Logan will start camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list or PUP with a mid-foot sprain.

The Steelers went through their conditioning test, and all of the players made it through with no problems, including Casey Hampton, who if you recall did not make it through the run test a year ago and was placed on the PUP list.

The Steelers will have two workouts on Saturday.

2:50 p.m. -- Bill Phillips

Day one of 2009 training camp began for the media with two press conferences.

The first featured top draft pick Ziggy Hood. The defensive lineman out of Missouri came to terms on a five year deal with the Steelers.

"I'm glad to be here," Hood said. "I ready to go to work."

Hood will lean on and learn from all of the teams veterans but especially fellow defensive lineman Aaron Smith.

"My locker is right next to his," the defensive lineman said. "So any little teaching technique that he taught me, I took a lot of it and I have to listen to him because he has been in the league so long."

The second press conference featured Heath Miller who just came to terms on a six year deal with the Steelers. Miller who is a two time Super Bowl champion called the Steelers "the best organization in all of sports."

The Steelers will face a conditioning test later this afternoon.

1:20 p.m. -- Bill Phillips

The Steelers’ players will be reporting Friday to Art Rooney Hall at St. Vincent College for the beginning of training camp.

Channel 11’s Jodine Costanzo said, as of noon on Friday, none of the players had yet checked in, enjoying their last minutes of freedom before training camp begins.

Steelers’ media coordinator Dave Lockett told Costanzo the players are allowed to bring whatever helps them feel comfortable in the dorm room environment.

“It’s like being back in college,” Lockett said. “Anyone who’s been to college understands the dorm life, and it really doesn’t change these guys.”

Once the players do check-in, it won’t be long before they get to work. At 4 p.m. Friday the players will undergo a conditioning test, rain or shine. Coach Tomlin will speak afterwards.

The players will also have meetings to attend Friday night before the team’s very first practice Saturday morning.