The lofty goals RB Willie Parker is setting for himself just might be enough to force out newly signed free agent Kevan Barlow.

Jim Wexell points out in his July 30 Herald-Standard column that Barlow’s less-than-desired blocking skills make him a tough fit for third-down duties (especially when Parker wants to stay on the field all three downs), and his reps in practice have been decreasing.

Read the rest of this entry »

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin noted Sunday that RB Willie Parker could see more third-down responsibilities this season, as reported by Post-Gazette writer Gerry Dulac. Parker seems to be comfortable in this camp, perhaps moreso than he has been the last two seasons. That’s to be expected, considering he has rushed for over 1,000 yards each of the last two years. But the issue becomes durability.

Read the rest of this entry »

SI’s Peter King visited Latrobe for Steelers training camp  yesterday for his yearly “Postcards from camp” feature.

To summarize it, Ben’s not making any excuses for last year, camp is more physical than it was under Cowher, and Hines Ward may not be totally sold on new coach Mike Tomlin’s philosophy.

“I sensed no open rebellion. None at all,” King wrote. “But I did sense that some of the vets - like Hines Ward - still haven’t bought in totally to the Tomlin way.”

Read the rest of this entry »

What did the Steelers do to improve this off-season?

The simple, short answer is they made the decision to dedicate a nice chunk of time to their special teams play.

Read the rest of this entry »

Gerry Dulac, you bonehead!

Read the rest of this entry »

The Associated Press in Cincinnati is reporting that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has denied Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman’s petition to be reinstated after a year-long suspension in 2006.

The report says Goodell “decided that the Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker should miss another season because of his ongoing problems.”

Read the rest of this entry »

The Tribune-Review is reporting that the rumor of QB Aaron Brooks possibly signing with the Steelers is not likely to become true.

“It was exploratory for both sides,” Steelers Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert said.

Thank Hey-Zus.

Read the rest of this entry »

The above-average winds felt in Western Pennsylvania around 3:30 p.m. today were caused by SteelerNation letting out a long-awaited sigh of relief.

SS Troy Polamalu has signed a contract extension, keeping him in Pittsburgh beyond this season, as per Ed Bouchette.

From Bouchette, “Polamalu signed a five-year contract worth $33 million, making him the highest-paid Steeler and highest-paid safety in the NFL. He will receive bonuses — including signing and roster — of $15,375,000.”

Pittsburgh, we have locked down our defensive leader. Here’s to an outstanding camp.

Congratulations, Troy, you deserve it.  

The Associated Press is reporting Sunday evening that Steelers 1st round pick OLB Lawrence Timmons has signed a five-year contract, possibly worth up to $15 million, with over $8 million guaranteed.

Read the rest of this entry »

SteelCityInsider.com reports Sunday Morning that the Steelers have come to terms with 5th round pick CB William Gay. SCI says Gay got a $106,000 bonus on his three-year contract.

Read the rest of this entry »