Daily camp report: Mike Tomlin targets extended reps for Kevin Dotson, Genard Avery
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Several players returned from injuries Tuesday and resumed practicing with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Saint Vincent.
Coach Mike Tomlin provided extended reps for two: left guard Kevin Dotson and outside linebacker Genard Avery.
Dotson is competing with Kendrick Green for the lone vacancy on the offensive line. Avery was signed to provide depth at outside linebacker. Both players missed the preseason opener against Seattle, Avery with a groin injury, Dotson with an ankle issue.
“A significant number of guys are working in various forms,” Tomlin said. “Our goal is to keep that moving forward. It’s a big week for guys like Dotson, Avery and others. … They need the exposure. We need the exposure to them. Equally as important is they need the readiness as we step into a stadium this weekend.”
The Steelers play their lone road preseason game Saturday at Jacksonville.
Dotson took many of the first-team reps at guard beginning with the Seven Shots drill that opens each session. Avery also worked on the first team as the Steelers continue to practice without outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who has a rib injury.
Running back Benny Snell returned to practice after sitting out the preseason opener. Tomlin said Snell didn’t “fall into that category” in terms of players the Steelers want to evaluate this week.
Two players sustained minor injuries during practice and are listed as day to day. Slot corner Arthur Maulet injured his hamstring, and running back Master Teague III has a low ankle injury.
Rookie wide receiver Calvin Austin III no longer was wearing the boot he had sported since injuring his foot in practice on Friday. He didn’t return to practice, however. Miles Boykin returned to practice after missing one session with a rib injury.
Wide receiver Chase Claypool continues to work his way back from a second injury sustained in camp.
Claypool would like to suit up against Jacksonville.
“It’s always good to get reps before it’s go time,” he said. “I missed a lot of live periods, and it’s hard to replicate those periods when the DBs are harassing you, so it’s good to get them in a game.”