WR Rogers says he’s happy to be at home again
Eli Rogers is just happy to be home.
One day after signing a one-year deal to return to the Steelers, the fourth-year pro was at training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe Thursday donning the only jersey he has worn in the league.
During the first freeagency process of his career, Rogers talked to other players that had more experience with seeking a new contract. He also kept in touch with many people he knew from the Steelers, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and coach Mike Tomlin. Multiple reports at minicamp suggested he wanted to return to Pittsburgh, and he said Thursday rejoining the team felt like “the fit and the home for me.”
“Me knowing the offense, me building a rapport with Ben and the coaches,” Rogers said. “The camaraderie here, it’s like a love atmosphere here. And it’s the first place I came to in the league, so why not?”
Rogers had several franchises asking about him, he said. But it took him just two visits — the Cleveland Browns and the Kansas City Chiefs — before he made up his mind.
“After those two places,” Rogers said, “I just felt like, ‘Ah, I’m ready to get back.’”
Still recovering from a torn ACL that occurred the Steelers’ 45-42 playoff loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Rogers currently on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list and wouldn’t give an estimate for when he’ll be cleared to return. Roethlisberger said Rogers likely is ready to go, but they’ve “pulled the reins” and eased him back in to avoid setbacks.
“It was just a matter of time and time planning out with this process,” Rogers said. “But, when I’m ready, I’ll be ready.”
Rogers didn’t participate in team drills during the Steelers first practice Thursday but said he “did a little running” and participated in a conditioning test, both of which went well.
Once he returns, Rogers will rejoin a wide receiver group that features All-Pro AntonioBrown, budding star Juju Smith-Schuster and second-round pick and former Oklahoma State star James Washington, who won the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the best wide receiver in college football in 2017.
“I think we’re going to be the best in the league,” Rogers said.
Turnover focus
A year ago, Roethlisberger didn’t throw an interception in three-plus weeks of training camp.
But late Thursday, he dropped back and threw a pick to cornerback Artie Burns on a pass intended for Brown on the outside.
“As soon as it left my hand, I knew it was going to be picked,” Roethlisberger said. “Just the way it goes.”
He noted that there isn’t one thing that the offense has made an emphasis to change or improve, but, if he could choose one, it would be to cut down on turnovers.
Secret’s out
Roethlisberger said that the “challenge” for SmithSchuster in his sophomore campaign will be following up his 58-catch, 917-yard performance as a rookie.
“When you’re a young guy in this league, no matter what position, quarterback, recievers, you can sneak up on people,” Roethlisberger said. “He’s not going to sneak up on anybody this year.”
New faces, new places
Newly acquired linebacker Jon Bostic, who signed a a free-agent deal with the Steelers in March, lined up with the first-team defense Thursday on a number defensive sets.