Canton conundrum
Troy Polamalu tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of HOF ceremony.
After Friday night’s practice under the lights at Heinz Field, spirits were high, and Mike Tomlin left the field especially happy with his team’s effort and performance. But as practice came to an end, the Steelers franchise received some upsetting news from one of its all-time best.
Legendary strong safety Troy Polamalu announced on social media that he recently tested positive for COVID-19, just eight days before he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“Thank God I feel great. I’m working with the HOF to ensure we abide by all protocols to make it to Canton in time for all the festivities,” he said in a statement.
In his 12 years with the team, Polamalu was the heart and soul of the defense. He was everywhere on the field with his dazzling, highlight-reel sacks and interceptions, which earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
When the two-time Super Bowl champion retired in 2015, he moved back to California and distanced himself from the Steelers organization. However, since he was announced as a member of the Centennial Class of 2020, he has slowly reconnected with Pittsburghers. He even said his kids are Yinzers and he can’t wait to come back to the Steel City.
He is working with the Hall of Fame in hopes of still traveling to Canton for his enshrinement on Aug. 7. If he cannot make the trip, it would be a devastating moment for the Steelers great, his team and the fans. He was already delayed a year in earning his gold jacket due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whether Polamalu can travel to Canton, the Hall of Fame is determined to honor him in full.
“We are disappointed for Troy right now and pray for his quick recovery with no complications,” David Baker, president & CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said.
High hopes
One of the most exciting battles to watch in training camp has been in the trenches, as one of the most experienced units — the defensive line — goes head-tohead with the least experienced — the offensive linemen.
With Stephon Tuitt, Cameron Heyward and Tyson Alualu all having eight or more years in the league, they have provided the ultimate test for some of the younger offensive linemen like rookie center Kendrick Green.
But Alualu, who has matched up with Green throughout camp, said he’s been impressed.
“He’s very athletic, very fast,” Alualu said. “He can get to the edge quick, so that’s definitely a plus for him.”
Green, who was drafted in the third round out of Illinois, has huge shoes to fill. Maurkice Pouncey retired this offseason after 11 years in the league.
Not only do the Steelers have to fill the shoes of Pouncey, David DeCastro and Alejandro Villanueva, but starting linemen Chukwuma Okorafor, Kevin Dotson and Zach Banner are all working through injuries. Right guard Trai Turner has anchored a young group throughout camp after signing with the team last month.
Goals beyond football
In front of a crowd of about 10,000, Tomlin took a moment to address the fans at the beginning of practice. He lined up all of his players facing the stands and spoke for two minutes.
He opened by thanking them for their support and acknowledged that the last year has been hard.
“In the last 12 months, we’ve all been challenged in ridiculous ways,” Tomlin said. “We were blessed enough to still have an opportunity to pursue our passions and do our jobs. We understand a lot of people were less fortunate than us. We thank you. We see you for your courage and spirit in the face of a pandemic and the challengesthat it caused.”
Then Tomlin pivoted to address the social justice issues that remain prevalent in the United States and reaffirmed his team’s commitment to make a positive impacton their communities.
“Twelve months ago, we acknowledge that our nation was ravaged by social unrest,” he said.
“We stood right here 12 months ago and made a commitment to be positive contributors to the development of a more perfect union. We formalized our efforts with social justice committees and got out into our community. Twelve months later, we affirm that commitment.”
Injury notes
The Steelers are still monitoring a few injured players but have avoided any major injuries, Tomlin said.
After tight end Dax Raymond left practice early on Thursday, the Steelers announced on Friday that they waived him and signed Marcus Baugh as his replacement.
Cassius Marsh limped off during practice Friday and didn’t return.
Running back Jaylen Samuels, who Tomlin said limped off at Thursday’s practice, was seen in sweats, alongside tight end Eric Ebron, who is “day-today” with elbow soreness.
Projected starting offensive linemen Okorafor, Banner, Dotson and J.C. Hassenauer all remained out, but Dotson and Hassenauer were seen getting a few reps in on the side.