Tomlin says loss was not ‘all bad’

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that the seasonopening loss to the Tennessee Titans was “not all bad” and that his team was “an explosion play or two” from being in the game.

The Steelers lost to the Titans, 16-9, in a game in which they managed just 195 yards offense — their fewest since they had 179 yards in a 15-6 loss Sept. 21, 2008, in Philadelphia.

“We had opportunities,” Tomlin said. “We had some plays downfield, we had balls tipped in the air [on defense] that fell harmlessly to the ground.”

With the season-ending injury to Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey, Tomlin said tackle Kelvin Beachum “as of right now” will start at center Monday night in Cincinnati.

But it’s possible that role will be handled by newcomer Fernando Velasco, who was signed Monday to replace Pouncey.

Velasco started 16 games for the Titans in 2012, 13 at center. And Tomlin acknowledged that the Steelers have “critical matchup” problems against the Bengals defense because of “our circumstances,” a reference to Pro Bowl defensive tackle Geno Atkins.

“He’s a very disruptive football player,” Tomlin said.

Tomlin also said the Steelers were fortunate that no team signed running back Jonathan Dwyer when he was released in the final cut of training camp two weeks ago. Dwyer was re-signed to replace LaRod Stephens-Howling, who tore his ACL against the Titans and was placed on injured reserve along with Pouncey and inside linebacker Larry Foote.

“It’s a positive when you can add someone who knows your culture,” Tomlin said.

In addition, Tomlin said injured tight end Heath Miller will do more work in practice this week and could even return to team drills, a sign he is getting closer to return after recovering from offseason ACL surgery.

Miller spent last week working only in individual drills after being taken off the physically unable to perform list and placed on the 53-man roster.

Meantime, cornerback Cortez Allen, who sprained his ankle against the Titans and did not return, will get “increased activity” in practice as the week goes along and could play against the Bengals.

Also, kicker Shaun Suisham’s hamstring injury is “not significant,” and Tomlin said he has a chance to play against the Bengals. As a precaution, the Steelers signed kicker Shayne Graham, who has been with 13 NFL teams in his career. Graham spent most of his career with the Bengals (2003-09).

“Having the extra day will help us in some areas,” Tomlin said, referring to playing on Monday night.