Big Ben forced to leave practice

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger did not finish practice Thursday afternoon after appearing to injure his right ankle. Roethlisberger was hit low in team drills and limped off toward the back of the field where he consulted with trainer John Norwig.

Roethlisberger remained on the field for the rest of practice and had a noticeable limp when he walked. Coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the injury when he met with reporters after practice. When asked how Roethlisberger was, Tomlin replied: “He’s great.”

When a follow-up question came about the low hit, Tomlin replied: “Nothing.”

While the injury is likely minor, it did allow rookie fourth-round pick Josh Dobbs to work with the firstteam offense for the remainder of practice. Dobbs got all of the work with the starters because backup Landry Jones has been out with an abdominal injury.

“I thought he took advantage of the reps,” Tomlin said. “He was taking some calculated risks associated with the position, pushing the ball down the grass. He’ll get opportunities to prove himself and to grow. That was reflective of his effort today.”

Tomlin did not have updates on any of the other injured players. Inside linebacker Ryan Shazier returned to practice but left early with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Shazier had ice on his upper leg after exiting practice.

Safety Mike Mitchell and running back James Conner also remained out.

Officials in town

NFL officials are making their annual visit to camp to help the players better understand rules changes and points of emphasis for the coming season. They will meet with the players and will be on the field officiating practices.

“The rules are everchanging, not only in terms of the black and white rules changes but the rules of emphasis,” Tomlin said. “That’s where the relationship really gets fostered in a positive way, the points of emphasis this year. Those guys get to come into this setting and interact with guys and educate them is extremely helpful to us. But in communicating with us, it’s helpful to the officials to help them get up to speed. It’s a positive relationship for both sides.”

One of the lighter moments in practice Thursday came when Antonio Brown was ruled out of bounds by an official during team drills. Tomlin asked Brown if he should throw the challenge flag. Brown said yes.

Then Tomlin watched the video on the cell phone of Brown’s personal assistant and realized it was inconclusive. The side judge also watched the cell phone replay and confirmed it was an incomplete pass, playing up to fans who wanted Brown awarded a reception.

“My relationship with A.B. and how he negotiates the sideline, I probably would have thrown it with no video evidence,” Tomlin said.

Hunter impresses

Justin Hunter, who was signed to a one-year contract in March, continues to shine. He had several nice grabs Thursday, including a leaping catch over Ross Cockrell in team drills.

“He’s making a lot of plays and is doing a good job,” Tomlin said. “But he’s a veteran football player. Although he’s new to us, he’s going into his fifth year and it shows from time to time.”

Night moves

The annual night practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium is set for Friday. It’s first of two night practices in three days for the Steelers, who will work out in front of fans at Heinz Field Sunday night.

The Steelers bus from Saint Vincent College to the high school stadium where fans watch what usually is one of the most physical practices of training camp.

“That’s an awesome atmosphere, even the ride into the stadium,” Tomlin said. “We just appreciate our relationship with this community and the atmosphere they provide.”