11 players mentioned by Mike Tomlin following Monday’s training camp practice

The Pittsburgh Steelers were back on the practice field at St. Vincent College for training camp on Monday. Following practice, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media about their day on the field. Since he was asked about a number of players, I am excited to bring back the players mentioned article to Steel Curtain Network for the 2025 season! Remember these are players where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period with the exception of an injury update.

Darius Slay

Coach Tomlin gave an update on the injury to Darius Slay which happened during practice.

“Darius Slay rolled his ankle, but it doesn’t appear to be significant. We’ll get him back out here ASAP.”

Jalen Ramsey

Coach Tomlin was asked why Jalen Ramsey is working off to the side and if he is dealing with something.

“It’s just day to day. He’ll be back. I think he’s scheduled to participate tomorrow. Obviously, Thursday, working against the Bucs is a big day. Oftentimes when I remove a guy like him, it’s about the opportunity that provides others from a rep standpoint. So, it’s been good on both on both counts.”

Calvin Austin III

Coach Tomlin was asked if Calvin Austin III is expected to be back very soon, or is there something longer there.

“We’ll see. At this point, I’ll describe it as day to day. I know he’s working his way back to us and had a good rehabilitation day today, but still, at this point, I’d describe it as day to day.”

Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, & Logan Lee

Coach Tomlin was asked how they are managing his Cam Heyward’s time with his contract negotiations. In his response, Coach Tomlin mentioned Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, and Logan Lee.

“It’s been good days. We have 90 guys out here. Cam’s been doing this a long time. I don’t work Cam a lot in these scenarios. Anyway, I need to know more about Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black and others, Logan Lee. So that’s been the mindset that I’ve approached it.”

Coach Tomlin was asked if he has concerns about Heyward’s availability down the road.

“Not as I sit here today, no.”

Coach Tomlin was asked when he has a decade long captain who two summers in a row has a contract issue if it is that easy to kind of put aside.

“It is. It is easy for me. It’s just a component of big business. It’s not exclusive to us or to Cam. It’s going on in a lot of locations. The great thing about it is we’ve had good relations with Cam since he’s been here. He’s been a heck of a Steeler. We communicate formally and informally. I imagine it will remain the same, and we’ll find a way to see our way through these things.”

Coach Tomlin was asked about how Heyward didn’t dismiss the possibility of missing actual game action in the midst of the hold in and if that adds a sense of urgency.

“You guys know I’m not into the hypothetical discussions.”

Juan Thornhill & Brandin Echols

Coach Tomlin was asked about what he thought about some of the new guys like Juan Thornhill and Brandon Echols on Saturday night and their progress.

“You know, I’ve been pleased with the progress of those two that you mentioned, not only Saturday night, but just in general. We’ve acquired some high-profile guys, some guys with big resumes that get a lot of attention, but those two in particular have done a really nice job learning what to do, letting their talent show, bringing the competitive spirit to our work daily. Been pleased with the progress of those two.”

Coach Tomlin was asked about how Brandon Echols worked outside and inside today and what he saw about him in the slot.

“You know, that’s been his resume. With the Jets, most recently, he’s played outside and in. He has that versatility, and it’s our job to find the best place to utilize people, and particularly when they have flexibility.”

Kaleb Johnson

Coach Tomlin was asked how he thought the rookies did on Saturday, specifically Kaleb Johnson.

“You know, I thought all of them had their moments, but also thought there was room for growth. I know that was a conversation that I had with Kaleb in game. For me and him specifically, I’m talking a lot about not evaluating the performance while you’re living it. We play on Saturday then we evaluate on Sunday and Monday. So, it was a good conversation. He’s a conscientious young man. He wants to be great. He’s working his tail off, and I’d imagine he’s going to be one of those ones that takes a significant step between game one and game two.”

Mason Rudolph

Coach Tomlin was asked if there’s a noticeable uptake in the zip of Mason Rudolph’s passes and ball placement.

“I’ve noticed the ball placement. He’s always had zip on the ball, doing a nice job in terms of the ball location, for sure.”

Mike Tomlin’s complete interview can be seen on the Steelers YouTube Channel HERE