Steelers daily practice report: Mike Tomlin returns, directs rare day-after-night padded sessions

After a day trip to Canton, Ohio, Mike Tomlin was back at Pittsburgh Steelers practice.

Tomlin missed Friday’s night practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium because former NFL star safety Ronde Barber had asked Tomlin to be his presenter of his gold jacket at the Pro Football Hall of Fame prior to Barber’s induction Saturday.

Tomlin for five seasons served as the defensive backs coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while Barber played there. He called Barber’s request “an unbelievable honor.”

“He’s a really close friend of mine,” Tomlin said. “Just a really great environment. Canton is a special place. Special weekend. Great to spend some time with some Steeler representatives. Just a beautiful week.”

Photos posted to social media accounts of Tomlin’s showed him posing with, among others, former Steelers coach Bill Cowher and player Mel Blount, both Hall of Famers. Tomlin noted he also spent time with former Aliquippa stars Darrelle Revis and Ty Law, the latter of which was already in the Hall of Fame with the former being inducted this weekend.

Mike Tomlin on why Saturday he chose to put the Steelers in pads twice in an 18-hr span for practices day after night pic.twitter.com/2NCkinKXBd

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 5, 2023

Quick turnaround

Tomlin directed a practice in full pads, the Steelers’ second in a span of about 18 hours. That was by design.

“We had a opportunity on a short turnaround to bounce back and deliver again today,” Tomlin said after Saturday’s practice. “We do those things thoughtfully because we want to harden this group not only in terms of physical preparation but mental preparation. These last 24 hours are kind of reflective of how the season can be from time to time.”

Injury report

Outside linebacker Nick Herbig (hip flexor) and his brother, offensive lineman Nate Herbig (thumb/hand), left practice, and Tomlin said each was being evaluated.

Safeties Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal and running back John Lovett remained out because of injury, and wide receiver Ja’Marcus Bradley did not practice Saturday presumably because of injury.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. left practice because of an ankle injury but was able to return.

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