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Steelers Notebook: Worilds set to make debut Saturday
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The Steelers will get their first long look at linebacker Jason Worilds, their No. 2 draft pick, in the preseason game Saturday against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium. Worilds has been bothered by a nagging hamstring injury in training camp.
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The Steelers will finally get a look at outside linebacker Jason Worilds, their No. 2 draft choice, against the New York Giants.
But they haven't seen a lot from rookie running back Jonathan Dwyer, who has been out with a shoulder injury, and probably still won't. Coach Mike Tomlin said Dwyer, a fifth-round pick from Georgia Tech, is doubtful for Saturday's game at the Giants.
Two players have been ruled out -- defensive end Steve McLendon and rookie offensive tackle Chris Scott (foot).
Asked if he is frustrated by Dwyer's lack of progress, Tomlin said, "I don't deal in frustration. I don't deal in emotion. I just deal with what I look at and the reality is, he's not on the field, so he's not helping himself much."
Worilds did not play in last week's preseason opener against the Detroit Lions because of a nagging hamstring injury. The Steelers are eager to see Worilds in game action because they are relying on him to be their No. 3 outside linebacker.
"He's going to get a look," Tomlin said. "I don't know if it will be any more extensive than anyone else."
The Steelers held their final official practice of training camp at Saint Vincent College Thursday morning, ending the session with high fives, handshakes and backslaps among the players.
Tomlin slyly wore shorts for the practice -- a rarity for him because he typically wears long sweat pants, even in the afternoon heat.
"I wanted them to think we might just stretch and that's it," Tomlin said.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2004 draft that included Ben Roethlisberger, is not expected to play Saturday after receiving a 12-stitch cut in his head against the New York Jets.
"I don't care who they play," Tomlin said. "Very rarely am I concerned about the opponent. Who they play is irrelevant."
Cornerback Keenan Lewis, last year's third-round draft choice, appeared to play well last week when he was matched against Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, even though Johnson beat him on a 2-yard back-shoulder touchdown catch.
Tomlin said Lewis "had a really good camp" and will get another long look against the Giants.
"He's showing that maybe he's prepared to take the next step," Tomlin said. "He was put in some interesting situations last week against a quality receiver and we're going to continue to give him a look. And if he gets our attention and makes plays, we'll consider playing him if he's worthy."
First Published August 20, 2010 12:00 am
