Watt, Heyward stand out in final practice without pads

LATROBE, Pa. -- It's not surprising for the defense to be ahead of the offense during the early stages of camp. So, when T.J. Watt made multiple standout plays against the first-team offense during Saturday's practice, maybe it was just a microcosm of the offense still trying to find its rhythm.

Or maybe -- perhaps more likely -- the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year is simply living up to his reputation.

"T.J. is being T.J., man, and we appreciate that," Mike Tomlin said at the conclusion of practice. "He loves football. He loves to work. He loves to compete."

Watt earned a would-be sack against Mitch Trubisky at one point, then blew up two passing plays in typical Watt fashion. On the first, Watt rushed into the middle of the offensive line and put his hands up to bat away the pass. Watt had a chance to intercept it, but couldn't come down with the football. Watt then grabbed the ball and punted it well into the rows of fans at Chuck Noll Field.

On the second play, Watt was all over a short wide receiver screen to George Pickens. Watt shot into the passing lane before the screen was set, and Trubisky tried to fit the ball past him. Instead, the four-time Pro Bowler put his hands up and came down with the ball and ran for an easy pick-six.

At this moment in camp, having Watt perform like this, before they put on the pads, it's invaluable to the younger players on the roster trying to earn a spot. Or even for guys like Alex Highsmith -- who has performed well in NFL games, but is looking to take his game to another level -- it's an opportunity to watch, observe, learn from and practice alongside the best defensive player in the league.

"It's guys like him that you really want the young guys to pay close attention to," Tomlin said. "They have resumes and things that are respectable. But, to watch them day to day, I think that's where the real learning occurs. You see why they were able to build the resumes they have."

• With Pat Freiermuth sidelined with a hamstring injury, Connor Heyward stepped in and made the most of his reps in team drills. He touched the ball multiple times during seven shots, including an athletic catch off a tip by Donovan Stiner for one of the only two legitimate scores by the offense in the drill.

Heyward caught a few other balls, but his competitiveness and tenacity throughout practice earned unsolicited praise from Tomlin when he addressed the media.

"Like I always mention this time of year, bumps and bruises occur along the way and it's an unfortunate component of the game. But that's also an opportunity for others," Tomlin said. "We were running a little short at tight end today because of Freiermuth's injury, and it gave a guy like Connor Heyward an opportunity to put his skills on display. I thought he stepped up and made some plays today."

Heyward's final play of practice ended with someone rolling up on his right ankle, which was wrapped with ice before practice concluded. Tomlin did not mention Heyward in his injury update, so it's probably nothing serious.

• Kevin Dotson was back with the first team at left guard. It's a true 50/50 battle with Kendrick Green.

• Freiermuth is still considered day-to-day with his hamstring injury.

• Chase Claypool was on the field Saturday, but sported a bucket hat and did not participate in practice due to an injured shoulder. He is considered day-to-day.

• Marcus Allen went down with a hamstring injury and was unable to finish practice. He will be evaluated before the Steelers announce his condition.

• Tomlin did not provide any health updates on Minkah Fitzpatrick, Tyson Alualu or Larry Ogunjobi. So, the status quo is a fair bet for these three players. The Steelers are easing Ogunjobi into a full workload since he is coming off surgery in the offseason.

• It was reported there were approximately 17,000 tickets distributed for Saturday's practice. Yep, that's a lot of people ...