(Sports Network) -
REPORT DATE: July 25th
SITE: Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA
CAMP OBJECTIVES: The offense figures to be the main focus when the Steelers
hold their 47th consecutive training camp in Latrobe, with former Kansas City
head coach Todd Haley now taking over as coordinator and the front line
expected to undergo a major reshuffling. Pittsburgh used its first two picks
in April's draft on offensive linemen, plucking Stanford's David DeCastro and
Ohio State's Mike Adams with early selections, and the rookies loom as the
early favorites to grab starting jobs at right guard and left tackle,
respectively. Second-year man Marcus Gilbert will take over full-time at right
tackle in addition, shifting the oft-injured Willie Colon to left guard
provided he's over Achilles and triceps tears that have limited to just one
game over the past two seasons. Change will be taking place at running back as
well, with capable reserve Isaac Redman now the main man with Rashard
Mendenhall still recovering from a torn ACL suffered back in January, and his
elevation creates an opening for youngsters Jonathan Dwyer and John Clay to
claim the primary backup role. Veteran nose tackle Casey Hampton will also
miss most or all of camp while making his way back from knee surgery, with
either former practice-squad member Steve McLendon and massive rookie Alameda
Ta'amu (4th Round, Washington) to hold down the fort in the meantime, while
2011 draft picks Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown will both be trying to claim
the vacant nickel back spot in lieu of William Gay's offseason departure. The
contract status of Mike Wallace is also a situation to monitor, as the big-
play wide receiver has yet to sign his restricted free agent tender and could
stage a holdout as leverage in order to secure a long-term deal.
PRESEASON SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern):
Aug. 9 - at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 19 - vs. Indianapolis, 8 p.m.
Aug. 25 - at Buffalo, 7 p.m.
Aug. 30 - vs. Carolina, 7:30 p.m.
The Sports Network