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Chippy Play and On-Field Skirmishes Mar Thursday Practice

After a week of relatively clean practices with little friction, the intensity boiled over during an 11-on-11 team period on Thursday. Wide receiver Ben Skowronek and linebacker Payton Wilson exchanged words and open-hand punches after a play, prompting immediate post-practice reflection from the players involved.

“He just grabbed me from the back. Grabbed my jersey. I was blocking PQ, we got into it… we’re just competitive. When you’re out here 11-on-11 a bunch of days in a row, we’re all competitive, we all wanna win. Sometimes some extra curriculars happen after the play. But at the end of the day we’re teammates and we’ll be out there in a handful of weeks on Sundays going against the other guys.”

Ben Skowronek

That was not the only flashpoint on a chippy afternoon. Running back Lew Nichols and cornerback D’Shawn Jamison also tangled after Nichols blocked Jamison, who was pursuing the quarterback. The two went to the ground, required teammates to separate them, and continued chirping from the sidelines. Later in the session, safety DeShon Elliott lowered a shoulder into wide receiver DK Metcalf as Metcalf ran out of bounds, though Elliott quickly helped Metcalf up. Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. also tripped tight end Pat Freiermuth, immediately owning up to the mistake by tapping his chest.

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The defensive unit controlled the day’s competitive periods. Steelers Depot noted that defensive lineman Derrick Harmon and edge rusher T.J. Watt both batted down passes at the line of scrimmage, while Sebastian Joseph-Day deflected another throw to stall a completion attempt to Rico Dowdle. Safety Jaquan Brisker disrupted a deep one-on-one ball from Mason Rudolph to DK Metcalf, and outside linebacker Nick Herbig blew up a run play for a loss before the defense closed out the workout with a victory in the two-minute drill.

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Injuries Hit the Roster During Thursday’s Workout

The physical practice carried a cost as the team sustained multiple injuries. Rookie first-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor left the field following the first contact team period due to a suspected right-side neck or shoulder issue, escorted by head trainer Gabe Amponsah after being examined in the end zone. Cornerback Brandin Echols also exited with a left ankle injury after an awkward landing during a 7-on-7 drill.

Meanwhile, running back and wide receiver Eli Heidenreich and defensive lineman Logan Lee sat out practice with undisclosed injuries, joining an active PUP list that includes cornerbacks Donte Kent and Joey Porter Jr. alongside defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Safety DeShon Elliott remained limited but participated in select team periods.

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Roster Adjustments and Training Camp Atmosphere

In corresponding roster moves reported by Steelersdepot, the team signed safety Israel Mukuamu to wear No. 30, opening a roster spot by waiving cornerback Ahmari Harvey. Fans continue to flock to Saint Vincent College to observe the first training camp led by Mike McCarthy, embracing the transition following the departure of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin.