Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin held a press conference following Monday’s practice session. Here’s a look at the coach’s comments about the event.

Opening Statement

Really good work for us today. Dual work in a lot of ways, game review while also preparing a short week for Carolina. It’s an important week for all of us really. Opportunity for guys to make a case for themselves. We have some decisions to make organizationally in terms of taking 90 to 53. So, we’ll just continue to work.

I like the competitive spirit out here. We are just beginning to formulate a plan and roles regarding how we are going to divide the labor and stuff on Thursday night. I’ll talk more about that tomorrow at the press conference.

I am sure you guys are aware we acquired Ryan Switzer from the Oakland Raiders. He is a dual return man and slot receiver. Of note, a guy that we evaluated prior to the draft. He was down there with [Mitch] Trubisky at UNC. Caught a lot of balls on offense. Was a dangerous return man over the course of his career. So, we’ll put him in this mix with these guys and hopefully get him ready to go here on Thursday night and just continue to build our football team and be strong in all areas.

Not a lot to speak of in terms of injury. You saw a lot of guys that missed time last week or were partial participants last week are starting to work their way back into the fold. T.J. Watt participated today, a noteworthy one, Ramon Foster and some others. We’ll just continue to push toward game readiness.

Good to have Ramon [Foster] back out there?

Yeah but he hasn’t been away from us. Ramon [Foster] is the type of guy he understands a role that he provides, not only the tangible role in terms of his play, but the unofficial role in terms of his veteran leadership. So, although we hadn’t had him out there, he’s been really close to the group. He’s done the job in that regard. It’s good to have him back out there participating.

Any concern with the shortage of tight ends?

No, Jesse [James] is fine. He got checked out after the game. He’s back out there working. Hopefully the others will continue to work their way back to us. Still giving us an opportunity to work the young guys that we are evaluating at that position.

You guys hear me talk about that often, one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity and that’s the way I look at it. it’s missed opportunity for guys like Vance McDonald, but it’s been increased opportunity for young guys at that position. Not only to learn but to show what they are capable of doing.

Do you expect Ryan Switzer to be here tomorrow participating?

I do.

Re: How important is it having Blaine Stewart here:

I just assume to keep that between he and I. I do not want him to be judged for qualities’ work. The interpersonal element of it is our business. He is doing a heck of a job as a quality control man.

Would you like to see T.J. Watt get some reps before the season starts?

Again, I said I would detail that tomorrow in terms of how we divide the labor up more than anything. We are just glad to have him back out here working today.

Transcript provided by the Pittsburgh Steelers