Mike Tomlin raves about Melvin Ingram, who has been receiving first-team reps with T.J. Watt sitting out

“One man’s misfortune or inconvenience is a chance for one more.” Variations of quotes are sometimes utilized by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who stated these precise phrases when requested about T.J. Watt not presently participating in staff drills. Watt, final 12 months’s runner-up for NFL Defensive Participant of the 12 months, is hoping for a contract extension earlier than the beginning of the common season. 

As a substitute of lamenting over Watt’s absence, the Steelers head coach as an alternative selected to place the highlight on Melvin Ingram, who has gained cohesion with Pittsburgh’s first-team protection in place on Watt. The Steelers signed the three-time Pro Bowl cross rusher to a one-year deal on July 20. 

“It is humorous, I challenged Melvin Ingram this morning within the staff setting,” Tomlin stated throughout his weekly press conference. “We’re coming after Melvin Ingram right now with tackle-over, out in that house with some huge tight ends like Zach Gentry. Melvin’s a run-game bully so we needed to get to know him a bit bit right now.” 

Tomlin — who stated that the Steelers had no reservations about Ingram’s well being after he missed 9 video games final season with a knee damage — spoke extremely of Ingram and his fast acclimation to the staff. The Steelers have had Ingram line up on the suitable and left aspect of the protection throughout coaching camp. They’ve finished the identical with second-year outdoors linebacker Alex Highsmith, who enjoyed a strong preseason debut throughout final Thursday’s win over Dallas within the Corridor of Fame Sport. 

“I’ve simply been enthusiastic about attending to know him as a participant and taking a look at his ability set and determining ways in which we will infuse him into what it’s that we do,” Tomlin stated. “It has been a enjoyable course of. He is a soccer lover. He is a competitor. He likes to work. He is been becoming in properly with the fellows. It has been a enjoyable course of.”

Ingram, who recorded 43 sacks for the Chargers between 2015-19, stated that he appears like an 18-year-old throughout his first interview session with the Pittsburgh media. He additionally elaborated on why he selected to signal with the Steelers, who’ve led the league in sacks every of the final 4 years. 

“I simply felt like this system, the coaches, the staff, all people,” Ingram said, by way of ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “It was a spot I felt like I might name dwelling, a spot I can are available in and slot in. All the things was superb right here, right down to the coaches, the gamers, the town, simply how they do all the things. They welcomed me with open arms.”

It is clear that Ingram and the Steelers are having fun with a honeymoon begin. It’s also clear that Tomlin isn’t frightened about Watt’s standing at this level in camp. 

“The enterprise goes to run its course,” Tomlin stated in regard to Watt. “He is extremely conditioned. Our power employees is working with him. He is getting in good work days. The method is operating its course.”