Steelers coach Mike Tomlin indicated Thursday that at least one starting position on his defense is up for grabs as the regular season inches closer. One of Tomlin’s favorite adages — “two dogs for one bone” — might apply to the competition at right cornerback between incumbent Ross Cockrell and Coty Sensabaugh.
“It’s shaping up to be that,” Tomlin said. “We’ll see. Coty has done enough to merit consideration. That’s what this process is all about.”
Sensabaugh took reps with the first-team defense Wednesday. It was the first practice after the Steelers gave up 211 passing yards in the first half of a victory against the Falcons in the second preseason game Sunday.
Cockrell, in particular, had a rough game. Sensabaugh signed with the Steelers in March after playing with the Rams and Giants last season. The Rams cut him after just four games after they signed him to a sizeable free agent contract.
The Steelers have been looking for defensive backs that are capable of playing in man and zone coverage.
“Not only in man but in everything he does he’s proven to be a savvy veteran guy,” Tomlin said of Sensabaugh. “He doesn’t get got twice by similar concepts. He’s generally close. You can see his snap experience has been used for good. His above the neck game is very strong. Those are assets to him in how he performs.”
There is competition at slot corner as well, as Mike Hilton continues to push veteran William Gay. Rookie third-round pick Cameron Sutton was a full participant in practice Wednesday and should get an opportunity to play Saturday against the Colts for the first time this preseason.
“We also have other guys who have missed a substantial amount of time due to injury so there is some urgency there,” Tomlin said. “I still need to get to know some of these guys. I haven’t seen enough of Cam Sutton. Obviously, it’s a big week for him.”
When asked if Senquez Golson had to get on the field soon in order to earn a place on the roster, Tomlin said “that’s a safe assessment.”
Tomlin also said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, receiver Antonio Brown and outside linebacker James Harrison will play for the first time during the preseason.
“We’re doing more extended game planning than we’ve done to this point,” Tomlin said. “Some guys will play more. How long they play will be determined by how they perform and how the game unfolds. We’ll play that by ear.”
Crawford waived
Former West Virginia cornerback Antonio Crawford was a member of the Steelers for less than 24 hours. One day after signing him, the Steelers released Crawford Thursday morning. Crawford became expendable when the Steelers traded for Dashaun Phillips Wednesday night.
Ray Fittipaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rayfitt1.
First Published: August 24, 2017, 5:31 p.m.
