Tomlin: Steelers will 'learn and grow' from unprofessional fight at camp
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the fight involving his players that occurred after the final play of Wednesday's practice at training camp.
The fracas began after rookie right tackle Troy Fautanu didn't like how linebacker Elandon Roberts shoved and tripped quarterback Justin Fields at the end of a play, notes ESPN's Brooke Pryor. Things escalated when Fautanu ran over and pushed Roberts.
Here’s the fight from today again… (slightly clearer video) #Steelers #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/o5Y4zDPxAJ
— anthony (@the_hot_take) July 31, 2024
THINGS GETTING HEATED 🍿
— PickensBurgh🫡 (Tino) (@PickensBurgh) July 31, 2024
AFC Northing football isn’t soft pic.twitter.com/5GA264nrnO
"We got a little bit less than professional and chippy today," Tomlin said Wednesday. "It's an opportunity to teach and learn as part of this process. As much as we hate it, we'll learn and grow from that."
Roberts - who's entering his second season with the team - doesn't think Wednesday's incident is a big deal.
"It was just a little love tap, but the offense did what they supposed to do and whatnot," the defender said, according to Pryor. "You're always supposed to protect your quarterback. I think it's a real good thing."
Fields has posted significant first-team snaps with the Steelers at camp while replacing Russell Wilson, whose participation in practice is limited due to a calf injury.