You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 7.31.17
powered byJotCast
Ray Fittipaldo
1:46
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
Stlrdave
1:47
My guess is that if the win the Super Bowl, Ben will retire like Jerome did. 3 Super Bowls, a Hall of Fame career and a plan to enjoy the rest of his life with a loving family. Your opinion please
Ray Fittipaldo
1:48
That seems like a more likely possibility after what Ben told Ed Bouchette Friday morning. He is being pulled by his family and he had some thoughts on the newest CTE study. Before hearing from Ben I thought he might finish out the final 3 years of his contract. But now it really does seem like he's going year to year.
Bruce
1:48
Hi Ray, any update on Martavis Bryant's reinstatement
Ray Fittipaldo
1:49
I wrote about that this morning. You can read my story here: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/07/31/martavis-bryant...
Bruce
1:49
Ray why are all practices at 2.55 pm and not earlier in the day, is it to allow individual workouts and position meetings?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:50
They have meetings and a walk-through in the mornings and early afternoons. Following practice, they eat and have more meetings.
Jack of Splat
1:51
Hi, Ray, I know it is only one padded practice but I think the number of injuries already is alarming.  FB is rough but what is this team going to be like when they really start hitting?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:52
Well, if you are paying attention about half the injuries or more are to rookies. They're coming from college and don't know how to train their bodies to get into football condition like pros do. The other injuries just coming from playing a physical sport. It happens. Fortunately for the Steelers none of them appear to be season-ending at this point, although the news that Conner was in a sling last night was not encouraging.
Jeff
1:53
With Goldson's new injury what are the chances we cut ties with him.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:53
Well, it depends on the length of the injury. If he is back in a few days he'll have a chance to win a job of he plays well. If it's a longer term injury then yes he's likely on his way out.
Jeff
1:53
If Bryant gets officially off suspension will he be the #2 W/R.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:54
Yes if he returns relatively soon. Everyone needs some time to get acclimated for a season.
Dave
1:54
Are any of yesterdays injuries significant?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
We don't know yet, but shoulder injuries can be troublesome, especially for a running back as physical as Conner. I think that's the one to watch.
Thomas
1:55
Golson, making it really hard to keep him around.  Can count on him to play a series, let alone a game or more.  He should retire before he cant walk.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
I am sure the frustrating thing for him is it has been different injuries every time. It must feel like his entire body is breaking down.
AJ
1:55
I don't blame players for injury. However, I have to wonder how someone like Senquez Golson gets injured every camp and someone like Antonio Brown never does. Is it purely bad luck or does it have to do with conditioning?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
Probably a little of both.
Dave
1:56
What's the deal with Daimion Stafford? He's planning on retiring? And if so, do you think the Steelers could keep 6 CBs and 4 safetys instead of the 5 & 5 like the past few years considering Will Gay can play a little safety if need be?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
Yes Tomlin said Stafford is considering retirement. As for the secondary they'll keep the 10 best players, or 9 or 11 whatever the number is. And remember, they could have Will Gay swing back and forth between CB and S. I think he could do that if asked.
AJ
1:57
Has Knile Davis been getting many reps? Since Conner is injured again I fear the idea of Toussaint having a large role.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
Yes they are taking a look at Davis. He has looked OK thus far. He had a tough time going against TJ Watt in backs on backers yesterday. He got bull rushed and it wasn't pretty.
Dave
1:58
How has Dobbs looked slinging it around?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
OK I guess, He hasn't stood out to me yet.
Rich
1:59
What upside is there (if any) for LeVeon Bell holding out of training camp?  I keep hearing "to avoid injury", but what if he holds out and gets injured the first game of the regular season b/c he is not in "football" shape?  Is injury more likely to occur in pre-season than the regular season?  Is it better for a player to get injured in the regular season than the pre-season?  Either way, once he signs the franchise tender, Bell will receive his $12M whether he gets injured this season or not.  So again, what's the upside of holding out of training camp?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
Bell has to protect his earning power beyond the 2017 season. So by staying away from these camp practices he is lessening his chances of getting injured.
jim
1:59
Is there any update on what is going on with martavius Bryant ? rumor has it that he has been caught again.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I have heard nothing of the sort. If he had failed or missed a test again he'd already have been suspended.
Perturbed Fan
2:00
Showing up in a Rolls? Not signing a $12M contract?  Can you imagine a Penguin doing these?  The team that actually delivers?  Pathetic. Please tell me if I am wrong? Great chats btw
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
I can't wait for Sid to roll up to his private parking space in Cranberry in Model T Ford in September. That will be epic.
Guest
2:03
Do u think the Steelers defense will be better this year
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
Yes I do. Not much turnover in personnel. If they're healthy they should be better. But they have to stay healthy at key positions. I have questions about their depth at ILB and in the secondary.
Monte
2:04
Hey ray I had this burning question eating me up inside I noticed that the depth behind Davis and Mitchell is very shaky and with the number of cbs we have all with different abilities only 5 will more than likely make the roster but the wildcard Brian Allen do you see a potential ss/fs he has the range speed and the instinct to get to the ball what's your opinion?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Brian Allen is just trying to learn CB now. He played WR mostly in college. That would be a lot to put on the plate of a rookie.
Mike
2:05
A while ago, maybe before this CBA, it seemed players dreaded/hated training camp.  I don't get that vibe anymore; seems they to enjoy getting back to 'ball and with their brothers.  What's your take on how current players feel about camp in general?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
Much better than 2011. Now there are no more two-a-days. Contact is limited. No pads are allowed in walk-throughs. Some of these younger players might not know how good they have it.
Race
2:06
Ray - The Bryant situation...is there another shoe to drop?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
I don't get that sense. He is around campus. I saw him today. But as long as he's not practicing there is reason for concern because the NFL has the final say in the matter.
Greg
2:07
Do you think that it is even more likely that Mike T will continue to run the legs off L Bell since he has only a 1 year commitment at this point?
Load More Messages
Connecting…