Steelers notebook: New kicker Scobee relishes opportunity
Happy to have left a franchise that's lost 50 of its past 64 games for one fancied as a Super Bowl contender, Josh Scobee practiced with the Steelers for the first time Tuesday.
“When they told me who I was going to, there was genuine excitement because of the history of this franchise and where the team is going,” said Scobee, the former Jaguars kicker traded for a sixth-round draft choice Monday. “The possibilities for this season are there to win a championship. I am excited to be a part of it. “
Scobee joked about how long it had been since he'd been to the playoffs. He said coach Mike Tomlin laughed when Scobee revealed that his winning kick in the final minute at Heinz Field on Jan. 5, 2008, accounted for his only career postseason win.
“What an awesome opportunity we had to get Josh,” Tomlin said. “Not only what he's capable of, but he's an experienced, established guy. These opportunities don't come along too often for a team in the position we're in at the position.”
Scobee said it won't take long to get accustomed to a new holder and long snapper or become familiar with kicking at Heinz Field.
“This is one of my favorite places to play,” he said. “The excitement and energy in the stadium is unbelievable. I can still remember one moment when a song (“Renegade”) came on, and I never felt the hair stand up on my arms like I did for that one moment.
“I am pretty pumped for that.”
Playing time Thursday
Tomlin said starters “won't play or have very limited participation” in Thursday night's preseason finale against Carolina at Heinz Field. One of those who apparently won't play is free safety Mike Mitchell (ankle).
When asked that Mitchell and new safety partner Shamarko Thomas have had limited game reps together, Tomlin termed it “concerning,” but added, “I expect those guys to be above the line.”
Tomlin said Doug Legursky and Chris Hubbard will get reps at both guard and center against the Panthers. They figure to be in a battle for the top interior offensive lineman backup role while center Maurkice Pouncey is out because of a broken fibula.
Quarterback timeshare
Tomlin said rookie Tyler Murphy will “probably not” play quarterback Thursday and instead will focus on wide receiver.
Meanwhile, veteran backup quarterback Mike Vick said he's prepared to play extensively.
“They're throwing everything at me,” Vick said of the coaching staff. “We're coming out of training camp and about to head into the regular season. They can't wait up for me. I've got to get caught up.”
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, if he plays at all, will be very limited in his playing time, meaning Vick and Landry Jones will handle the vast majority of the snaps.
Brown still punt returner
Antonio Brown has All-Pro status, he got a new raise Tuesday, and he's the reigning NFL receiving leader.
However, he still will be the Steelers punt returner.
“I am sure Day 1, I will be back there,” Brown said.
Brown has handled 138 of the 157 punts the Steelers have returned over the past four seasons — including all but two in 2013 and '14. Attempts to find a replacement in that role repeatedly have failed.
Staff writer Mark Kaboly contributed. Chris Adamski is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at cadamski@tribweb.com or via Twitter @C_AdamskiTrib.
