PITTSBURGH —As Kyle Dugger looked around the Pittsburgh Steelers ' locker room on Thursday, he didn't see many familiar faces. But there were a few.
Across the way, Jabrill Peppers , Dugger's New England Patriots teammate over the three seasons before this one, readied for the team's indoor practice. Dugger also knows defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale , whose season was ended by a torn ACL suffered during the team's loss against Green Bay on Sunday night.
"He's a great player. That's why he's here," said Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith , who practiced against the Lenoir-Rhyne product when the two played for the New England Patriots in 2021 and 2022. "(He's) always got physical in stopping the run game. (He's) run support, long and rangy. Another small-school guy that (has) carved out a hell of a career for himself."
Dugger , who arrived by way of a trade earlier this week, told reporters on Thursday that part of his talents include covering tight ends, which may or may not include Smith.
Pittsburgh Steelers safeties Juan Thornhill, left, and Kyle Dugger practice on Thursday afternoon. Ed Thompson/Steelers Now
"You trying to start some beef, huh?" Smith joked when asked if Dugger could get the best of him. "We had our battles. … We're professionals, so I got him, he got me. We battled sometimes. I'm just glad he's here."
Dugger isn't exactly sure what his role will be yet, but aims to get up to speed quickly by studying and leaning on his new teammates, including Peppers.
"That's my dog. Me and Pep are pretty close," Dugger said. "I enjoy playing with him, so I'm glad to be back in the locker room (with him). Just him being here helps me get acclimated. … He translates a lot of things and can kind of relate back to, 'This against that. This was the old that.' And make it easier for me with the new terminology."
If called upon to play against the Colts , he'll be ready. When he steps on the field in his black and gold No. 29 jersey, he'll officially close the book on the first chapter of his career, a five-plus-season stint with the Patriots. His role diminished this season as new head coach Mike Vrabel took charge.
"I couldn't get into specifics of what they were thinking," Dugger said. "It was a lot of new things, but I'm happy to be here."
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Kyle Dugger Leaning on Steelers Teammates in Hopes of Rapid Adjustment
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