UNITY TWP., Pa. — Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith walked off the field with a trainer before the final period of practice on Tuesday. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed after practice that Smith leff with some knee soreness.
Smith's injury will be something to monitor. The Steelers' first preseason game is on Saturday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium.
The Steelers listed three tight ends in the starting lineup: Pat Freiermuth OR Jonnu Smith at one spot and Darnell Washington at the other. They also included just two wide receivers: DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III.
Smith has previously worked with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Tennessee and Atlanta . After spending a season in Miami , he was traded as he sought a new deal with the Dolphins.
The value Smith brings to the offense is predicated on the high usage of tight ends by Arthur Smith. Smith's pass-catching abilities made him an asset in his previous season, especially last season in Miami.
Through his first eight seasons, the former FIU standout has accumulated 307 receptions for 3307 yards and 28 touchdowns. His best season was last year with the Dolphins. His Pro Bowl season included 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.
Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was in full pads after missing the last three practices with a hand injury. Defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo also returned after suffering a knee injury on July 31.
The Steelers have been dealing with a number of injuries at the cornerback position, with Porter, Cory Trice (hamstring) and Donte Kent (ankle/foot) all missing the team's practice session on Sunday. Trice and Kent remain out.
Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) also did not practice on Tuesday.
Tomlin said rookie quarterback Will Howard injured his throwing hand at practice, appeared to be on a center-quarterback exchange. He's being evaluated.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from St. Vincent College.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Star TE Leaves Practice with Injury
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