Steelers' former Pro Bowler starts training camp off on a bad foot following conditioning concerns

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially checked into their dorms at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe on Wednesday, signaling the start of camp, and the 2024 season.

But before the team hits the field on Thursday, there was some: "Housekeeping" to be done, as Coach T would say.

That entailed placing two players on the Physically Unable to Perform list and one on the Non-Football Injury list.

Holcomb, Lowry on PUP, Patterson on NFI

The Steelers placed linebacker Cole Holcomb and defensive lineman Dean Lowry on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List to open training camp. In addition, running back/kick return Cordarrelle Patterson was placed on the Active/NFI List (Non-Football Injury List).

Holcomb was originally placed on the Reserve/Injured List on Nov. 6, 2023, after he was injured in the Steelers win over the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football.

According to Coach Mike Tomlin, Patterson suffered a hamstring injury in non-football related work that landed him on the list. - Teresa Varley, Steelers

All three roster moves come as a surprise following the comments of Mike Tomlin following minicamp, where he told the media that he did not anticipate anyone starting camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

While we will wait and see the severity of Lowry's injury, we know that it has been a grind for Cole Holcomb since being lost midway through last season, though his rehab is promising.

"It's been a grind. It's gonna be a grind," said Holcomb. "But it's one of those injuries that all you've got to do is just work. I can do that. I have no problem doing that. I'll do whatever I gotta do to get back."

The biggest surprise however is the addition of a Steeler to the NFI or Non-Football Injury list. That list is reserved for players who injured themselves away from the facility. It is particularly concerning for Patterson, who was signed to be the Steelers returner following the adoption of the new kickoff rule . As decorated a returner as they come, the former Pro Bowler and All-Pro hasn't started his Pittsburgh tenure off on good terms.

When we last heard from Patterson, he was candid, though almost too transparent about the kind of shape he was in, and it may have cost him his start to training camp, and valuable reps that he needs.

"I'm probably a two out of 10 right now, but when I get to camp, I'll be an eight out of 10. When camp's over, I'll be a 10 out of 10. How about that?" Patterson told Post-Gazette Sports at minicamp when asked about how his body feels.

Well, it's hard to be a 10/10 if you aren't on the field.

We'll see if Patterson can turn things around, or if he's off the roster before the season starts.