Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, center Maurkice Pouncey and linebacker Mark Barron were excused from the first padded practice at Saint Vincent. Cornerback Joe Haden took about half of his normal reps, and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward appeared to participate only in individual drills.
Head coach MikeTomlin hinted other veterans will be given days off on a rotating basis so that not all the first-teamers are on the sidelines at once. Guards Ramon Foster and David DeCastro, tight end Vance McDonald, linebacker Vince Williams and defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt are other obvious candidates.