Newly acquired defensive end Tyson Alualu makes debut at Steelers minicamp
PITTSBURGH 鈥� A newcomer to the Steelers roster practiced on Tuesday for the first time this spring.
Veteran defensive end Tyson Alualu made a return to the field following a calf injury he suffered during a team run in off-season conditioning. While running, Alualu felt a pull in his calf that caused it to tighten. He then tried to complete more drills before then it got worse, Alualu said.
Alualu only participated in individual drills on Tuesday.
鈥淚t felt really good,鈥� Alualu said on Monday. 鈥淚 came back and was limited, but I think they鈥檙e trying to bring me along slowly. I feel great just to be out there with the guys and just to get to move around in helmets and some cleats.
鈥�(The coaching staff) wanted to see how I moved around and how I could brush things off. I did all that, and it feels pretty good. Hopefully, I鈥檒l take little steps and do a little bit more and get ready for training camp.鈥�
Alualu, acquired by the Steelers during the 2017 free agency period, has only been within the UPMC Rooney 缅北禁地 Complex walls for a few months now, but can already feel the 鈥渨inning mentality鈥� that comes along with the Steelers organization. The 6鈥�3, 300-pound defensive end spent seven seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars prior to signing with the Steelers, who went a combined 30-82 during his tenure.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a big reason why I chose to come here,鈥� said Alualu. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just a different feel. I guess being here, they鈥檙e just used to winning. In Jacksonville, there was always optimism about the upcoming season, but things didn鈥檛 pan out the way we wanted. Here, I鈥檓 already starting to feel that winning mentality and what it takes to win.鈥�
The Steelers signed Alualu, 30, in place of veteran Ricardo Mathews to bring depth and versatility to the defensive line. He has experiencing at both right and left defensive end, and also played nosetackle in Jacksonville during pass rushing situations, he said. Outside Alualu, L.T. Walton will be in the mix for the top reserve spot on the defensive line.
鈥淎ll of my career, I was playing all over and playing different spots,鈥� said Alualu. 鈥淲herever I fit in and wherever I can help out is where I鈥檒l be.鈥�