Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton frequently finds a way to sit out training camp practices. Two years ago he showed up too out of shape to practice. Last year he was sidelined by a knee injury. And he hasn’t practiced in the last three days because of a hamstring injury, which is just fine by Hampton.
“It’s well-documented I really don’t enjoy training camp,” Hampton said.
Hampton, who signed a three-year, $21 million contract with $11 million guaranteed this offseason, said he wants to rest his body to be ready for the regular season.
“I’m in good shape,” he said. “I’m going to be ready to go when it’s time to go. I’m not trying to make the team right now. It’s all about getting healthy and trying to stay healthy.”
Hampton added that he doesn’t see much value in training camp for proven veterans like himself.
“Everybody knows training camp is for younger guys to learn the defense,” he said. “Guys like me are trying to get healthy.”