The Steelers will open camp without a pair of players, including one of their rare free agent splurges.
The team announced that safety Mike Mitchell and running back Alvester Alexander would begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
Mitchell parlayed a solid season with the Panthers into some security, with the Steelers stepping out of form with a five-year, $25 million deal.
He showed last year he’s not averse to coming up and making big hits (though he thinks Roger Goodell is targeting him for fines), but will have to play more of a coverage role paired with Troy Polamalu.