Steelers Sending Hampton A Message

One year after hefty nose guard Casey Hampton showed up noticeably out of shape for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ training camp and flunked a conditioning test, coach Mike Tomlin dropped a few hints that Hampton had better not repeat that scenario this year. According to John Harris of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Tomlin didn’t sound too enthused about Hampton’s fitness and went out of his way to compliment versatile first-round defensive lineman Ziggy Hood. When Hampton’s conditioning level was broached by reporters, Tomlin replied: “I’m always in a wait-and-see position [with Hampton].” Added Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell: “Casey, I think he was embarrassed when he came back with the weight situation.” Meanwhile, the Steelers talked up Hood’s capacity to run and his ability to shoot gaps. Although Hood is primarily working as a 3-4 defensive end, the Steelers don’t seem uncomfortable with the idea of placing him over the center if they had to. For instance, if Hampton shows up at camp out of shape. “The one thing that stands out about Ziggy is him running to the football,” Tomlin said. “He covers a lot of ground for a big man. It’s unique for his position.’' And Hood doesn’t seem opposed to the idea of playing nose guard. “I just know defensive end right now,” Hood said. “If they move me to nose tackle, I’ll have to pick up even more. With me playing end, I kind of know what the nose is doing. “I’ll just have to be able to put more weight on, plus become a better player at that position if they decide to move me. Not to say I’m going to develop as much as Casey, but I’ll probably be a little quicker. Maybe on passing downs, I can come in and aid them a little bit.” It sounds like Hampton, who’s entering the final year of his contract, might want to mix in a few salads before training camp and a few laps.