Steelers' Mike Tomlin Gets Big Time Annoyed With A Reporter Over Kendrick Green Question

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media and answered questions after Wednesday's practice and was visibly annoyed with one question in particular regarding Kendrick Green. Green has become somewhat of a fan favorite during training camp this season after seeing multiple reps at the fullback position. This is a position the Steelers have become particularly thin at after not re-signing Derek Watt and the early retirement of undrafted rookie, Monte Pottebaum. 

Steelers' Kendrick Green Fights For A Roster Spot

Green was drafted in 2021 to fill the shoes of former All-Pro, Maurkice Pouncey. After a lackluster rookie season, Green did not record a snap in 2022. Thus far in 2023, he has been all over the field doing everything in his power to earn a roster spot. One big way he has been doing this is by getting reps at the fullback position. 

Green was already known for being an athletic lineman and even started out playing defense in college before making the switch to the O-line. After a roar from the crowd and making a huge block during the Team's Friday Night Light's practice, people started to pay attention. Green was even able to catch a pass out of the backfield and looked like a natural turning upfield. The buzz began to scatter all over social media and fans quickly became excited to see Green get some in-game action at another position. Even Najee Harris was intrigued to see if he would perform in the game.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Tired Of Fullback Questions 

When preseason Week 1 came and went and we didn't see Green get any reps at fullback, fans and media alike were both confused and disappointed. Some media members began to speculate if it was due to an injury to Nate Herbig, who has been seeing reps at both guard and center. Or was it just because they do not see it as something viable anymore?

This would not be the first time the Steelers have used an offensive lineman in the backfield. Former lineman, Doug Legursky was a part of the goal line, short yardage package during his time with the Steelers.

"You know, I’m not going to talk to you guys every day about the fullback stuff. You guys really get enamored with things sometimes," Tomlin said when asked about Green and why he was no longer seeing reps at fullback.

Will Green Make The Steelers Roster?

As it sits right now, Green is seeing second-team reps at center with Herbig still not practicing. The only other viable fullback on the roster is Connor Heyward, Cam Heyward's little brother. Being that Connor played tight end / full back in college and actually saw meaningful game minutes in 2022, one could expect he has a better shot to make the 53-man roster at that spot than Green. That is not to say that Green won't make the team as a second or third option on the line, but with new additions like Herbig, Ryan McCollum, and Spencer Anderson all being able to play the center position, the cards are stacked against a guy that did not dress a single game last year.

Danny Karnik / AP Photo

Steelers' Cameron and Connor Heyward share an emotional moment during a regular season game in Atlanta.

Do you think it is time the Steelers give up on the Green project and move on? Do you think he should get a real opportunity to play fullback and help the team at another position? Let me know in the comments and as always.

#SteelerNation