By Jessica Costello
SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their third preseason game Sunday night at the Tennessee Titans, where fans will most likely see the veterans take the field.
The "dress rehearsal" for the regular-season opener will most likely star players such as Ben Roethlisberger, David DeCastro and Maurkice Pouncey. This will most likely be their first and last appearance before the real thing in September.
Head coach Mike Tomlin, called it “simulation week,” while players watched film today before practice.
"It’s a good exercise for all of us, coaches and players,” Tomlin said.
Cameron Heyward, defensive tackle, played 12 snaps during the second preseason game against Kansas City and is looking forward to getting some work against the Titans.
“I need it,” Heyward said. “I feel clumsy without it. That’s just me. I’ve got to be out there. I feel like it helps me.”
Cornerback, Joe Haden, on the other hand, is dealing with an ankle contusion that has kept him from practicing for more than a week. There's no foreseeable timetable for Haden's return quite yet but he's confident he'll be ready for Week 1.
“It doesn’t really matter,” he said. “I’ve gone through a lot of preseasons. As long as I’m ready for New England, I think I’ll be good to go.”
“Practice always makes you better,” Pouncey said. “You’ve always got to go out there and work hard every single day. I know some of us gets days off and some of us are a little bit more advanced, but it’s always nicer when you are playing football together.”
The veterans don't take preseason lightly either, most eager to hit the field and work.
“If you like playing football, you look forward to every week,” Pouncey said. “It’s a chance to get better. I know it’s the preseason, and I know it sounds weird saying it, but it’s an opportunity. There are only 15-20 snaps to go out there and play your hardest.”
Let us know who you're eager to see on Sunday night in the comments below, Steeler Nation! Also, give us your score prediction!
#SteelerNation
