Rookie Jonathan Dwyer Struggling With Injuries

John Harris of the Trib reports on rookie running back Jonathan Dwyer’s miserable first week at camp.

First, Dwyer aggravated his hamstring injury during the second practice on the first day of his first NFL training camp.

So much for making a good first impression. That immediately put Dwyer on the wrong side of the coaching staff.

For five days, Dwyer worked frantically to get back on the field. For a sixth-round draft pick like Dwyer, a debilitating injury can be the kiss of death.

During Friday night’s practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium, Dwyer was finally healthy enough to return to the field — but immediately wished he wasn’t.

Because of a lack of practice time that probably contributed to him not executing properly, Dwyer was ordered to perform a blocking drill against rookie linebacker Thaddeus Gibson four consecutive times — which may be a first under Tomlin.

The article notes that Dwyer looks sluggish and out of shape. That could be a result of the hamstring problems, but the hamstring problems themselves could be an indication that Dwyer is out of shape. It would be a shame for the Steelers if he doesn’t turn things around – Dwyer has a bunch more upside than the usual sixth-round pick, and the Steelers’ depth chart behind Rashard Mendenhall at running back is uncertain. Mewelde Moore, Justin Vincent and Isaac Redman are all competing for time.