Another day, couple more injuries

The last couple of days on the radio, I noted that the next week of practices will be a war of attrition for the Steelers.

With six consecutive days of padded practices and live tackling drills, the Steelers are going to lose some players - at least for a while - that could factor into training camp position battles.

And so it was again on Thursday. Rookie tight end Eric Waters suffered a lower back injury and had to be carted off, while wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey left after taking a knee to the helmet.

With Waters now out and fellow rookie Rob Blanchflower in a walking boot with a high ankle sprain, the tight end position is down to a battle between veterans Michael Palmer and David Paulson for the No. 3 spot after Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth, though fullback Will Johnson also figures into the mix.

Palmer, by the way, was given the day off today as well, though head coach Mike Tomlin said it was a maintenance issue - which means he is likely dealing with a slight injury as well.

At receiver, the logjam is heavy, but if DHB has to miss any amount of time, it certainly gives a leg up to the other guys.

After all, as the old saying goes, you can't make the club in the tub.

@ It was noted today by fellow reporter Mike Prisuta that the defense had a big day in the run-game drills stuffing the offense on 9 of 13 attempts, including two for losses.

But remember, Le'Veon Bell, though he was back for individual position workouts, didn't take part in the team portion of practice and LeGarrette Blount was held out of contact drills.

@ The Steelers finally worked on some no-huddle offense today. Dri Archer figured heavily into the mix.

@ One player who keeps showing up and making big hits is young safety Jordan "Don't call him Rodney or he'll take your head off" Dangerfield.

Dangerfield, a Towson product, was in camp last season with Buffalo. He's landed at least one huge blow in every padded practice this week.

@ In case you missed it, Peria Jerry retired for Atlanta today. He was taken with the 24th pick in the 2009 draft, eight picks before the Steelers selected Ziggy Hood.

Jerry never really panned out for the Falcons and never became a full-time starter.

That 2009 draft was really, really thin, especially for defensive linemen.