HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "It's good to see everybody. I appreciate you being here."
With S Kyle Hamilton, he missed Wednesday's practice, but he practiced the last couple of days. Are you feeling pretty optimistic about Kyle Hamilton? (Jamison Hensley) "I am. Yes."
CB Arthur Maulet after practice yesterday was seen in a walking boot. He wasn't out here at practice today. Do you have any information regarding that? (Kyle Phoenix) "No, I don't have any information on that. We're just going to have to see where we go with that."
One thing that Pittsburgh's defense has done particularly well this year has been to really limit scrambles. I saw a stat that the Steelers have only given up I think three scrambles for 12 yards. You guys have done very well in that department going up against mobile quarterbacks as well. What's the key to when you're going up against a quarterback that's moving around, getting pressure but not letting them scramble? (Luke Jones) "You just have to do a good job of getting the guy. There are techniques involved and terms that we use for different guys, and there's different games and things that you can use. I mean, Pittsburgh is good at it; they have really good pass rushers. I think those guys, between [T.J.] Watt and [Nick] Herbig this week – he does a great job. They brought in Preston Smith; that's a good addition. I think their tackles do a good job inside of pressing the pocket, and they shed blocks well. [Cameron] Heyward is still a force in there, so I think they do a good job with that."
What have you learned about CB Tre'Davious White? (Giana Han) "[Tre'Davious White] is a good football player [and] a great guy; I've learned that. He picks things up quickly, so [we're] very happy with him."
S KYLE HAMILTON
On how it felt moving around at practice this week: "Yes, I think it was big for me to get out and at least do a full practice before the game. The trainers did a good job getting me back healthy, and I feel good."
On if he was initially concerned that he suffered a more serious injury during last week's game: "Yes, I kind of wish I didn't go down the way I did, because everybody on the sideline was worried and family and stuff. I'm thankful and lucky that it wasn't as serious as it could've been and just happy to be here right now."
On if his foot got clipped before he went down during last week's game: "Yes, I saw the video; I think he clipped me. I don't know. I just felt pain, and I was initially scared, because I heard everybody talk about how when you get an Achilles [injury] it feels like you get stepped on or something like that. So, I felt – I think – me stepping on his foot, but luckily it wasn't anything like that."
On if being able to recover quickly is about mentality or physicality: "I think it's a little bit of both. I think if I'm able to play, I'm going to play. Playing through pain or whatever – not saying that I am right now – I think it's important. We only get a handful of these games. It's' not like we're in the MLB or NBA – every single one of these counts, especially this one [with a] division opponent on the road. I want to be available as much as possible for my team, and I think I was just raised, 'If you can go, go.' So, I'll do that."
On when he felt comfortable to be able to play: "I think over the long weekend, which helped a ton I think for this healing process. It's just playing the waiting game – just doing what I need to do; coming in here, and it got better every day and making little strides. [You] can't get frustrated with it. I know, it was kind of a quick turnaround for the injury. I think I was just trusting the process [and] trusting the trainers, and they got me right."
On if he expects to play Sunday: "I'm going to be out there."
On how much motivation there is to beat Pittsburgh: "I think we approached this week a little different, just because of the history that's there. Both sides respect both sides, and it makes for a good game every time. We're excited to go out there, and with the standards how they are right now, obviously, it's a big game, but if both teams were 0-10, it would still be a good game. It's fun to play in, fun to be a part of, and [we're] just going to go out there and try to get a 'W.'"
On how Tuesday's film review was different than every other week: "It was nothing crazy or anything like that. Everybody was just holding each other accountable, and guys were taking that well and taking the criticism – which was positive – back, and [saying], 'What can I do to improve our defense and improve myself,' which will then in turn improve the defense. Everybody has to look in the mirror [and] address everything at this point. We still have seven games guaranteed left, and then after that, we're trying to make a Super Bowl run. There's still a bunch of time left to get everything straightened out, but I think everybody is excited and itching at the opportunity to go out on Sunday and just prove ourselves right."
