Tomlin Sends Hampton a Message

Casey Hampton is heading into the final year of his contract, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin isn't exactly taking it easy on the Steelers nose tackle.

Last year, Hampton showed up too fat for training camp (well fatter than normal), so Tomlin sat him out of practices until he melted away some of the extra pounds. He ended up playing his normal key role as the anchor of the Steelers' defensive line, but that hasn't earned him a pass from Tomlin. When asked if Hampton is in better shape this year, Tomlin could have easily said something like: "I'm sure he will be because Casey's a professional," or something like that to send a message while also going out of his way to not needle the big man.

Instead, he made it clear that he's not going to coddle Casey.

"I'm always in a wait-and-see position (with Hampton)," Tomlin said.

The Tribune-Review also speculated that first-round pick Evander Hood could end up playing some nose tackle, although that seems unlikely unless Hampton shows up to training camp looking like he ate a Subaru. Between Hampton and Chris Hoke, Pittsburgh is deeper at nose tackle than it is at defensive end, where Hood can be expected to be the No. 3 DE to start the season if he shows something in training camp. The Steelers may talk about Hood playing nose tackle to motivate Hampton, but the Steelers defense in 2009 will be at its best with Hampton swallowing up centers.

But it is a sign that the Steelers may take a wait and see attitude with Hampton when it comes to a contract extension.