Wallace still a no-show

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Mike Wallace’s corner locker at the Steelers’ facility sat quietly, as neat as it has throughout training camp.

Shoes were lined up methodically along the bottom, jerseys and other clothing hung on a rod, a cap sat on the top shelf and the team helmet hung on its customary hook.

Many of Mike Wallace’s belongings. Just no Mike Wallace.

Despite reports and heavy speculation the holdout receiver would report to the Steelers on Monday, Wallace was not there.

High school teammate and Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis said Wallace would arrive today, however. So, the drama continues to build. Officially, Wallace, coach Mike Tomlin and the organization aren’t talking, but teammates openly discussed the pending arrival.

Rookie guard David DeCastro was at the facility, took part in meetings and hung with teammates. But the Steelers’ first-round pick was on crutches after sustaining a potentially severe knee injury during Saturday’s preseason game. He will undergo surgery Wednesday.

Pittsburgh concludes the preseason by hosting Carolina Thursday.

Lewis and cornerback Ike Taylor are arguably Wallace’s closest friends on the team, and the two have openly embraced playfully acting as conduits for speculation concerning Wallace’s status and whereabouts.

After a media member requested Lewis call Wallace on Monday, Lewis and Taylor passed Lewis’ cell phone back and forth during a conversation. Taylor played coy.

“Just to have him back, whenever he comes, it’s going to be a plus,” Taylor said.

NOTES

Players cut by the Steelers Monday were DBs Myron Rolle, Andre Freeman, and Walter McFadden; LBs Ryan Baker and Mortty Ivy; DTs Mike Blanc and Kade Weston; WRs Paul Cox, Juamorris Stewart and Jimmy Young; K Daniel Hrapmann; OL Kyle Jolly; LS Matt Katula and TEs Jamie McCoy and Justin Peelle. ... The team claimed RB DuJuan Harris off waivers from Jacksonville. .... Among the veterans who did not practice or were limited Monday due to minor injuries were WR Jerricho Cotchery (back), OT Marcus Gilbert (calf), DE Brett Keisel (ankle), RB Isaac Redman (ankle) and LB LaMarr Woodley (back).