WATCH: Steelers linebacker Melvin Ingram is digging his new surroundings
Melvin Ingram played the long game this summer, waiting to sign as a free agent until late July. Evidently, it’s paying off — he loves being part of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Of course,” Ingram said, when asked if he still felt like a kid in a candy store playing in Pittsburgh. “Because it’s football. What better thing would you want to be doing, and what better place than Pittsburgh. It’s amazing.”
Moreover, Ingram continues to say he’s grown accustomed to the Steelers organization in a short period of time.
“I’ve gotten accustomed to it,” said Ingram. “I wouldn’t say I got accustomed to the city because I don’t really go places — but as far as the facility and football and the fans, I’ve definitely gotten accustomed it to.”
Additionally, Ingram continued to wax poetic about the Steel City. The former Los Angeles Charger is in love with Pittsburgh.
“Everything,” Ingram said, in response to being asked what he liked about Pittsburgh. “It’s an amazing place. The atmosphere is second to none, the organization is second to none. It’s just a great place.”
With T.J. Watt injured, the Steelers will look towards Ingram to step up in his place. If the former South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker can perform in his stead, Pittsburgh will show love to Melvin Ingram as well.
Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt Update
Ingram’s Steelers put to rest any speculation on Watt’s Week 3 status on Saturday, as the organization announced that the star outside linebacker has been downgraded to out for the Steelers’ matchup against the Bengals.
Watt has been battling a groin injury that he suffered last week against the Las Vegas Raiders. He was a limited participant in the Steelers’ Wednesday and Thursday practices, and on Friday, Watt provided an update on the ailment.
“I think it’s any soft-tissue injury, to be honest with you. This isn’t going around playing Pee Wee football — this is playing with guys who do this for a living,” Watt said. “So it’s just trying to be smart. But at the same time, just knowing your body more than anything. And like I said, I felt like I was able to do a good amount this week to leave the door open for Sunday.”
Although the door has now been closed, Watt at one point seemed to be trending towards an active status, saying, “if I’m going to play, I’m going to play like I always do.” According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Watt was “close” to playing; however, it was the team’s decision to “protect him from himself” and rule Watt out, Rapoport said, despite whether or not the star believes he’s ready to go.
On3’s Simon Gibbs contributed to this article.