http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_458869.html
Holmes behind schedule
No. 1 draft pick Santonio Holmes looked "light years" behind during a workout Tuesday on the South Side, which came as no surprise to Steelers wide receivers coach Bruce Arians.
"He's missed 15 practices," Arians said.
Holmes, a wide receiver from Ohio State, was unable to participate in the organized team activities the Steelers conducted following their three-day minicamp in May because of an agreement between the NFL and the NCAA that prohibits rookies from joining professional teams for such activities before their school's current classes have graduated.
Of greater concern to Holmes and the Steelers of late has been Holmes being arrested Monday in Columbus, Ohio, on charges of domestic violence by assault, assault and speeding, relating to a traffic accident Holmes had been involved in Oct. 18, 2005.
Holmes pleaded not guilty to all three charges Monday and was released on his own recognizance from the Franklin County (Ohio) jail.
"It's rough," Arians said. "It's hard on him. He's not that kind of kid. To get beat up like he's been getting is killing him.
"He'll be fine once we get back to football."
Arians characterized Holmes' physical state as "excellent, from what I could tell."
Holmes, 5-foot-11, 189 pounds and the owner of a 4.38 40-yard dash, caught passes from quarterback Shane Boyd, a first-year pro from Kentucky, under Arians' watchful eye.
The tutorial sessions will continue as planned throughout this week, as the Steelers attempt to catch Holmes up on what he missed during the coaching sessions.
Not that they're feeling any great pressure or urgency to do so thanks to their status as defending Super Bowl champions.
"He doesn't have to play in the first game to save us," Arians said of Holmes. "He just has to come in and play at his own pace. We just have to stay encouraged because it's going to be a rough adjustment. You can only watch so much film. Eventually, you have to get out there and do it.
"I think he'll catch up quick. He's a bright kid, very conscientious."
As for the Steelers' depth at the receiver position, "that's the most talent in one room that I've ever been around," Arians said. "We'll cut two guys that can play in the league, maybe three."
Holmes will not be one of those guys.
"No," Arians said, "but he'll have to compete to get on the field."