Contract extension or not, Worilds busy at Steelers mini camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers have begun mini camp, a time to pace players ahead of training camp each year.  Jason Worilds has continued to practice despite conflicting reports on whether the Steelers will extend a contract to keep the linebacker with the team past the 2014 season.

Mark Kaboly of the Tribune Review reported today that he had been informed that Worilds has not been offered a highly a anticipated contract by the Steelers. He also affirmed that he was told that talks between Worilds and the Steelers have not occurred since Worilds received the transition tag from Pittsburgh.  A source told Kaboly that the information was “an absolute lie.”

Other sources have reported everything from Worilds rejecting an offer from the team to no contract being in the works, period.

Mum is the word from the Worilds camp on how contract talks may or may not be going. Regardless, Worilds has been putting in his time at mini camp.  It’s good news after the outside linebacker who took over for LaMarr Woodley spent most of the OTAs injured.

After suffering a calf injury, Worilds has been working himself back into drills. There are concerns about how healthy Worilds may be at this point, but appearances seem to point to him being a full-go come training camp. Whether the Steelers will limit his participation remains to be seen.  Thin at the OLB position, the Steelers may use caution or go to their old standby – next man up.