Brooke Pryor
Our NFL workforce reporters are on the bottom every day following all of the preseason motion with each workforce. The Pittsburgh Steelers await their second preseason sport Saturday, and Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor supplies the most recent intel on standouts, highlights, place battles, depth chart motion, lower selections and, in fact, the quarterback room.
We are going to replace this file with the most recent on Aaron Rodgers and the remainder of the workforce. Who're the breakouts to observe, particularly for fantasy soccer? And which gamers on the roster bubble might make the ultimate 53?
Let's get into it.
Camp updates for all 32 groups
Newest information from Steelers camp
Thursday, Aug. 14
For the primary — and maybe the one — time within the preseason, the Steelers' first-team offense went in opposition to one other workforce's beginning protection in Thursday's joint apply with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the offense began off sizzling by successful the “seven pictures” drill in opposition to the Bucs' protection, 6-1.
“It was an awesome displaying,” tight finish Pat Freiermuth stated. “I assumed we constructed on that, as properly all through the remainder of the apply and it was nice to see the blokes on the offense fired up and compete.”
Although the offense's optimistic momentum carried by among the workforce intervals and one-on-ones, it floor to a halt within the practice-ending two-minute interval.
The Steelers' offense did not transfer the ball and failed to choose up a primary down within the interval, Freiermuth stated. Vast receiver DK Metcalf stated he dropped a move on the second rep.
“Clearly we have got to be higher,” Freiermuth stated. “Clearly with the sport on the road, the offense desires to go on the market and capitalize. And clearly there's going to be stuff that we have to determine in that, however a whole lot of confidence. It is earlier within the course of, and so we watch movie and get it down and determine what we're good at.”
Heart Zach Frazier was additionally essential of his unit's efficiency within the run sport all through the apply.
“We're just a little sloppy,” Frazier stated. “I really feel like we are able to undoubtedly clear it up.”
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The Steelers' protection did not fare a lot better of their two-minute drill. Tampa Bay WR Mike Evans scored a landing with 4 seconds left to cap a drive that featured a 20-yard catch by Jalen McMillan and one other tip drill catch by McMillan in opposition to Jalen Ramsey, Bucs broad receiver Emeka Egbuka stated.
Talking of Ramsey, although each he and Tomlin stated Ramsey would shadow Evans all through the joint apply, Ramsey labored in opposition to a number of Bucs broad receivers, Egbuka confirmed. And, Egbuka added, the Steelers performed extra zone protection than man protection.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger introduced his two sons to the joint apply, and he chatted with a number of Steelers together with coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger: Two 40-something Tremendous Bowl-winning QBs chatting it up at joint apply pic.twitter.com/IEuY6FcZ5j
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 14, 2025
Thursday, Aug. 7
With coach Mike Tomlin's choice to relaxation most starters in Saturday's opening preseason sport in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars, linebacker Payton Wilson will get his first in-game alternative to quarterback the protection.
“When you've got the inexperienced dot, you need to know the protection just like the again of your hand,” Wilson stated of the sticker signifying he has the lone in-helmet headset. “It's best to have the boldness, you recognize that your coaches have the boldness in you, to simply make the decision — line up and nonetheless play the identical pace.”
To arrange, Wilson relayed the defensive play calls all through Thursday's apply, whereas Patrick Queen acquired a vet day. A season in the past, Queen performed 100% of defensive snaps and wore the inexperienced dot all through. There is not a restrict to the variety of helmets with headset communications for apply, so Wilson and Queen have traded off obligations all through coaching camp.
“It is just a little extra hectic in a sport,” Wilson stated. “There's quite a bit much less room for error in a sport, however fortunately out right here, just about each linebacker has a mic of their helmet. Some days PQ [will say], ‘You're taking it this sequence or I will take it this sequence,' and it is simply at all times within the mic. That is how we talk our calls. We attempt to make it as game-like as we probably can. It helps quite a bit that we have now it all through the week.”
Cam Heyward is not dressed out for apply at present as information spreads of his want for a contract restructure. pic.twitter.com/PTJxMhIwOu
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 7, 2025
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Quarterback Skylar Thompson, who figures to get loads of reps in opposition to Jacksonville with Will Howard's damage, led a profitable two-minute drive to finish Thursday's apply. Thompson had a deep reference to broad receiver Roc Taylor that arrange a four-yard Lew Nichols landing run on the subsequent play. It marked the primary time a two-minute drill completed in a landing all coaching camp.
Defensive lineman Yahya Black continued to be a pressure on the line of scrimmage as he batted down a number of passes in Thursday's apply. “You are simply throwing it up there hoping that you simply're in the best way,” Black stated. “It comes with repetition.”
The Steelers added veteran quarterback Logan Woodside, who hung out with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Tennessee, to the roster to assist substitute Howard. Woodside, 30, was at dwelling in Kentucky along with his household when he acquired the decision. “[Smith] has developed, and I am assured in myself to get caught in control fairly rapidly and excited for this chance,” Woodside stated.
WR Roman Wilson appeared to work with a coach to stretch his hip flexor and groin a number of occasions all through apply, however he did not miss any workforce reps. He continued to construct chemistry with QB Aaron Rodgers and had a handful of catches.
DL DeMarvin Leal obtained consideration from an athletic coach on his neck and shoulder space late in apply. His 2024 season ended prematurely with a neck damage that required surgical procedure.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
For the second day in a row, an Aaron Rodgers-Roman Wilson connection helped gas a robust day for the Steelers offense. Rodgers accomplished not less than 5 passes to Wilson in Wednesday afternoon's apply, and he confirmed off a robust rapport along with his different receivers as properly.
Within the “seven pictures” drill, Rodgers hit DK Metcalf for 2 touchdowns, together with one which sealed a 4-3 win for the offense.
“I feel we have been clicking the final three or 4 days a lot better,” Rodgers stated earlier than apply. “Our protection, clearly we added a whole lot of items to it. At all times early in camp with the pads going, the protection appears to have the higher edge, after which the second week it begins to show just a little bit. So I felt like we have been taking part in higher the final week and a half.”
Rodgers was particularly complimentary of Wilson, who was a part of the group that went out to Malibu for an offseason exercise with the quarterback. Wilson missed most of his rookie season (together with coaching camp) with accidents, making this his de facto redshirt rookie 12 months.
“I simply acquired to get Ro out of his head just a little bit, as a result of I feel he is such an excellent child,” Rodgers stated. “He cares a lot about — whether or not it is my approval or he is doing it proper and he is simply acquired to belief himself. He is so rattling proficient. The extra he can play free and never assume on the market, the higher he's going to play. The extra he can simply belief what he is acquired after which simply exit and react, the higher he's going to play.”
Rodgers and the offense had a little bit of an higher hand although, as a result of the Steelers largely practiced with out their beginning secondary for the second day in a row. Jalen Ramsey rested for the second consecutive apply, and Darius Slay additionally took a vet day. Working again from an undisclosed damage, Joey Porter Jr. participated in some workforce intervals, however the Steelers primarily leaned on Brandin Echols and James Pierre on the skin and Beanie Bishop Jr. at nickel.
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Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed QB Will Howard sustained a damaged finger on his throwing hand in Tuesday's apply and is “week-to-week.” He'll undoubtedly be out for the preseason sport in opposition to Jacksonville.
The Steelers closed apply with one other two-minute interval, and for the second day in a row, Rodgers' closing move was intercepted. This time Juan Thornhill picked it off in the midst of the sector after the move was tipped on the line of scrimmage. Mason Rudolph led the second unit, and the group capped the interval with a Ben Sauls discipline purpose.
Camp recap: Who has been your standout performer of camp?
Patrick Queen. A “100-percenter”, as he performed each single defensive snap final season, Queen returned to the Steelers with a quiet hearth to right every little thing that went incorrect of their season-ending slide. In his first coaching camp, Queen was usually on the middle of skirmishes, however he is been comparatively fight-free this camp. As a substitute, he is making a press release in the midst of the sector, starting with an interception of Rodgers on the quarterback's very first move try in a workforce interval. Queen is only one of a variety of defensive guys who've turned heads in camp together with Ramsey, Yahya Black and Payton Wilson.
Camp recap: What's the greatest query to reply on your workforce in preseason video games?
How will this offense carry out in opposition to different defenses? This may very well be powerful to inform if Rodgers does not play — or is proscribed — within the preseason. Whereas the offense seems to be to be turning a nook by 12 camp practices, it is laborious to inform if the struggles to get on the identical web page are a byproduct of going in opposition to an elite protection or if the problems have deeper roots. Discerning that from preseason video games could be tough, however it's good publicity in opposition to unfamiliar defenses.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Listed as a third-string broad receiver on the workforce's preliminary unofficial depth chart, Roman Wilson's first 10 coaching camp practices have been largely forgettable. And a few of his most memorable moments have been those he'd in all probability choose to neglect, together with a handful of missed connections with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Tuesday, although, the 2024 third-round decide had his finest apply of camp with three catches on passes thrown by Rodgers in workforce intervals, together with a sliding one behind the top zone for a rating throughout Seven Photographs.
“Just a bit little bit of a scramble drill,” Wilson stated, describing the second. “He threw an excellent ball, and I am simply making an attempt to make a play.”
Previous to Tuesday's apply, Wilson and Rodgers struggled to get on the identical web page, with a number of passes badly lacking the broad receiver. After the incompletions, Rodgers talked with Wilson, gesturing and pointing as he appeared to right the route. “I need him to need use me, and I need to be that man,” stated Wilson, who was sidelined most of his rookie season with accidents.
Wilson went on to catch two extra balls from Rodgers on Tuesday, together with one on a publish route that went for a 20-yard achieve within the third workforce interval with cornerback Brandin Echols in protection. Echols, although, acquired the final snicker throughout an impromptu two-minute interval to finish apply. Rodgers focused Wilson over the center on a 3rd down, however Echols was in tight protection and disrupted the throw, deflecting it into the palms of security DeShon Elliott for the interception. At first look, it appeared Echols would possibly've interfered with the catch, however Wilson wasn't on the lookout for excuses.
“I'd have a look at a movie for that one,” Wilson stated, requested if Echols acquired a hand on him. “I want I might've made a greater play.”
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Vast receiver Calvin Austin III missed his third apply in a row with an undisclosed damage, and coach Mike Tomlin did not give an replace on his standing afterward.
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. returned to the sector after lacking three practices. Hhe was dressed in and out pads, however he did not take part in any workforce intervals.
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey wasn't at apply Tuesday. Previous to this apply, he hasn't been among the many veterans taking a relaxation day.
Quarterback Will Howard left apply early after sustaining an damage to his throwing hand and will likely be evaluated.
Sunday, Aug. 3
The Steelers open each apply with their signature goal-line Seven Photographs interval. Sunday afternoon, they closed with it, too. And of 14 snaps from the 2-yard line, the Steelers protection received 12 of them.
“That is what we're anticipated to do,” edge rusher Nick Herbig stated. “We are the Pittsburgh Steelers. We are the Metal Curtain. We play nice protection, and that is a testomony to the offense that they are in a position to go in opposition to us on a regular basis. So, it is simply iron-on-iron, and we make one another higher daily.”
The lone offensive touchdowns got here on a third-team rating from working again Evan Hull within the first session and a lob from Aaron Rodgers to tight finish Darnell Washington within the second.
The offensive inconsistency continued by the opposite workforce intervals, when Rodgers related with DK Metcalf for a 15-yard achieve — although Alex Highsmith appeared to sack Rodgers — and once more on an out route. However throughout 7-on-7, Rodgers twice missed Metcalf deep and failed to attach with broad receiver Roman Wilson, who appeared to run the incorrect route.
Whereas the offense is sluggish to gel, the Steelers protection is on an expedited trajectory. Linebacker Patrick Queen believes his unit is popping final 12 months's late-season slide into gas for this camp.
“I feel we're farther forward than final 12 months, however nonetheless not the place we must be,” he stated. “It is an on a regular basis grind, on a regular basis battle that we acquired to return in and have the mindset to get higher. … Everyone simply understands what occurred final 12 months and do not need to repeat that. It at all times begins on the prime and sprinkles the best way down. We have been getting nice particulars on the assignments that we have to do, and proper now, we're executing.”
Not solely did the protection stuff the run within the goal-line intervals and create a protection sack of Rodgers, however security Sebastian Castro additionally nabbed a one-handed interception on a move by quarterback Will Howard. Rookie Yahya Black additionally batted down a Rodgers play-action move in a third-and-short interval.
“I feel it is similar to we're lastly coming into our personal,” Herbig stated. “We have a whole lot of guys who play a whole lot of soccer on that protection, a whole lot of expertise, so I feel it is about time for us to placed on a present.”
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Edge rusher Alex Highsmith felt a possible groin damage throughout one-on-ones in Sunday's apply, coach Mike Tomlin stated. Highsmith stopped after that and will likely be additional evaluated. Tomlin stated he hopes to have extra particulars of the damage the subsequent time he talks with the media Tuesday afternoon.
LB Mark Robinson switched jerseys late in apply from a yellow defensive No. 93 to a white one, lining up at fullback for 2 reps within the workforce's closing goal-line interval. A collegiate working again from 2017-19, Robinson was considerably conversant in the position, however Tomlin downplayed the importance of Robinson's dual-threat NFL audition. “I am not going to make a giant deal out of it,” the coach stated. “I do know it is in all probability fairly attention-grabbing, however we simply gave him a few snaps.”
Not solely did left guard Isaac Seumalo and left deal with Broderick Jones take part in Seven Photographs for the second day in a row, however the pair additionally acquired some motion on workforce intervals. Each are working their method again after Jones' soft-tissue damage and Seumalo's stint on the non-football damage checklist.
WR Calvin Austin III did not apply for a second day as he continues to cope with an undisclosed damage, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was held out of a 3rd consecutive apply. Tight finish Pat Freiermuth had a vet day without work.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Tight finish Darnell Washington is not offended by — or dismissive of — the suggestion that he may very well be an offensive deal with.
“I really feel like I can, however proper now I am a decent finish so I will give attention to that,” he stated. “However in a while down the highway or any, anytime in a highway, in the event that they ask for me to try this, I am going do it to my finest means. I will do with a number of confidence. I really feel like I can if I needed to.”
Although he is listed at 6-foot-7 and 264 kilos, Washington seems to be to be nearer to left deal with Broderick Jones' dimension (6-5, 311) than tight finish Pat Freiermuth (6-5, 258). And within the Friday Night time Lights apply, he blocked extra like a left deal with, too, successful reps in opposition to T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, DeMarvin Leal and Jack Sawyer.
“Blocking is only a second-nature factor that God gave me the flexibility to be an excellent blocker,” Washington stated. “So simply going these back-to-back reps with top-notch guys like Alex and Leal, on the finish of the day, it is the iron-on-iron part of the sport, they usually acquired me higher and I am getting them higher. Even once I'm fatigued or no matter, I nonetheless acquired to subsequent play, subsequent play.”
With a number of offensive starters sitting out Saturday's apply, Washington had a possibility to showcase his pass-catching means with an elevated position within the offense.
“I do not know what number of human beings can run, and the best way he does it, 300 kilos, 290, 299, it is fairly spectacular,” quarterback Mason Rudolph stated with a smile. “He has big palms, and he is sensible. He is a complete package deal.”
In “Seven Photographs,” Washington caught a deep move behind the top zone from Rudolph, who ran the first-team offense with Aaron Rodgers taking his first vet day. Later, he caught one other deep move from Will Howard within the first-team interval and related with the rookie two extra occasions for a completion in an all-third-down-team interval and a landing in 7-on-7.
“I really feel like that was simply the largest query popping out the draft, all people was similar to, ‘Oh, he is a blocking tight finish,'” Washington stated of his pass-catching means. “However I by no means actually had an opportunity to showcase my pass-catching or simply me getting a ball. I really feel like that is simply an space that I will need to proceed to enhance in and hold taking part in it out right here on the apply discipline so it exhibits up on the Sundays.”
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Rodgers wasn't the one participant with a veteran relaxation day. DK Metcalf, Watt, and Cam Heyward had been amongst those that had Saturday off. A number of others, together with DeShon Elliott, Joey Porter Jr., Calvin Austin III and Jonnu Smith, additionally did not apply, however coach Mike Tomlin characterised most accidents as “day-to-day.” The exceptions, although, are CB Cory Trice Jr. and OL Calvin Anderson, who each have delicate tissue accidents and may very well be out “quite a lot of days.”
Reserve CB James Pierre had two interceptions in one-on-ones inside a handful of performs, first choosing off Rudolph earlier than snagging a Howard move.
Broderick Jones and Isaac Seumalo participated in seven pictures, giving the offense its first full beginning O-line rep of the offseason/preseason. Whereas Jones participated in some workforce intervals past Seven Photographs, Seumalo continued to observe from the aspect as he works again in following his activation off the non-football Damage checklist.
An evening after neither offensive unit scored of their two-minute drill, each Rudolph and Howard orchestrated scores within the practice-ending purple zone interval. Rudolph related with Connor Heyward on a slant for the landing, and undrafted rookie RB Max Hurleman made a contested catch in the long run zone to deliver down Howard's move for the rating.
The group at Saturday's apply was so massive that followers needed to park their vehicles on practically each inch of obtainable grass to suit everybody in.
Friday, Aug. 1
Aaron Rodgers was greeted by greater than 13,000 screaming followers hailing from 36 states, 4 nations, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico on the Steelers' annual Friday Night time Lights apply.
Transported on yellow faculty busses to Latrobe Memorial Stadium for his or her second padded apply of camp, the Steelers labored for greater than two hours in entrance of one of many largest crowds within the historical past of the apply.
“He was asking me at present what to anticipate and all that, and I used to be like, ‘Dude, it is actually going to play for a state championship out of highschool. ‘And he was like, ‘All proper, cool,'” tight finish Pat Freiermuth stated, recounting a pre-practice dialog with Rodgers. “After which he got here and he was like, ‘That is superior.' So he liked it, and it was simply nice to be part of that.”
Regardless of taking part in in entrance of an lively crowd, the primary workforce offense struggled all through the apply. Rodgers' unit was swept by the protection in Seven Photographs and failed to finish a move within the closing two-minute interval. The primary workforce offense transformed one first down of their first two-minute drive of camp, however it got here on a defensive penalty.
Rodgers had two passes batted down, one by Alex Highsmith on first down and the second on third-and-long by Nick Herbig. He focused Freiermuth, Jaylen Warren and DK Metcalf, however all three passes fell incomplete. Warren and Metcalf appeared to drop catchable passes, whereas the ball to Freiermuth was just a little low. Nonetheless, the tight finish is not discouraged by the state of the offense after eight practices.
“Clearly we did not execute how we needed to, however we acquired to proceed to construct on that,” Freiermuth stated. “It was our first two-minute all of camp and so clearly we want it ended in a different way, however we're working in the direction of the top purpose of week one and having the ability to execute. There's going to be some ups and downs, and we'll get it corrected.”
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CB Joey Porter Jr. was in road garments and did not take part in apply. Coach Mike Tomlin stated he was “day-to-day” and will likely be “again out quickly.”
LT Broderick Jones labored with the primary workforce in Seven Photographs, however he did not do any further workforce interval work. G Isaac Seumalo was wearing pads, however he solely participated in particular person drills.
CB Cory Trice Jr. (delicate tissue/hamstring) and OL Calvin Anderson (lower-body) every sustained accidents Friday evening and are being evaluated.
TE Darnell Washington dominated the bodily backs-on-backers drill, beating each defensive participant he was matched in opposition to together with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, DeMarvin Leal and Jack Sawyer.
Talking of backs-on-backers, the interval acquired chippy when Kaleb Johnson and Mark Robinson squared off. The rookie beat the linebacker and a shoving scrum ensued. Through the skirmish, working again Trey Sermon and Devin Harper began shoving one another, too. In two reps following the skirmish, Johnson beat Robinson, and Sermon beat Harper.
Although Rodgers was a fan-favorite within the autograph line alongside the monitor that ringed the sector, rookie quarterback Will Howard drew among the greatest cheers for a deep, 40-yard connections with broad receiver Lance McCutcheon down the seam.
Thursday, July 31
With inclement climate within the forecast for Thursday afternoon, coach Mike Tomlin opted to maneuver apply to 10 a.m. ET to keep away from having a fourth coaching camp apply lower quick by summer time storms.
Although Thursday's apply was unpadded, tempers nonetheless flared between the defensive backs and move catchers. That, broad receiver DK Metcalf stated, was a byproduct of an offense motivated to have a robust day after a weak displaying throughout their first padded apply a day earlier.
“No one likes to lose like that,” Metcalf stated. “No one likes to get pushed round on the primary day it handed, however we took it private, cleaned up our method stuff, a few of our splits, and made an emphasis within the assembly room yesterday that we had been going to return out right here and attempt to ball.”
The primary altercation got here throughout a one-on-one routes drill when Jalen Ramsey beat Calvin Austin III by forcing him out. Ramsey was vocal within the victory, and broad receiver Roc Taylor took exception to Ramsey's boasting. The 2 went toe-to-toe earlier than Roman Wilson separated the pair. Then, later within the particular person interval, tight finish Jonnu Smith went up in opposition to security Juan Thornhill. Smith got here down with the Mason Rudolph-thrown ball and spiked it at Thornhill's toes. That set off a skirmish between the pair that Ramsey then broke up.
“I would a lot somewhat say ‘whoa' than ‘sic 'em',” Tomlin stated. “This can be a soccer workforce we're placing collectively, however it's additionally a possibility to discover ways to compete and compete the proper method and be skilled.”
Afterward throughout a workforce interval, Metcalf caught a move from Rodgers with Chuck Clark in protection, and the 2 barked at one another after the play.
“It is the character of the sport,” Clark stated. “It is a tough sport. You set a bunch of personalities within the area and say, ‘Go be aggressive, go be bodily, stuff is gonna occur.”
A day after a apply filled with missed connections, the offense appeared smoother below Rodgers. Not solely did he discover Metcalf for a landing on a slant in Seven Photographs, however the quarterback later discovered his No. 1 receiver throughout workforce intervals on a deep crosser and on a first-down catch in a third-down workforce interval.
“Everyone is aware of this can be a new group,” Metcalf stated. “We acquired new faces, new folks on offense, nonetheless plugging items in, and no person's getting pissed off. We're all making an attempt to study collectively, making an attempt to work collectively, and it is a regular stream of communication from the assembly room to out right here on the sector.
“That is what I recognize about not simply Aaron, however this complete group. Everyone's open to communication, open to criticism, and I feel that is going to take us far.”
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G Isaac Seumalo was activated off the Non-Soccer Damage checklist and practiced for the primary time Thursday. Although he participated in particular person drills, he wasn't in on workforce intervals. Fellow beginning lineman Broderick Jones additionally labored in particular person drills however was held out of workforce intervals for the second day in a row. Swing deal with candidate Dylan Prepare dinner took Jones' first-team reps Thursday.
The Steelers had been down three defensive linemen who sustained accidents in Wednesday's apply. Along with Esezi Otomewo, Jacob Slade and Dean Lowry every sustained knee accidents and missed Thursday's apply. Cameron Heyward additionally did not apply as a result of he had a veterans day. With the road depth depleted, the Steelers kicked DeMarvin Leal inside to play defensive deal with.
Second-year broad receiver Roman Wilson, who missed most of his first season with accidents, made a highlight-reel catch in one-on-ones. Rudolph underthrew him on a go route, however Wilson fought again by Joey Porter Jr. and snagged the move after Porter tipped it. “He is proven actually good adaptability and place flexibility,” Tomlin stated about Wilson. “We're nonetheless very a lot early within the course of, however I like among the issues I've seen from him.”
Wednesday, July 30
About an hour and a half earlier than the Steelers took the sector for his or her first padded apply, quarterback Aaron Rodgers admitted he hasn't mastered his workforce's offense but however his purpose, he stated, was to have it down by the top of the week.
“I've an excellent really feel for the offense, I am not what I might name an professional of the offense but,” Rodgers stated. “I turn out to be an professional while you break the huddle and you'll see the image of your thoughts, and every so often the image's just a little fuzzy nonetheless.
“… I need to have it down by the top this week, however we'll see.”
Issues definitely appeared just a little fuzzy Wednesday afternoon as Rodgers and the first-team offense struggled. Not solely did the protection dominate throughout workforce run intervals with three tackles for loss within the first sequence, however Rodgers and his broad receivers weren't on the identical web page all through apply. The quarterback began off sturdy with a drill-deciding landing in Seven Photographs, hitting DK Metcalf within the again nook on a crosser because the offensive line held up in opposition to stress, however the remainder of apply wasn't as seamless.
Rodgers had simply two completions by eight reps of the primary two workforce intervals, together with one to Pat Freiermuth after he bobbled the snap from Zach Frazier. Within the third workforce interval, Metcalf gave the impression to be off on his route, inflicting a move from Rodgers to fall incomplete. Two snaps later, Rodgers threw a excessive ball to Jonnu Smith that went off the tight finish's palms.
Coach Mike Tomlin, although, wasn't involved concerning the offense.
“Simply nonetheless on the very early phases of growth,” he stated. “I recognize the method to studying and getting higher and managing the installs.”
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The primary day of pads means the primary day of backs-on-backers, certainly one of Tomlin's favourite and most bodily drills. Working again Jaylen Warren met his match in linebacker Devin Harper as Harper appeared to win two reps in a row in opposition to the working again with a stellar run-blocking status. Warren, although, wasn't discouraged. “They're studying reps,” Warren stated sheepishly.
Rookie working again Kaleb Johnson, who was beforehand vocal about his want to get in on the motion in backs-on-backers, had a tough introduction to the drill. He misplaced all three reps in opposition to Malik Harrison, however received the ultimate rep in opposition to fellow rookie Carson Bruener. Afterward, Johnson, Warren and working again Evan Hull labored on move safety on a heavy bag. “One of the best factor about him is his angle, and he ran to that battle,” Warren stated of Johnson.
Third-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was spectacular in run protection Wednesday, swallowing up Warren on the primary snap of the opening workforce interval. Two snaps later, he did the identical factor to Johnson. Then because the opening workforce interval ended, Porter acquired right into a skirmish with veteran broad receiver Robert Woods on the skin. That is simply a part of camp, he stated with amusing afterward. “Everyone's simply making an attempt to get after it,” Porter Jr. stated. “It occurs. We nonetheless teammates on the finish of the day.”
Wednesday marked the primary time in pads in practically a 12 months for proper deal with Troy Fautanu following a season-ending knee damage a 12 months in the past. Warren gave him props for opening up huge holes all through apply, however Fautanu was harder on himself in his evaluation of the day. “We have to scrub up a whole lot of stuff,” he stated. “[I've] acquired to achieve extra confidence. It is quite a bit completely different taking part in with pads, particularly when issues are dwell, persons are flying round. Simply strive to not play timid and fear about this [knee]. It feels good. It is simply a kind of psychological blocks you bought to recover from.”
Although left deal with Broderick Jones (decrease physique, delicate tissue damage) was again on the apply discipline after coping with accidents earlier within the week, he was solely a partial participant. Veteran Calvin Anderson crammed in for Jones at left deal with with the first-team offense.
Defensive deal with Esezi Otomewo went down with a knee damage throughout Seven Photographs and is being evaluated, Tomlin stated.
Tuesday, July 29
The Steelers' first day in pads was anticlimactic. Gamers had been on the sector for about quarter-hour going by a pre-practice walk-through when thunder claps despatched the workforce up the hill for the locker room and followers again to their vehicles.
After about half-hour of ready out the climate, the workforce shed their pads and moved apply to the fitness center, closing it to followers for the day.
“Did not get what we had been on the lookout for at present, however such is life in soccer and life on the whole,” coach Mike Tomlin stated.
Tuesday marked the third day that the Steelers' coaching camp apply has been affected by afternoon thunderstorms. Friday and Sunday's unpadded practices had been every lower quick due to inclement climate. Even so, Tomlin stated he does not anticipate various the apply schedule begin time to keep away from climate interference.
“Not as I sit right here at present,” he stated. “Once we look again on the acclimation interval, it is simply that. It is the acclimation interval and so at present was actually the primary actual day of labor and we needed to modify and adapt at present, however I am not able to make wholesale modifications and even anticipation of constructing wholesale modifications.”
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LT Broderick Jones (lower-body, soft-tissue damage) wasn't current throughout the walk-through earlier than apply, however Tomlin stated he anticipates Jones will likely be again on the market Wednesday. Veteran Calvin Anderson took Jones' place at left deal with throughout the walk-through.
The Steelers have an open competitors for kick returner following the discharge of Cordarrelle Patterson. Candidates for the job embody Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Kaleb Johnson and Roman Wilson, Tomlin stated. The identical is not the case for punt return, although. Tomlin stated he likes Calvin Austin III to maintain anchoring the place. Austin had 29 punt returns in 2024 and returned one for a landing.
Sunday, July 27
Left deal with Broderick Jones left apply early Sunday with what coach Mike Tomlin characterised as a “day-to-day” soft-tissue damage. After going by some particular person drills, Jones, who spent his first two seasons at proper deal with, left the sector to have his proper hip and higher thigh/groin space wrapped by Steelers medical employees. A day earlier, Jones was noticed getting his hamstring stretched out on the sideline between intervals.
Jones initially missed the primary rep of “Seven Photographs” as he completed getting taped up, and veteran swing deal with Calvin Anderson took his place. Jones got here in for the remainder of the first-team reps within the drill, however he did not return when the workforce started its subsequent workforce interval later in apply. This time, Dylan Prepare dinner took his place. Beforehand, Prepare dinner labored with the second workforce at left deal with.
Tomlin, although, declined to present Prepare dinner the sting within the competitors for the workforce's prime swing deal with.
“We're simply acclimating,” Tomlin stated after apply. “Definitely he is a veteran man that is been round and has served in that capability earlier than, however I am not assuming something at this juncture at this early stage of growth concerning particular roles and specialization.”
Jones wasn't the one damage sustained within the Steelers' closing unpadded, acclimation apply. WR Montana Lemonious-Craig additionally sustained a day-to-day soft-tissue damage, whereas FB/TE DJ Thomas-Jones sustained a “extra important” lower-body damage. He exited apply on a cart after having his left foot/ankle checked out by medical employees.
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For the second time on this 12 months's coaching camp, the Steelers needed to lower their apply quick as extreme climate threatened the world. Followers had been cleared from the metallic bleachers round 3:30 when lightning strikes had been recorded lower than six miles away. The Steelers stayed on the sector for about 15 extra minutes to get by a 7-on-7 interval and 4 reps of their third workforce interval. It was a becoming finish to Sunday's apply after the morning walkthrough ended with a downpour that despatched gamers working up the hill to the locker room.
Practising within the late afternoon means working throughout the hottest a part of the day, one thing that proper deal with Troy Fautanu contributed to Saturday's camp skirmish and sure added to Sunday's scrum that began between offensive lineman Ryan McCollum and linebacker Cole Holcomb. “You can inform guys had been just a little bit extra on edge yesterday, clearly with the warmth,” Fautanu stated earlier than apply. “However I imply that is one thing that Coach Tomlin deliberate for. That is one thing he instructed us earlier than we went on break to be ready for. I used to be again dwelling in Vegas, it was like 110 levels each single day. So clearly it wasn't that loopy, however the humidity is quite a bit completely different out right here.”
Newcomer Brandin Echols picked off Mason Rudolph in “Seven Photographs,” including to his — and the complete secondary's — spectacular begin to camp. “That is a veteran man, man, that brings that power daily,” Tomlin stated. “And so he is made some performs and is cheap to count on that to proceed.”
Rookie defensive lineman Yahya Black was a pressure on the inside of the line of defense as he batted down two Rudolph move makes an attempt. “It is is one thing that we actually worth culturally,” Tomlin stated of the batted passes. “I feel Cam [Heyward] in all probability led all inside defensive linemen within the league final 12 months. [Keeanu] Benton was additionally very excessive. We work at it. [Black] has a flair for it.”
Saturday, July 26
Tight finish Jonnu Smith is lots conversant in Jalen Ramsey's deadly versatility since spending the 2024 season with the defensive again in Miami. However Saturday afternoon, Ramsey did one thing Smith has by no means skilled. After lining up outdoors, Ramsey moved to the inside of the secondary after which broke inside as quarterback Aaron Rodgers fired off a move for Smith on a nook route. The defensive again leapt in entrance of Smith and nabbed the interception.
“Oh, that one,” Smith stated shaking his head as he fielded a query concerning the interception. “Most likely the primary time. That was a tremendous play by wonderful participant. Our job is to return at him and compete and make him higher as he is making us higher.”
With cornerback Darius Slay getting a vet day without work, Ramsey spent his third apply as a Steeler lining up on the skin.
“We really feel like he can cowl anybody, to be fairly trustworthy with you,” coach Mike Tomlin stated. “He is a utility again and by that I imply he is versatile. He performs outdoors, he performs nickel, he performs security and that is only a reflection of it. Very versatile and sensible, detailed veteran.”
Within the earlier two days, Ramsey was primarily within the slot, however he took reps at security, too.
“He is a possible gold jacket,” security DeShon Elliott stated. “Him taking part in nickel, security nook, dime, no matter it's, no matter you ask of him, he can do it.
“He is extraordinarily sensible. Y'all know his bodily intangibles. You see he had a decide at present. He made it look straightforward, so I am glad to have him right here.”
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Maybe nobody acquired a louder ovation than rookie sixth-round quarterback Will Howard. After eliciting a loud applause from the group when he entered with the fourth-string offense throughout a workforce interval, he fired a 20-yard move to broad receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig and despatched the group right into a frenzy. “I genuinely didn't know that was for me,” Howard stated. “I assumed it was like Joey Porter did one thing on the sideline or Troy [Polamalu] or one thing. That is cool.”
Joey Porter Jr. shared his twenty fifth birthday along with his dad on Saturday as Joey Porter Sr. was introduced to the Steelers' 2025 Corridor of Honor class. “To lastly be in is thrilling day for the Porter household and to get introduced at present is much more loopy: my son's birthday and get to share that with him,” Porter Sr. stated. “It was 25 years in the past I left coaching camp as a result of he was about to be born in California. So similar to a full circle of simply fascinated by every little thing to the place we're at now.”
Heart Zach Frazier mishandled the snap on the primary rep of Seven Photographs for the second day in a row. This time, he was changed by Ryan McCollum for the second rep of the drill earlier than re-entering on the third. Tomlin, although, wasn't involved. “It is not concerning the folks that you simply talked about,” he stated referencing Frazier and Rodgers. “It is about this time of 12 months. It is at all times the case. We'll by no means prefer it. We'll get by it. It will turn out to be one thing in our rear view mirror. It isn't that basically important proper now.”
Together with Slay, T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward acquired veteran days off.
Whereas Smith totally participated in his first coaching camp apply, veteran working again and return man Cordarrelle Patterson was absent once more. He was noticed on the sector in a hoodie late in apply.
The Steelers used the turf apply discipline at St. Vincent for particular person intervals and workforce stretch after rain soaked the grass fields in a single day and early morning. They nonetheless used the sector closest to the stands for all of its workforce intervals.
The excessive at apply Saturday afternoon checked in at 91 levels. A number of followers had been handled for heat-related points, and a few gamers additionally handled heat-related fatigue and minor illnesses. Linebacker Jeremiah Moon was carted off with a calf damage, Tomlin stated.
Friday, July 25
A day after finishing only one move try and broad receiver DK Metcalf, quarterback Aaron Rodgers discovered his broad receiver in the long run zone for a brief landing on the second rep of the workforce's short-yardage Seven Photographs drill.
Requested about it afterward, coach Mike Tomlin broke into a large grin.
“That is what I anticipate,” Tomlin stated slyly. “I am not going to throw a pep rally. That is what I count on. That is what I envisioned all summer time.”
It was a welcome sight after Rodgers' connection along with his suitemate faltered all through the pair's first apply, together with Rodgers when focused Metcalf in his first try throughout a workforce interval and was intercepted by Patrick Queen.
Although Friday's apply acquired off to an inauspicious begin with a miscommunication on the snap from Zach Frazier and a ensuing fumble on the primary Seven Photographs play, Rodgers bounced again with the landing throw to Metcalf. He tried to throw again to Metcalf on the opposite aspect for the subsequent rep however could not join, with Joey Porter Jr. guarding the broad receiver. Rodgers got here again in for the ultimate rep of the interval and located Pat Freiermuth within the flat to present the offense a 4-3 win within the first Seven Photographs of camp.
Rodgers capped off his improved day by finishing all 4 move makes an attempt within the first workforce interval and later related with Calvin Austin for a 25-yard deep completion between Juan Thornhill and Porter Jr.
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The Steelers lower their second coaching camp apply quick by about 25 minutes as a extreme storm rolled into the world. Although gamers evacuated the sector by mountain climbing up the hill towards the locker rooms and fitness center at St. Vincent School, Tomlin initially deliberate to renew apply after the delay to simulate among the unpredictability that occurs throughout a sport. The workforce finally lower it quick, although, as a result of the storm was transferring too slowly and unpredictably.
Following the commerce that despatched Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins in trade for Jalen Ramsey, the Steelers security corps was considerably skinny behind DeShon Elliott and Thornhill. The Steelers took a step to treatment that by signing veteran security Chuck Clark on Friday. Clark, 30, was a four-season starter for the Ravens earlier than tearing his ACL in 2023. He spent final season with the Jets and began 12 video games.
TE Jonnu Smith was very restricted for the second day in a row. Tomlin labeled him and Cordarrelle Patterson as “day-to-day” with unspecified points following Thursday's apply. Patterson did not take part in any respect on Friday, whereas Smith caught a pair passes from the quarterbacks throughout a person interval earlier than the workforce stretch. After stretching, although, he left the sector and did not take part in the remainder of apply.
Rookie working again Kaleb Johnson ripped off a giant run for the second day in a row. This time, he caught a brief move from Rodgers and took it down the sector for a 20-30 yard achieve.
Thursday, July 24
Aaron Rodgers had one request of his new Pittsburgh teammates: hold an open thoughts. Rodgers requested his teammates to get to know him with none preconceived notions earlier than making any judgements. That is precisely what rookie quarterback Will Howard did, and he stated Thursday that he is been impressed with the veteran.
“I did not actually know what to anticipate from him,” Howard stated. “And that was the largest factor is when he got here in he stated, ‘Give me a clear slate, get to know me for me.' And I needed to try this. I did not need to are available in with any expectations of who he was and simply in attending to know him, he is such a right down to earth, good man.
“He likes to joke round and have enjoyable and mess with the youthful guys, but additionally you possibly can simply inform that it is pure and he loves the sport. He desires to be right here as a result of he loves soccer.”
Wednesday, July 23
Aaron Rodgers wasn't round throughout the Steelers' move-in to Rooney Corridor at St. Vincent School on Wednesday, however he reported to coaching camp as scheduled. Rodgers did not take part in workforce intervals throughout minicamp as he acquired in control on the workforce's offense, however that will not be the case when the Steelers maintain their first coaching camp apply Thursday, coach Mike Tomlin stated.
“He is a workaholic,” Tomlin stated of managing Rodgers' workload at coaching camp. “I haven't got an entire lot of reservations about that. I feel he is hardened himself over the course of his profession along with his angle towards work. Definitely I will restrict him in some cases, however once I do, it will be extra about elevating alternatives for guys like Will Howard and fewer about preserving him to be fairly trustworthy with you.”
