Aaron Rodgers supplied a one-word want for the ultimate preseason sport for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Well being.”
Rodgers didn’t have to fret in regards to the threat of damage as a result of he didn’t play a snap towards the Carolina Panthers. Or in the complete preseason, for that matter. Similar goes for Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt and DK Metcalf. Their first snaps in a sport setting will happen Sept. 7 in New Jersey towards the New York Jets.
Isaac Seumalo additionally didn’t see the sphere, however he will get a move as a result of he started coaching camp on the non-football damage listing.
As for individuals who performed for the Steelers within the preseason, two gamers suffered accidents of significance. The largest was to rookie first-round choose Derrick Harmon, who may miss a month due to a knee sprain. Christian Kuntz is coping with a chest damage, however the reality the Steelers launched his substitute within the first wave of roster cuts means the group is assured about his capacity to function lengthy snapper for the opener.
The Steelers will use the following two weeks to get others again on the follow discipline. Calvin Austin, Alex Highsmith, Cory Trice Jr., Nick Herbig, Calvin Anderson and Jonnu Smith spring to thoughts.
Well being apart, here’s what we discovered — and in some instances, didn’t be taught — in regards to the Steelers on the conclusion of preseason play:
1. The offense stays a thriller
Three veterans, together with the 2 high-profile additions (Rodgers and Metcalf) will head into the common season with out the good thing about any preseason enjoying time. Jaylen Warren performed simply eight snaps and appeared shaky in his transient look. Austin, the de facto No. 2 receiver, didn’t play due to an belly damage.
That’s loads of lacking items that must get in sync when the ball is kicked off at Met Life Stadium.
2. Quarterback depth is powerful
The absence of Rodgers and sixth-round choose Will Howard due to his damaged finger allowed Mason Rudolph to begin all three video games and Skylar Thompson to take the majority of the preseason snaps.
Rudolph did nothing to lose his grip on the No. 2 job regardless of how a lot Thompson carved up the Jacksonville and Carolina second-string and third-stringers.
Thompson, although, made it tough for the Steelers to chop him. The way in which Thompson performed within the preseason makes it simpler for the Steelers to position Howard on short-term injured reserve to begin the season.
Howard must sit out the primary 4 weeks of the season, video games he wouldn’t play anyway. Howard nonetheless hasn’t performed any throwing since breaking a finger on his throwing hand three weeks in the past. A visit to IR may enable him to take his time rehabbing his damage whereas persevering with to pore over the playbook.
3. Offensive line depth is suspect
The largest questions coming into camp was how nicely Broderick Jones would assimilate on the left deal with spot after spending the previous two years on the correct aspect, and whether or not Troy Fautanu was able to step in at proper deal with after a misplaced rookie season.
Jones and Fautanu did nothing to harm their inventory within the preseason, and the inside of the road seems to be strong with middle Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick coming into their second NFL seasons. Spencer Anderson is a succesful backup to Seumalo.
Behind them? That’s the place it will get tough.
Calvin Anderson was introduced again in free company to function the swing deal with, however he missed the complete preseason due to damage. Ryan McCollum, the backup middle final season, missed the primary two video games, then was referred to as for 3 penalties within the second half Thursday.
Sort out Dylan Prepare dinner spent 2023 on the energetic roster however spent final yr on injured reserve. Max Scharping stuffed in for McCollum and is a six-year vet. The Steelers additionally introduced in guard/deal with Andrus Peat off the road. These are potential backup items except the Steelers add somebody off the waiver wire after remaining cuts.
4. The secondary stays a piece in progress
Mike Tomlin has vowed to search out beginning roles for cornerbacks Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey. With DeShon Elliott manning robust security, the Steelers can have Ramsey play free security or the slot.
The three corners have been on the sphere for simply 9 snaps within the finale after they every sat the primary two video games. Juan Thornhill, an enormous hitter, will determine into the combination in subpackages, and Brandin Echols is the highest backup nook. How these items interlock within the secondary might be value watching within the weeks main as much as the season opener.
The way forward for Beanie Bishop is one other challenge after the second-year slot nook didn’t play towards Carolina and already was in a battle to earn a 53-man roster spot.
5. Are the hold-ins over?
Cameron Heyward practiced in pads Tuesday for the primary time for the reason that early days of coaching camp, and he was again on the follow discipline Saturday, signaling maybe he has scuttled plans to “maintain in” and never take part in group drills till he will get a brand new contract.
His scenario will bear watching till Sept. 1 when the actual work begins upfront of the season opener towards the Jets. Kicker Chris Boswell booted an additional level towards Carolina, then relinquished kicking duties to rookie Ben Sauls, who was auditioning for the opposite 31 groups. Boswell additionally seeks a brand new contract, however his presence prior to now two preseason video games confirmed he might be softening his “hold-in” stance as nicely.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has coated the Pittsburgh Steelers for the reason that 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem Excessive Faculty and Level Park, he’s in his fifth decade overlaying sports activities for the Trib. He will be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
