Two weeks into Steelers training camp, some jobs already look spoken for while a few others are still very much up for grabs. With the team working without live tackling and the full-throttle physical edge fans got used to under Mike Tomlin, the picture is a little murkier than usual. Mike McCarthy’s camp has leaned more into tempo and execution, and that has helped separate the players who are getting it done from the ones still trying to find their footing.
A few spots, though, have started to sort themselves out.
The clearest case is at right guard, where Spencer Anderson has handled the first-team reps almost every chance he’s gotten. Brock Hoffman and Gennings Dunker have been behind him in the mix, with Dunker struggling at times, but unless one of those two starts working with the starters, this one looks all but over. At the moment, Anderson is the guy to beat.
Slot receiver also feels close to settled. Roman Wilson has been the standout there, and this has been his best camp since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2024.
His connection with Aaron Rodgers has clearly taken a step forward, and that matters. Germie Bernard may still get his chances, and it’s not impossible he eventually pushes Wilson, but for now Wilson looks like the primary slot option.
Backup quarterback appears to be headed in a similar direction. Mason Rudolph is being treated like the No. 2 behind Rodgers, even if some fans would rather see Will Howard in that spot. Howard has not helped his case with inconsistent practices and a lack of big plays, and while the preseason could still change things, Rudolph has the edge right now.
The battles that still have real life left in them are harder to call.
Right tackle is one of them. Dylan Cook has been the steadier presence so far and has taken the first-team reps, which makes him look like the favorite.
But first-round pick Max Iheanachor had been building momentum before an injury kept him out for the last two practices. If he gets healthy and keeps showing the strength and athleticism that stood out before the setback, this one could stretch all the way to the opener.
The three-down linebacker spot is also far from settled. Payton Wilson has been one of the most encouraging stories of camp, looking more confident and more physical in the Steelers’ new defense.
He has also shown coverage instincts that Patrick Queen has not consistently displayed. That doesn’t mean Queen is about to lose the job, but it does mean he should be paying attention.
There’s also some movement in the battle for the No. 3 boundary cornerback role. Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean are expected to be the starters once healthy, but behind them, Asante Samuel Jr. and rookie Daylen Everette have both made this one worth watching.
Samuel Jr.’s experience may ultimately win out, though the way coaches have talked about Everette during camp suggests he’s very much in the conversation. The preseason should help sort out who’s first off the bench if an injury hits.
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Detroits search for a veteran backup has added another layer, and it is the kind of development that can turn a roster conversation into a real trade discussion. McCarthy has been publicly complimentary of Mason Rudolph, which naturally puts the spotlight on how the Steelers value him versus Will Howard, and whether Pittsburgh sees one of them as more expendable if a deal starts to take shape. [Read more 🡒]
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Howard called the chance to get back into game action exciting, and he knows the preseason matters for more than just rust removal. For a player trying to re-establish himself and make the most of limited reps, every snap carries extra weight, especially with the Steelers still sorting out what they have behind center. [Read more 🡒]