The Pittsburgh Steelers have addressed several questions from fans regarding the team’s training camp, roster depth, and preseason expectations in the latest edition of “Asked and Answered.” The column clarified that the views expressed do not represent official positions of the organization.
Responding to a question about rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson being listed behind veteran Robert Woods on the depth chart, the answer pointed out that such charts during training camp are not always indicative of final roles. “I would agree with your assessment that at this stage of the process, Robert Woods being listed ahead of Roman Wilson on the depth chart has more to do with Woods’ NFL experience and the fact Wilson essentially missed his entire rookie season because of injury. What’s more noteworthy is that in Tuesday’s practice, Aaron Rodgers twice went to Wilson and he made the play both times. The first instance came on the third play of 7-Shots. The formation had 3 receivers to the right and Wilson alone on the left. Rodgers’s pass to Wilson was put in a spot where only he could make the catch, which he did for a touchdown that gave the offense a 3-0 lead in the drill. Later in the practice in another 11-on-11 period, Rodgers went to Wilson over the middle about 25 yards downfield and again Wilson made the play.”
On quarterback comparisons, Aaron Rodgers was described as an upgrade over Russell Wilson despite age differences. “I don’t care what the birth certificates say, Aaron Rodgers is a significant upgrade over Russell Wilson in all aspects of quarterback play at the NFL level. I would agree with your assessment that Wilson was not the reason the Steelers ended their 2024 season with a 5-game losing streak, but from watching Rodgers every day at training camp I will tell you he has a stronger and more accurate arm, he is a better anticipatory thrower, and he can deliver the ball from a variety of angles to cut down on the number of passes batted down at the line of scrimmage. And while Rodgers doesn’t figure to post many yards rushing, he has shown good mobility within the pocket either to buy some time or to create throwing lanes. After a period dedicated to the 2-minute drill during Tuesday’s practice, Coach Mike Tomlin said this about Rodgers: ‘He’s in complete command. I’ve seen some things that I’ve seen from the opposing sideline over the years in terms of his ability to take advantage of substitution changes and so forth.'”
Regarding player relations within defensive positions, it was clarified that Daryl Porter Jr., currently with Pittsburgh, is not related to Joey Porter Jr., but is instead “the son of Daryl Porter Sr., who was selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL Draft.”
A question about preseason readiness highlighted that teams generally do not need to be fully synchronized early in September since most starters see limited action before regular games begin.
Facility updates were also discussed; Saint Vincent College’s new indoor athletic facility will not be available until 2026. Until then, weather interruptions force practices indoors into gymnasiums without any rescheduling options due to league rules limiting practice frequency.
Fan concerns about reduced playing time for veterans during preseason were acknowledged as part of an ongoing trend prioritizing health over early-season sharpness.
Roster construction remains flexible according to team needs each year rather than fixed quotas per position group.
Defensive lineman Yahya Black has been recognized for his impact during short-yardage drills at camp and is expected to contribute significantly against opponents’ running games as a rookie.
For fans seeking media coverage schedules during training camp, nightly shows air on Fox Sports 970 and WDVE through mid-August alongside daily programming including “In The Locker Room,” “The Training Camp Report,” and “SNR Drive.”
