The Pittsburgh Steelers began their first full-pads practice of the 2025 training camp at Saint Vincent College after weather delayed their initial session. Coach Mike Tomlin expressed satisfaction with the team’s effort, stating, “Really good day’s work today. Thankfully the weather cooperated with us. A lot of competition periods and some tackling – it’s just a major component of this development individually and collectively. We’ll take a look at the tape of practice and learn and continue to push forward.”
Temperatures in Latrobe reached a heat index of 101 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
During the 7-Shots drill, the offense used several running plays. DK Metcalf was the only wide receiver on the field for one play that resulted in a touchdown by Jaylen Warren. Aaron Rodgers also connected with Jonnu Smith and Metcalf for touchdowns during this period. Mason Rudolph contributed with a touchdown pass to Brandon Johnson. The offense ultimately won this segment 4-3.
The backs-on-backers drill, which Tomlin uses as a tone-setter when pads come on, saw veteran matchups including Pat Freiermuth vs. Alex Highsmith and Jaylen Warren vs. Patrick Queen. Younger players like Malik Harrison, Mark Robinson, and Payton Wilson were noted for strong performances. Darnell Washington showed resilience against T.J. Watt, while Warren continued to demonstrate solid blocking skills.
Tomlin commented on player physicality: “People who have physicality is an asset to their game,” he said. “It needs to show up and show up consistently.”
In live tackling sessions during Team Run drills, defensive players Joey Porter Jr., Derrick Harmon, and Mark Robinson made key stops against offensive rushes from Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, and Evan Hull. Tomlin addressed Porter’s performance: “You know, it’s just a one-day sample, and so for me, it’s about putting good consecutive days together and displaying consistency. He certainly had a good day today.”
Additional observations included rookie Kalen Johnson’s struggles in pass protection during backs-on-backers drills against Malik Harrison; Zach Frazier briefly replaced at center following a low snap; DK Metcalf making a big gain against Joey Porter Jr.; Broderick Jones working only partially in drills as he returns to full participation; and Troy Fautanu facing off well against T.J. Watt in OL vs DL drills.
Tomlin provided an injury update: “Had one injury, maybe, to speak of. ‘O’ (DE Esezi Otomewo) went down. His knee is being evaluated. The rest is just bumps and bruises associated with play, maybe a few heat related things, nothing that that should be long term with anyone else.”
