LATROBE, Pa. — As the Pittsburgh Steelers concluded Sunday’s practice, the acclimation period ended. Following a day off on Monday, players will put on pads and begin hitting on Tuesday at Saint Vincent College.
“Just like the general approach to work with the group, it’s been a really good acclimation period for us,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. He added that it was an opportunity to discuss cultural values and prepare for focused practice in pads.
During Sunday’s 7-Shots drill, Aaron Rodgers threw a touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith on the first play. His second attempt fell incomplete when wide receiver DK Metcalf failed to secure the ball. Rodgers’ third throw connected with tight end Pat Freiermuth for another touchdown.
Mason Rudolph’s turn in the rotation saw running back Max Hurleman drop a pass in the end zone. On his next play, Rudolph’s pass was intercepted by cornerback Darius Slay. Quarterback Will Howard then tied the drill with a touchdown pass to running back Evan Hull.
The final round saw Rodgers’ pass fall incomplete due to strong defensive coverage, resulting in a 4-3 win for the defense.
Rookie defensive tackle Yahya Black made two batted passes during practice while Rudolph was quarterbacking. “It’s something that we really value here culturally,” said Tomlin of Black’s ability.
Rodgers has consistently been the No. 1 quarterback during drills, followed by Rudolph and occasionally Howard or Skylar Thompson as No. 3.
Tomlin highlighted an upcoming matchup between running back Kenneth Gainwell and inside linebacker Peyton Wilson during back-on-backers drills: “Kenny G is showing a really good aptitude from a route-running standpoint out of the backfield.”
The coach also noted that backs-on-backers would be featured in Tuesday’s practice, offering young players opportunities to shine. Tomlin mentioned RB Kaleb Johnson as one who could impress: “He’s a willing worker, but he needs to improve in all areas.”
Regarding injuries, Tomlin reported: “WR Montana Lemonious-Craig wasn’t able to finish today with a soft tissue injury… Broderick Jones, same thing… TE DJ Thomas-Jones looked like he had a more significant injury that’s being evaluated.”
With Jones sidelined Sunday, Dylan Cook stepped in at left tackle with the first-team offensive line.
