The Pittsburgh Steelers adjusted their training camp schedule on Thursday, moving practice to a 10 a.m. start in response to forecasts predicting rain and thunderstorms later in the day. The change allowed the team to complete their session without weather interruptions.
Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the shift, saying, “We always try to have a hard core plan, but be light on our feet. I just think that’s a component of football, and particularly team development. We went early today to beat the weather. I liked the energy and the preparedness that the guys showed, even with the change. Sometimes we get challenges, rain delays and so forth, and we still have to perform. And so that’s some of the messaging that went along with today’s work. I really appreciate the competitive spirit we have out here. We’ve got some guys who are learning what to do and getting to know each other, while at the same time being highly competitive. And you can’t run away from the competition in this game, particularly at this level.”
Thursday’s practice was not held in full pads as it was on Wednesday or as is planned for Friday; however, there were several periods focused on competition.
During a key “7-Shots” drill featuring first-team units, quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ opening pass attempt to DK Metcalf was broken up by cornerback Darius Slay. Rodgers connected with Metcalf for a touchdown on his next play but missed Roman Wilson at the pylon due to tight coverage from Slay again.
Mason Rudolph entered as quarterback for two plays: he threw one touchdown pass to Robert Woods before an incompletion also intended for Woods under pressure from defenders.
Will Howard took over at quarterback with his first throw resulting in a touchdown pass to Brandon Johnson that tied up scoring within the drill series before an incomplete pass decided victory for the defense.
Other notable moments included Roman Wilson making a contested 35-yard catch over Joey Porter Jr., and linebacker Patrick Queen intercepting a pass meant for Jaylen Warren during one-on-one drills.
Aaron Rodgers’ attention to route running was evident when he delivered passes expecting specific receiver movements; corrections were handled quickly by wide receivers coach Zach Azzani without public criticism from Rodgers himself.
Tensions ran high during practice despite players wearing only helmets and shells instead of full pads. Newly acquired defensive players such as Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, and Juan Thornhill contributed to increased intensity between offensive and defensive squads. Incidents included Jonnu Smith exchanging words with Thornhill and Mason McCormick confronting Patrick Queen near a huddle.
When asked about these exchanges between players Tomlin said: “I prefer to keep some of that stuff in-house,” adding “I’d much rather say whoa than sic-em. This is a football team we’re putting together, but it’s also an opportunity to learn how to compete and compete the right way and be professional. But largely, how I handle those circumstances is our business.”
Looking ahead, Tomlin spoke about Friday Night Lights—a tradition involving an evening practice session attended by fans: “We just appreciate the Welcome Wagon that we get up here in Latrobe, not only at Saint Vincent, but in this community,” Tomlin said. “And it’s an opportunity for us to show our appreciation, to perform in that different environment in primetime… Tomorrow night we’ll work in primetime… regardless of when it’s time to go; it’s time to go… Friday Night Lights means a lot of things to us.”
Tomlin provided updates regarding player health: “Got some guys working their way back to us and increasing their participation. LG Isaac Seumalo, for example, was taken off the NFI list and began the process of working (on Thursday), and so all things are pointed in the right direction in that regard. Some other injuries to report: DT Jacob Slade injured a knee yesterday that’s being evaluated; DE Dean Lowry injured a knee yesterday that’s being evaluated. I’ll have more information on some of those guys and others a little bit later. The rest of the stuff are just things to manage that come along with this process.”
