Pittsburgh Review

The Steelers and Buffalo Bills conducted a joint practice Thursday at Acrisure Stadium, which was designed to mirror the sessions held at Saint Vincent College over the summer. The drills were conducted simultaneously at both ends of the field.

At the south end, the Steelers' offense faced off against the Bills' defense, while at the north end, it was the Bills' offense against the Steelers' defense. Russell Wilson led the first team, connecting for touchdown passes with George Pickens and Dez Fitzpatrick. Justin Fields later ran in for a score following a play-action fake to La'Mical Perine and threw two more touchdowns—one to Cordarrelle Patterson and another to Scotty Miller along the sideline.

On the other side of the field, Josh Allen threw touchdown passes to tight end Dalton Kinkaid and fullback Reggie Gilliam before Mitch Trubisky replaced him. Trubisky's pass intended for wide receiver K.J. Hamler was broken up by Cory Trice Jr.

The practice included one-on-one drills between defensive backs versus tight ends and wide receivers, as well as pass-rush/pass-protection reps occurring concurrently in different areas of the field.

"If I get a good dance partner, I'm interested (in a joint practice)," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "And my old college teammate (Coach Sean McDermott) and the Buffalo Bills are that."

Joint practices across the NFL this summer have been partly aimed at testing new kickoff rules through live special teams drills. Although nothing groundbreaking emerged from these periods during this session, Tomlin emphasized their value as teaching tools for players on covering and returning punts and kickoffs effectively.

When asked about standout performances during practice that could influence personnel decisions, Tomlin remarked, "Practice is practice, but game work is game work."

Notable absentees from practice included Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Nate Herbig. Zach Frasier took numerous reps at center in Herbig's absence, including all first-team offense snaps.