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Steelers training camp: Joey Porter Jr dominates first padded practice

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp

Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Steelers put the pads on for the first time this training camp, and the defense continued to be dominant

After a day's delay, the pads went on for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Latrobe under the scorching hot sun. Temperatures reached the mid-90s with heat index on Wednesday, which made for perfect conditions to see what everyone could do in pads for the first time this season. That said, here is what is being reported in Latrobe.

A dominant day for Joey Porter Jr​

NFL: JUN 10 Pittsburgh Steelers Minicamp
Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

One of the constant criticisms when it comes to Joey Porter Jr. is that his tackling ability has been subpar. He seems to be making a genuine effort to ditch that label. Per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive, Porter was credited with three run stops during team drills.


JPJ having a GREAT team run period. 3 run stops in this period alone.

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) July 30, 2025

Porter was also setting the physical tone in terms of scuffles, as he and Robert Woods got into a skirmish. The young cornerback has had a terrific camp thus far, and seems to have shown up to Latrobe with a point to prove - that he is in the conversation of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. A big year could prove just that.

Troy Fautanu has big day​

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The second-year right tackle had what sounds like his best day of camp thus far. Per Nick Farabaugh, Fautanu stood up T.J. Watt on two reps, and opened up a nice hole on the right side for Jaylen Warren to run through for a 10-yard gain in team drills.


Troy Fautanu with two decisive wins against T.J. Watt in DL-OL one-on-ones

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) July 30, 2025

That’s music to the ears of fans who know how important this offensive line is to the success of Pittsburgh’s offense, especially when it comes to keeping Aaron Rodgers upright.

Calvin Anderson making things interesting at LT​

NFL: DEC 01 Steelers at Bengals
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Steelers will all but certainly enter the 2025 season with Broderick Jones as the starting left tackle. However, with early struggles and an injury being the story of his first week of camp, Calvin Anderson showed something on Wednesday that could lead the Steelers to make a switch should they feel the need to. Anderson went 2-0 in reps against Alex Highsmith, per Alan Saunders of Steelers Now.


Offensive line had a nice day in the first OL/DL 1 on 1 session.

I had Troy Fautanu going 2-0 vs. T.J. Watt

McCormick 1-1 Harmon
Frazier 1-1 Benton
C. Anderson 2-0 Highsmith
Cook 2-0 Sawyer
Nester 2-1 Black

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) July 30, 2025

Anderson is a veteran who has appeared in 50 career games with 14 starts. Should Jones have a rough start, and the Steelers see it as a point of no return with him, it’s good to know that Anderson is showing the capability to be plugged into the starting lineup.

Seven shots results​

  1. Jaylen Warren run up middle (TD)
  2. Aaron Rodgers pass batted down by blitzing DeShon Elliott
  3. Aaron Rodgers to Jonnu Smith (TD)
  4. Mason Rudolph to Brandon Johnson (TD)
  5. Joey Porter Jr blows up run by Kaleb Johnson
  6. Jack Sawyer stops Max Hurleman
  7. Aaron Rodgers hits DK Metcalf (TD)

Offense wins 4-3, per Alan Saunders.


#Steelers offense won seven shots, 4-3

Warren run middle, TD
Rodgers to Skowronek slant, Elliott PBU
Rodgers to Smith slant, TD (bust)
Rudolph to Johnson dig, TD (Porter)
Johnson run right, Otomewo/Porter TFL
Hurleman run middle, Sawyer tackle
Rodgers PA Metcalf corner left, TD…

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) July 30, 2025

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...-padded-practice-aaron-rodgers-dk-metcalf-nfl
 
Steelers activate G Isaac Seumalo from NFI list

Pittsburgh Steelers v Cincinnati Bengals

Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

The Steelers get an offensive starter back.

Ahead of Thursday’s training camp practice, the Steelers are getting a starting offensive guard back in the lineup. This morning, the team announced that Isaac Seumalo has returned to practice and has been activated from the active/non-football injury list.


#Steelers LG Isaac Seumalo and LT Broderick Jones both working at practice today. pic.twitter.com/PDZEeMyDbe

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) July 31, 2025

Seumalo, 31 years old, started 13 games for the Steelers last season. He was also named to his first career Pro Bowl as a replacement. He’s the only Steelers starter on the offensive line who’s not on his rookie contract.

Steelers reserve lineman Spencer Anderson filled in for Seumalo during the veteran’s injury.

Just ahead of training camp, Seumalo was placed on the NFI list due to a “soft tissue issue.” While he hasn’t participated with the team until this point in camp, he’s still completed some light individual work.

Now, he’s back in the starting lineup. The Steelers started practice at 10 a.m. ET today, July 31, to dodge expected thunderstorms. The team isn’t in pads following Wednesday’s physical practice.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...y-update-training-camp-news-offensive-line-ol
 
Report: Steelers sign college standout, work out 3 D-linemen Thursday

NCAA Football: Eastern Michigan at Minnesota

Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

With three depth pieces down to injuries, the Steelers worked out three defensive lineman Wednesday, and signed a former Big Ten standout.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had some not-so-great injury luck throughout the first couple of weeks of camp. While Broderick Jones and Isaac Seumalo have returned to practice, several players on the defensive line haven’t, putting the Steelers in an awkward position as their first preseason game inches closer.

As a result, the team has signed defensive lineman Kyler Baugh, according to a report from Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.


The #Steelers are signing defensive lineman Kyler Baugh, sources tell @CBSSports.

Baugh was a standout defensive lineman in college at Minnesota. As an NFL rookie last year, he spent time on the Falcons’ practice squad. pic.twitter.com/8G11sZnUxw

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) July 31, 2025

As reported by Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live, the Steelers lost three defensive linemen on Wednesday after knee injuries to Dean Lowry, Jacob Slade, and Esezi Otomewo. With their timetable to return unknown, the Steelers brought in three D-linemen for a workout on Thursday.


#Steelers worked out Kyler Baugh ,Justin Rogers, Cameron Young

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 31, 2025

Baugh signed with the New Orleans Saints after going undrafted in 2024. He most recently played for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League this past spring. He appeared in four games for the Battlehawks and recorded two tackles for a loss and a sack.

Justin Rogers was the seventh-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft. Rodgers played 46 games in his college career at Auburn and was able to record eight tackles for a loss. He was recently waived by the Seattle Seahawks.

Cameron Young is a former fourth-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks who also spent time with the Green Bay Packers during his career. He was initially waived by Seattle after a knee injury, but now he could potentially help the Steelers, who are dealing with their own set of knee injuries.

His visit with the team was previously reported.

After these workouts, the Steelers signed former Minnesota Golden Gopher and All-Big Ten honorable mention in Baugh.

With the Steelers’ first preseason game just over a week away, this signing provides the Steelers with more flexibility, given the ongoing evaluation of injuries to their defensive linemen.

However, I would not be surprised if this is not the only depth signing the Steelers make for the defensive line, as more news emerges about the extent of their current depth chart’s injuries.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...ster-training-camp-nfl-news-injuries-practice
 
Friday Night Happy Hour: Hall of Fame Edition

Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns


Come through and stay awhile.

Welcome back to BTSC’s Friday night open thread:

  1. Last night was the Hall of Fame game, marking the return to football! There are no Steelers being inducted this year, but the next player most likely to be inducted is Ben Roethlisberger (eligible in 2027). Will Big Ben be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, or will it take him a couple of tries?
  2. While Roethlisberger is a lock for Canton, there are several other Steelers who have either been struggling to get enough votes or who will become eligible in the coming years. Give us your verdict — Yes or No — will any of the following make the Hall?
  • Hines Ward (2025 semifinalist)
  • James Harrison (2025 semifinalist)
  • Maurkice Pouncey (First year of eligibility)
  • Casey Hampton
  • James Farrior
  • Andy Russell (Senior eligible)
  • L.C. Greenwood (Senior eligible)
  • Gary Anderson (Senior eligible)

3. Which of the players on the current roster do you think will one day make the Hall of Fame? Bonus if they go as a Steeler — Aaron Rodgers is likely to be enshrined as a Packer, for example.

4. Let’s imagine there is a Hall of Fame that you’ve been voted into. What Hall of Fame would you be inducted into? Feel free to make your answer as silly or serious as you want.

5. Song of the Week:

With training camp finally here and the pads back on. It feels like this week’s song is all too appropriate.

“The Boys Are Back In Town” — Thin Lizzy

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2025/8/1/24478719/friday-night-happy-hour-hall-of-fame-edition
 
Broderick Jones continues to struggle at Steelers Friday Night Lights practice

NFL: JUL 29 Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp

Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The former first-round pick is struggling

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued training camp on Friday with their annual Friday Night Lights practice in front of over 10,000 fans at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.

With the pads on for the second time this summer, the Steelers were able to do more in terms of drills that feature more contact. The Steelers did one-on-ones between the offensive and defensive line, and one player who struggled tremendously was left tackle Broderick Jones.

Per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive and Zach Smith of Steelers Now, the Steelers’ former first-round pick was beaten convincingly by Alex Highsmith on several occasions.

“Alex Highsmith dominates Broderick Jones on three straight reps,” Farabaugh posted on X. “Dusted on consecutive ghost moves and then wins on the third rep with a spin move.”


Alex Highsmith dominates Broderick Jones on three straight reps.

Dusted on consecutive ghost moves and then wins on the third rep on with a spin move.

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 2, 2025

Smith was a bit more blunt with his analysis.

“Highsmith is SMOKING Broderick in one on ones my goodness,” he posted on X.


Highsmith is SMOKING Broderick in one on ones my goodness

— Zachary Smith (@ZacharySmithPGH) August 2, 2025

This is not a great omen for the Steelers, as the fate of their season largely relies on the success of the offensive line keeping Aaron Rodgers upright. If he struggles early on in the season, don’t be surprised if he’s benched for Calvin Anderson.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...iday-night-lights-practice-alex-highsmith-nfl
 
Saturday Night Open Thread Pre-Preseason

NFL: Super Bowl XLV-Green Bay Packers vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Come and join this merry band of Steelers’ faithful for some lively debate about our Steelers, good food, music, and the merits of the odd cold beverage.

Live from Delaware, it’s Saturday Night! I, NAS204PSU, am here to bring you this Saturday Night Open Thread (aka SNOT).

Thursday kicked off the preseason with the HoF game. The long awaited return to semi-competitive football is here. Only one more week till our Steelers play their own first preseason game vs the Jaguars. Tonight is the Pro-football Hall of Fame ceremony itself, for those interested.

This 6 pack of questions is here to get the conversation going is below, also let us know what you’re eating/drinking!

  1. Former Steeler backup QB Kyle Allen threw two picks Thursday night, Justin Fields has been has inconsistent at Jets training camp, and Russel Wilson has been named the Giants starter. How do you feel about the Steelers turning over the QB room now that the preseason is upon us with Rodgers, Mason, Howard, and Thompson?
  2. Speaking of former QBs, Terry Bradshaw had a few things to say about Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers responded “he doesn’t know me” and later stated “ I’d love to get to know Terry on a deeper level.” Assuming a full-on bromance develops, which portmanteau would be the best proper “shipping” name of the two QBs:
    a. Terron
    b. Aarry
    c. Bradgers
    d. Rodshaw
    e. 96
    f. Other-reply in comments.

3. Cordarrelle Patterson was released this past week after the Steelers finished 32nd/last in kickoff return average (23 yards/return) in 2024 with no TDs. Predict our 2025 ranking in kickoff return yards (#1-32). Bonus points if you guess how many ave yards and total return TDs.

4. Two high profile NFL players requested trades this week: Scary Terry McLaurin and Micah Parsons . Which one of these guys plays for a different team in 2025: Terry, Micah, neither, or both?

5. The Hall of Fame Induction ceremony is tonight, you watching?

6. Back to school shopping is ramping up, and summer reading / course work will be due soon. Did you do summer reading / Pizza Hut’s Book It! programs when you were a kid? If so, did you get it done early, spread it out over the summer or cram it in the final days of summer?

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2025/8/2/24479170/saturday-night-open-thread-pre-preseason
 
Can you guess this Steelers safety in today’s in-5 trivia game?

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Think you can figure out which Steelers player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Hey Steelers fans! We’re back for another day of the Behind the Steel Curtain in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Behind the Steel Curtain in-5 game​


If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​


Saturday, August 2, 2025
Friday, August 1, 2025
Thursday, July 31, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​


NFL in-5
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Behind the Steel Curtain in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Steelers player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2025/8/3/24479927/sb-nation-steelers-daily-trivia-in-5
 
Steelers rookie TE returns to practice: Training camp injury update

South Alabama Jaguars tight end DJ Thomas-Jones (8) follows the ball during a college football game between the Troy Trojans and the South Alabama Jaguars on October 20, 2022, at Hancock-Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.

Photo by Bobby McDuffie/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Steelers leave Week 2 of training camp with a few injuries to monitor.

The first two weeks of training camp are in the books, and the Steelers’ preseason opener is less than a week away.

Monday will be an off day for the Steelers before practice resumes on Tuesday. But the team has some injuries to keep an eye on headed into the third week of camp.

Notably, one injury scare seems to be officially over, with rookie tight end/fullback D.J. Thomas-Jones returning to practice on Sunday. Thomas-Jones was feared to have suffered a torn Achilles early last week, with head coach Mike Tomlin calling the injury “significant.”

However, the undrafted free agent was back on the field Sunday, appearing to have a sleeve on the left leg that he previously injured.


Rookie tight end DJ Thomas-Jones back to work after a scary injury last week. pic.twitter.com/BvIl1WXVbm

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) August 3, 2025

More notable injuries include Alex Highsmith, who suffered a groin injury at practice, and rookie cornerback Donte Kent, who missed practice Saturday and appeared in a walking boot on Sunday. The severity and timeline of both injuries has not been reported.

Other injury reports are as follows:

  • Defensive lineman Esezi Otomewo, who injured his knee Wednesday, did some individual work on Sunday, per Alex Kozora.
  • Cornerbacks Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. missed practice, per Alan Saunders, as did wide receiver Calvin Austin III, per Brooke Pryor.
  • Tackle Calvin Anderson also missed practice for another day, per Kozora. Nick Farabaugh reported rookie tackle Gareth Warren was in street clothes on Sunday.
  • Head coach Mike Tomlin said on Saturday that Anderson and Trice’s soft tissue injuries might require “more than a few days” of recovery, per Sanders.
  • Kozora reported that offensive linemen Broderick Jones and Isaac Seumalo were both full participants after suffering injuries earlier in camp. After some negative reports earlier this week, Farabaugh and other beat writers noted Pittsburgh’s left tackle had an improved day of practice on Sunday.
  • Per Mike DeFabo, reserve center Ryan McCollum and starting nose tackle Keeanu Benton returned to practice on Sunday after previous injuries.

The Steelers return to training camp Aug. 5. They’ll host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 9 for their preseason opener at 7 p.m. EST.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...dj-thomas-jones-donte-kent-alex-highsmith-nfl
 
Steelers offensive struggles continue in training camp

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp

Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Steelers’ defense has been dominant through the first two weeks of training camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers are approaching two weeks in Latrobe for training camp, and the story of camp thus far has been the dominance of the defense. Per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive, Pittsburgh’s offense couldn’t get much going on Sunday against the defense.

“Offense getting blown back for much of these team run periods,” Farabaugh posted on X. “Defense continuing to show out today. Have won most of these matchups in camp.”


Offense getting blown back for much of these team run periods. Defense continuing to show out today. Have won most of these matchups in camp.

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 3, 2025

Farabaugh also pointed out that seven-on-sevens were “frustrating” for Rodgers, who missed on two throws to DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson.

“First two reps of 7-on-7 were frustrating for [Aaron] Rodgers,” Farabaugh posted. “First one DK Metcalf won on a double move and Rodgers sailed it just out of reach for Metcalf. Second rep, Roman Wilson won a sail route but Rodgers wanted the depth of the route adjusted, incomplete.”


First two reps of 7-on-7 were frustrating for Arron Rodgers.

First one DK Metcalf won on a double move and Rodgers sailed it just out of reach for Metcalf.

Second rep, Roman Wilson won a sail route but Rodgers wanted the depth of the route adjusted, incomplete.

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 3, 2025

That continued into seven shots, with the defense winning both sets of the drill with a combined score of 12-2.

Now, it should be pointed out that it was completely expected that the defense would look great. It’s much easier for defenses to get quickly acquainted and start off hot than it is for a new offense with several new players. That’s not to take anything away from the defense - they’ve been great and deserve all the praise they’ve received. Rather, it’s to remind everyone that it’s still early, and the season is still a month away from kicking off.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...nue-in-training-camp-aaron-rodgers-dk-metcalf
 
Ranking every quarterback on the Steelers’ schedule

NFL: AFC Championship-Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ranking every quarterback on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ schedule

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an off day today, but will return to the practice field on Tuesday, and Behind The Steel Curtain will be there.

In the meantime, we look ahead to the regular season and the signal-callers that Pittsburgh will face when the calendar officially flips from August to September. From worst-to-best, here are my rankings of every quarterback the Steelers will face in 2025.

14. Whomever The Cleveland Browns Quarterback Is​

Syndication: Akron Beacon Journal
Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It’s likely that the Steelers will face multiple Browns quarterbacks in 2025, considering all of them are bad. For story purposes, I’d love to watch Kenny Pickett stroll into Acrisure in Week 6 and get sacked by T.J. Watt in a blowout loss.

13. Anthony Richardson/Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts​

Syndication: The Indianapolis Star
Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Richardson is a physical specimen, but he only completed 47 percent of his passes in 2024, which is impressively bad. Speaking of impressively bad, hello Daniel Jones. If the Steelers let one of these two beat them, they should be ashamed.

12. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings​

NFL: Minnesota Vikings Training Camp
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

He’s practically still a rookie, and he wasn’t asked to do a lot at Michigan. There will be some Jimmy Garoppolo-Kyle Shanahan similarities with McCarthy and Kevin O’Connell in which McCarthy will play above his means in large part due to a great head coach and great supporting cast.

11. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks​

NFL: Seattle Seahawks Minicamp
Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Darnold rode lightning last year until the spark finally faded in the team’s final two weeks, leading to an ugly wild card exit after a 14-3 season. With a far less talented corps of receivers, as well as playing sans Kevin O’Connell in his ear, Darnold comes back down to Earth.

10. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins​

NFL: Miami Dolphins Training Camp
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The best days of Tua are in the past, and even the best days’ ceiling was getting blown out by the Chiefs in the wild card round. If temperatures dip below 70 degrees, the Dolphins fold. They play the Steelers in December - good luck.

9. Justin Fields, New York Jets​

NFL: New York Jets Training Camp
John Jones-Imagn Images

I like Fields. I wanted the Steelers to give him the year to show whether or not he could be the guy. His mobility is his greatest strength. Things get very sporadic in the passing game, though, which isn’t a great trait to have when you’re a quarterback.

8. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions​

NFL: NFC Divisional Round-Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions
Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

There are plenty of quarterbacks that when I see them on the schedule, I go, “How are they going to stop him?” Jared Goff isn’t one of those guys. He’s in the upper half of starters in the NFL, but he doesn’t strike fear, especially now that Ben Johnson is gone. The Lions’ roster is intimidating; their quarterback is not.

7. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears​

NFL: Chicago Bears Training Camp
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Bears were a tire fire coaching-wise in 2024, but Caleb Williams still put up 20 touchdown passes to just six interceptions. He needs to take far fewer sacks, but there’s a lot of promise there. I’ll be very interested in the matchup between Williams and Ben Johnson against the Steelers’ defense.

6. Drake Maye, New England Patriots​

NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Maye is going to be the best quarterback of the 2024 draft class. Jayden Daniels is great, and I like the potential of Williams growing, but Maye is my favorite of the pack. He’ll give the Steelers fits early in the year.

5. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers​

NFL: Los Angeles Chargers Training Camp
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

I don’t fear the Chargers because of the way they try to win on offense. They have no receivers not named Ladd McConkey and very few players that scare you. Herbert ranks this high because he’s played great football, but the Chargers are a non-factor.

4. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers​

NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Packers are my pick to have the No. 1 seed in the NFC this season. Jordan Love played well in 2024 despite dealing with a leg injury he suffered in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles that caused him to miss two games. With a No. 1 wideout in Matthew Golden to strengthen the corps, as well as a great head coach in Matt LaFleur, I love Green Bay in 2025 and think Love could be a dark horse MVP candidate.

3. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens​

NFL: Baltimore Ravens Training Camp
Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Jackson is coming off another All-Pro season in which he threw 41 touchdowns to just four interceptions. The Steelers lost their last two matchups against Jackson and the Ravens, and they would love to get back to putting him in a tailspin.

2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals​

Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers
Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Burrow put up nearly 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns in 2024, but the Bengals’ horrid defense kept them out of the postseason. In terms of dangerous offenses, though, it’s hard to find many better than the Bengals. Luckily, the Steelers will have the secondary capable of keeping Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in check.

1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (Week 13)​

NFL: AFC Championship-Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Pound for pound, Allen may be the most physically talented quarterback of all time. He’s the reigning MVP for a reason, and that’s because he dragged a less-than-stellar offense to the AFC Championship Game while becoming the most efficient version of himself. He’s also had great success against Pittsburgh, posting a 4-1 record against the Steelers, including playoffs.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...teelers-schedule-josh-allen-lamar-jackson-nfl
 
Report: Steelers sign son of former draft pick

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The Steelers don’t have practice today, but the team’s front office is at work.

NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported that Pittsburgh has signed defensive back Daryl Porter Jr. following a workout. The tryout included former Steelers cornerback and Jaguars first-round pick C.J. Henderson, who is still unsigned.

#Steelers sign former #Bills @CanesFootball defensive back Daryl Porter Jr., following a successful workout per a league source. Workout included former first-round pick C.J. Henderson @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 4, 2025

Porter went undrafted in 2025, eventually signing with the Buffalo Bills, who released him in July.

The 5’10, 185-pound cornerback ran a 4.65-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, scoring a 2.1/10 on his Relative Athletic Score.

Porter played college football at West Virginia and Miami. In 2024 for the Hurricanes, he logged 28 total tackles and seven passes defensed. He has one career interception in four years of college football.

The name “Daryl Porter Jr.” might sound familiar — the Steelers drafted his father, safety Daryl Porter Sr., in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. Porter Sr. never played a regular season down for Pittsburgh, but played five NFL seasons between the Lions, Bills, and Titans.

As a result, with the Steelers signing Daryl Porter Jr., the team has now had two Porter Jr./Sr. father/son combinations in team history. Daryl Porter Jr. will join Joey Porter Jr., the son of former Steelers outside linebacker Joey Porter Sr., in the Pittsburgh cornerback room.

The Steelers offseason roster is currently full; the team will have to announce a corresponding cut to make room for Porter.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...-training-camp-rookie-miami-west-virginia-nfl
 
Wednesday links: Should the Steelers be worried about WR Roman Wilson?

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It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for a weekly Steelers links roundup at BTSC. But first, let’s take a look around the AFC North:


Now, onto some Steelers news and discussion:

Steelers Star TE Leaves Practice with Injury

(From Steelers Now’s Chris Ward): Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith walked off the field with a trainer before the final period of practice on Tuesday. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed after practice that Smith left with some knee soreness, but doesn’t appear to be significant.

The latest on injuries from the Steelers’ Tuesday training camp practice. Also worth noting:

‘Letters from Camp’ Q&A: Steelers QB coach Tom Arth on coaching Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard behind the scenes

(From TribLive’s Tim Benz): How about you coaching him? Given his resume and experience, are you doing more teaching? Or are you doing more observing and reporting back to him?: “Whatever is needed in the moment,” Arth replied. “I think there’s probably not going to be a whole lot that I’m going to show Aaron on tape that he hasn’t seen before, or things that he hasn’t heard. But my job is to help prepare him as well as I can so that he can go out there and play his best. That’s the bottom line.”

This full Q&A with the Steelers’ quarterbacks coach is worth the read. Benz points out that Arth and Aaron Rodgers were briefly teammates during the 2006 preseason.

Benz also raises an interesting question: As knowledgeable as Arth is when it comes to football, what can he teach someone like Rodgers? Arth gives a great answer: It’s not just about teaching, but rather assisting with aspects of the game such as preparation.

Falcons Sign Former Steelers DB

(From Sports Illustrated’s Ari Meyer): The Atlanta Falcons have made a transaction, signing a former Pittsburgh Steelers training camp standout in Grayland Arnold.

Arnold spent the 2024 offseason with the Steelers and at one point was considered a strong candidate for the starting slot cornerback job. Now, he’s set to compete for a job in Atlanta.

3 free-agent quarterbacks the Steelers could bring in to replace Will Howard

(From Steelers Wire’s Curt Popejoy): But just as important, when the Steelers add that fourth quarterback, it can’t just be a camp body. With Howard out, Skylar Thompson is the team’s No. 3 quarterback, so here are three free agents who would push Thompson for that final roster spot.

Carson Wentz

….

Popejoy rightly points out that the Steelers like to keep four quarterbacks through the offseason. With Will Howard’s hand injury keeping him out of the action for potentially a month, it makes sense that Pittsburgh could be in the market for a stopgap at backup quarterback.

You can read the article for the full list — Wentz is the flashiest name — but keep in mind that Skylar Thompson is a more than serviceable QB3 while Howard recovers. The Steelers could, and likely will, settle for a smaller-name “camp body” if they need another quarterback.

Steelers Depth Chart Reveals Major WR Development

(From Sports Illustrated’s Jack Markowski): The Pittsburgh Steelers released their initial depth chart for the 2025 season on Tuesday morning, and it featured a notable development on the wide receiver front.

DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III, as expected, were listed as the two starters at the position. Amidst an impressive showing at training camp thus far, however, Scotty Miller has usurped 2024 third-round pick Roman Wilson and is now listed as a second-string receiver alongside Robert Woods.

The Steelers’ initial depth chart (I’ll embed it below) is never meant to be taken seriously. Head coach Mike Tomlin certainly doesn’t.

Steelers Newest Depth Chart. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/lefbxecGj2

— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) August 5, 2025

But Roman Wilson, who’s reportedly been running with the first-team offense in training camp, being listed as a WR5/6 feels a little surprising. Despite the fact that he’s only played five career NFL snaps, he’s not a rookie. But he’s getting the rookie treatment in the team’s initial depth chart.

More impressive is that Scotty Miller and Robert Woods are running ahead of not just Wilson but also Ben Skowronek, another assumed roster lock.

Are you worried about Roman Wilson?​


Wilson has had a quiet training camp for a player who needs to make a lot of noise in 2025. With Calvin Austin III specializing in the slot, the Steelers need someone to step up opposite D.K. Metcalf on the boundary when the team is in three-wide-receiver sets.

However, Wilson is still a young and very inexperienced NFL player, and he’s reportedly coming off his best practice of the summer on Tuesday. Maybe the depth chart ploy was just motivation — and it seemed to work.

If I had to guess, Wilson doesn’t come across as an eventual high-end WR2. But that’s just a guess. I was very low on Calvin Austin III following a slow first two years of his NFL career, and he’s since developed into a quality player. The Roman Wilson worry or hype train can start eventually, but we’ll need more than five snaps to get it going.

Who are your top Steelers of the century? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...ate-wr-roman-wilson-will-howard-free-agent-qb
 
Troy Fautanu knows the Steelers are counting on him

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There are a lot of eyes on the Pittsburgh Steelers entering the 2025 season. With all of the additions and transactions the franchise made in the offseason, the Steelers have gone all in on this campaign to make a deep run into January – something they haven’t done in almost a decade.

One player they are getting back is right tackle Troy Fautanu. The Washington product missed all but one game in 2024 due to a knee injury. Fautanu spoke with Behind The Steel Curtain after Tuesday’s practice, and he shared with me the positive perspective he carries into every practice.

“It’s truly a joy to be back out here with my guys,” Fautanu said. “I’m just constantly reminding myself when I’m tired or I gotta wake up early that last year I wasn’t able to play football. So just being out here is just fun, man.”

First football game for Troy Fautanu in nearly a year coming up on Saturday pic.twitter.com/UzyMIGmIeX

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 5, 2025

The second-year right tackle isn’t numb to the situation and circumstance, though. He knows that the Steelers’ success hinges on their ability to open up run lanes and keep Aaron Rodgers clean.

“We have a lot to live up to,” Fautanu said. “A lot is expected out of us. From this offense, from these coaches, and from ourselves. We hold each other accountable. So I just think that as we continue to grow, obviously, there’s going to be pains there, but that’s football. You’ve got to continue to keep going and get better because in the NFL you ain’t got no time to shy away.”

The Steelers will take the field for the first time in exhibition play this Saturday when they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars. It is still unknown if their starters will play.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...autanu-knows-the-steelers-are-counting-on-him
 
Aaron Rodgers gets brutally honest with Steelers WR

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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense had its best day of training camp on Tuesday. A big reason for that was Aaron Rodgers having his best day as a Steeler thus far, throwing three touchdowns in seven shots, one of which was a vintage Rodgers throw to Roman Wilson. Rodgers sidearmed a pass through a tight window to fit it to Wilson in the back of the end zone.

The Steelers are counting on a big bounce-back year from the second-year receiver from Michigan, who missed practically all of his rookie season due to injury. Speaking with the media on Wednesday, Rodgers spoke about Wilson, and urged him to not think so much and just be himself on the field.

“I need to get Roman out of his own head a bit,” Rodgers said. “He cares so much about whether it’s my approval or he’s doing it right. He’s just got to trust himself because he’s so damn talented.”

Aaron Rodgers says Roman Wilson needs to get out of his own head and just play free:

"I need to get Roman out of his own head a bit… He cares so much about whether it’s my approval or he’s doing it right. He’s just got to trust himself because he’s so damn talented."

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 6, 2025

Wilson was the No. 5 wideout on the Steelers’ first depth chart of the year, which made several people question the belief the Steelers have in him. However, don’t read too much into it. Kaleb Johnson was RB3 on the depth chart, and that certainly won’t be how things shape out.

In terms of Wilson’s play, he had a tremendous day on Wednesday and has had a solid camp thus far. He will be one of the players we all keep an eye on during Saturday’s preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Be sure to bookmark Behind The Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!


Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...nest-with-pittsburgh-steelers-wr-roman-wilson
 
Schefter: Steelers K Chris Boswell ‘privately’ seeking new contract

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Around an hour after his report that Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward is looking for a raise from the Steelers, ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter posted that Heyward’s teammate, kicker Chris Boswell, is also hoping for more money.

Schefter wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday that Boswell “has been seeking a new contract” privately.

In addition to Cam Heyward, All-Pro kicker Chris Boswell privately has been seeking a new contract from the Steelers, per source. Despite being voted first team All-Pro, Boswell was the AFC North’s lowest-paid kicker last season. Three years ago Boswell signed a contract that… https://t.co/4PEmbpoQjD

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 7, 2025

As Schefter accurately points out, Boswell was the AFC North’s lowest-paid kicker in 2024 in terms of average per year. With Justin Tucker out of Baltimore, Boswell is now slated to be the third-highest paid.

However, Boswell was arguably the best kicker in the entire league last season, earning a spot on the AP first-team All-Pro team following a season where he made 41/44 field goals and 100% of his extra point attempts.

Boswell was tied as the highest-paid kicker in the NFL following the extension he signed in 2022, but he’s since dropped to 11th on the list. However, the Steelers kicker’s current $5 million average per year is only $1.4 million behind Harrison Butker’s league-leading $6.4 million per year with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now 34 years old, Boswell is under contract with the Steelers through the 2026 season.

Schefter’s report did not hint at any expected contract drama between the two sides. Per Spotrac, the Steelers currently have over $35 million in cap space.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...-chris-boswell-privately-seeking-new-contract
 
Friday Night Happy Hour: Preseason eve edition

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Welcome back to BTSC’s Friday night open thread:

  1. The Steelers play tomorrow! Is Steeler preseason football must-watch TV for you, or will you be drifting off to sleep as Logan Woodside attempts a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter?
  2. On Wednesday, Ryan and I named our initial Isaac Redman Award frontrunners. On the flip side, who’s a Redman Award sleeper headed into Week 1 of the preseason?
  3. Donte Kent and Will Howard will miss Saturday’s game with injury, but which 2025 Steelers draft pick are you most excited to watch?
  4. A bunch of big names will sit out of the game, but what free agent signings are you looking forward to seeing in the black and gold for the first time?
  5. It’s fantasy football draft season. Are you in any leagues this year? Which players are undervalued in redraft leagues?
  6. Football season is almost upon us. Have you finished up most of your summer projects yet?

Tonight’s song rec:

Bonus: Check out BTSC’s new feature The Feed and create a post, if you haven’t already! I think this could become a really cool part of the site.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...friday-night-happy-hour-preseason-eve-edition
 
Steelers vs. Jaguars preseason Week 1: How to watch, what to watch

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The preseason is finally here for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars. Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game:

When: 7 p.m. EST, Saturday, Aug. 9

Where: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

How to watch​

What to watch​


The Steelers will be sitting most experienced starters and a handful of injured players – an expected 20 in total. However, four-fifths of the team’s starting offensive line is expected to play against the Jaguars, as well as high-pedigree Steelers draft picks Derrick Harmon and Kaleb Johnson.

The Jaguars will be playing their starters, per head coach Liam Cohen, which will be an early challenge for the Pittsburgh backups. Second overall pick Travis Hunter will also play on both offense and defense for Jacksonville in his preseason debut.

Check out BTSC’s coverage leading up to the game:


Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...ason-week-1-tv-news-nfl-starters-play-channel
 
Former Steelers first-round pick signs with Raiders

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds is signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, the team announced today.

We have signed free agent S Terrell Edmunds. In a corresponding move, we have waived/injured WR Seth Williams. pic.twitter.com/QL7GhlSx9Q

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 10, 2025

Edmunds was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft and developed into one of the more reliable pieces of the Steelers’ defense in the late 2010s and early 2020s. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of the 2023 season before getting traded to the Tennessee Titans at the trade deadline that year. He briefly signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars before returning to Pittsburgh in 2024 for a five-game stint. In 101 career games, he has six interceptions.

Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!


Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...round-pick-signs-with-raiders-terrell-edmunds
 
Mike Tomlin acknowledges he knew Aaron Rodgers was signing with Steelers

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For fans, it must have felt like a drawn-out three-month courtship between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers this offseason. Many were shocked that the team didn’t draft a quarterback earlier than the sixth round, where they selected Ohio State signal-caller Will Howard.

It’s now been revealed that Mike Tomlin didn’t have the same level of anxiety.

In an episode of Ryan Clark’s The Pivot podcast, Tomlin said that he “knew something” about where Rodgers stood, after being asked why the team didn’t aggressively pursue a quarterback in the draft.

“And you’re right… I knew something”

The @steelers didn’t draft a QB earlier in this year’s draft because Mike T knew Aaron Rodgers was on the way. During that time he found out Rodgers’ why, & it made him extremely comfortable with the 4 time MVP. He knew exactly what Rodgers… pic.twitter.com/LXagHwfQDp

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 10, 2025

“Everything that we talked about through our conversations in the spring, I’m watching him live out right now in this training camp setting,” Tomlin said. “I believed him when he said it, but it’s fun to watch play out.”

Then, with a grin, Tomlin admitted he knew the four-time MVP would be a Steeler.

“And you’re right, I knew something.”

While many outside of the organization were panicking, Pittsburgh showed patience throughout the process, and the front office never gave anything away directly.

In his pre-draft interview, GM Omar Khan also seemed to also have confidence when discussing the quarterback situation, which at the time only rostered Skylar Thompson and Mason Rudolph:

“We discussed in Palm Beach a couple of weeks ago. We go to camp with four quarterbacks. Right now, we have two on the roster. All options are on the table on how we acquire those last two. I assure you we’ll have four when we get to Latrobe.”

The two additions were Howard, above, and of course, Rodgers, who has said on record that this is likely his last season. The Steelers have signaled they are “all-in” for 2025, and without Rodgers, those words would have fallen on deaf ears.

Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!


Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...-rodgers-was-signing-with-pittsburgh-steelers
 
Steelers host 3 linebackers Monday

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The Steelers appear to be considering potential depth additions at linebacker. Per a report from KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, the Steelers worked out two, Abraham Beauplan and Wesley Steiner, on Monday. They hosted a third, Chance Campbell, for a visit.

#Steelers hosted Chance Campbell for a visit, worked out Abraham Beauplan, Wesley Steiner

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 11, 2025

Beauplan went undrafted in 2023, signing with the Minnesota Vikings. He spent most of 2023 on their practice squad, and most of 2024 on the Lions’ practice squad. However, he appeared in three games for Detroit last year. He didn’t record a tackle but played 46 total special teams snaps.

The 6’2, 235-pound linebacker played college football at Marshall, where he put together 66 total tackles, one sack, and one interception in 2022. His college bio states he ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash early in his career.

Steiner is another fast, undersized linebacker. Listed at 6’0, 229 pounds, he put up excellent numbers at the Auburn pro day in 2025: 4.39-second 40-yard dash, 39-inch vertical, and an 11’3 broad jump. While he played the first four years of his NCAA career as a Tiger, Steiner transferred to Washington State in 2024 for his final season, logging 11 total tackles.

He went undrafted in 2025, briefly spending time with the Las Vegas Raiders this spring.

Campbell has the highest draft pedigree and the most experience of the trio. He was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round in 2022. He ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

In his final collegiate season in 2021, Campbell recorded 109 total tackles and six sacks for Ole Miss. In the NFL, the 6’2, 232-pound linebacker has appeared in four games, with three tackles in five defensive snaps. He played another 62 special teams snaps.

The Steelers haven’t announced any roster moves following the visits.

Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...youts-lb-linebacker-preseason-chance-campbell
 
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