5 observations as Steelers training camp ramps up intensity with pads coming on

It’s been a relatively drama-free start to the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers training camp.

No holdouts or “hold-ins”. No major skirmishes. No off-field controversy.

No significant injuries.

(During practice, anyway).

None other than the new starting quarterback, of course, has missed the entirety of camp because of a calf strain suffered during, of all things, the conditioning test .

And make no mistake: If Russell Wilson isn’t in a helmet and pads and taking part in a full menu of first-team reps during Tuesday’s practice at Saint Vincent College, begin to sound the alarm bells that his “tight calf” might perhaps be a little more of an issue than everyone in Unity has been letting on.

Expect Wilson to be taking snaps when the Steelers convene on Chuck Noll Field for the first padded practice of camp Tuesday.

With that milestone just ahead, here are five observations on where the Steelers stand after four practices:

1. Smitty’s time

That the Steelers have a new offensive coordinator quickly becomes evident in watching any extended team practice periods. Arthur Smith’s tendencies show themselves in myriad ways, ranging from multiple tight end sets, screen passes, the pistol formation, his zone running scheme style, plenty of throws to those aforementioned tight ends — and even, yes, the deployment of a fullback.

Those latter points impact one of the key battles for roster spots. Is Jack Colletto — the first fullback to last this long into a camp since Derek Watt’s retirement — in the running to make the season-opening 53-man roster? If so, will that be at the expense of a tight end, since tight end Connor Heyward was by default the “fullback” (on the rare occasions one was used) last season?

2. Fire from Fields

In Wilson’s stead, Justin Fields spent the first four practices of camp the way he spent most of the 2 1/2-plus seasons with the Chicago Bears: as quarterback for the first-team offense.

Getting that chance to run with the starters by default, however, has revealed familiar results to anyone who watched the Chicago Bears the past 2 1/2 seasons since they took Fields with the 11th overall pick in 2021.

Fields’ arm talent is eye-popping. Balls come out with high velocity, and some deep throws look effortless as they fall into a waiting receiver’s hands in stride. He also has shown every bit of the speed and running ability that allowed him to accumulate 2,220 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns over 38 NFL starts.

But like he has done too often in games (sacked 135 times), Fields during practice shows a propensity to run into sacks, hold onto the ball too long and scramble with haphazard purpose. Also, consistency lacks with his throws: For every “dime,” there’s a pass well off-target or one-hopped to an intended receiver.

3. Less than crisp

Fields isn’t the only member of the offensive unit who has made mistakes. Far too often early in camp, linemen have jumped offsides or failed to execute the center/QB exchange. Receivers and quarterbacks also have not been on the same page. Sunday’s practice, in particular, featured a lack of ball security.

It’s still July. The first preseason game is 10 days away, and nothing will count until the Sept. 8 opener in Atlanta. With a new coordinator and quarterback, perhaps some early sloppiness is expected. But it better get cleaned up soon.

4. Rookie review

Maybe some of the errors in fundamentals are in part attributable to the natural byproduct of so many rookies getting snaps. During the most recent practice Sunday, there were as many as five rookies getting first-team reps, and that doesn’t even count the rookie who entered camp considered by most with the best odds of starting the opener, second-round center Zach Frazier.

To varying degrees, first-round tackle Troy Fautanu, third-round receiver Roman Wilson, third-round inside linebacker Payton Wilson, fourth-round guard Mason McCormick and undrafted slot/nickel Beanie Bishop have gotten prime opportunities to play with the starters.

With the exception of McCormick, at this point it wouldn’t be shocking if as many as four to five rookies are playing significant roles on offense or defense when the regular season gets underway.

5. Buddy system

Like they seemingly have each of the seven offseasons since Ryan Shazier’s career-ending injury, the Steelers invested high-profile resources to bring in multiple inside linebackers. So far, it looks like they got things right this time.

Patrick Queen, the $41 million free agent, and Wilson both pop when on the field. Each has the speed to blow up those Smith-called screens and passes to the sideline. The idea of the two of them playing together for years to come could cause opposing offenses plenty of headaches.

Wilson might be difficult to keep off the field. But for now, don’t assume Elandon Roberts will cede his starting spot any time soon. Among the Steelers’ most experienced (123 NFL games), decorated (two Super Bowl rings) and high-character (served as a captain of two other NFL teams) players, Roberts has shown to be a strong complement to Queen’s playmaking.

The two have bonded quickly.

“It’s crazy,” Queen said. “It’s like we’ve been knowing each other for years.”