While the noise surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers and trade rumors may be deafening, Pittsburgh's biggest concern is getting ready for Friday night's preseason opener vs. the Houston Texans.
Leaving the distractions behind them and aiming to put together a solid three days of practice, the team ramped up Russell Wilson, who participated in certain drills for the first time all camp.
More on that and other key takeaways from day 11 in Latrobe.
Russell Wilson Splits First-Team Reps
Wilson opened Seven Shots by taking the first rep of the staple drill. It not only was the first time he participated but the start of what would be a splitting of the reps between him and Justin Fields.
Russell Wilson’s workload took a noticeable step forward today. He took 4 reps during Seven Shots (first time he’s competed in this drill) and 7 snaps during the 11-on-11 periods. As a point of comparison, Fields took two Seven Shots snaps and 15 team reps in 11-on-11.
- Mike DeFabo, The Athletic (Via X)
I think it's safe to say that the QB battle has officially arrived in Pittsburgh. Fields still dominated the reps in 11on11 and the connection between him and WR George Pickens remained red hot, but Wilson's insertion cuts away from Fields' reps.
It also can't be ignored that Wilson opened practice as the first-team QB perhaps a bit of foreshadowing on where the race actually stands.
With many teams releasing their unofficial depth chart for the first time all year ahead of the start of the preseason, perhaps that will add clarity to a QB battle that insiders are calling: " A coin flip ."
Day 11 Standout: CB Anthony Averett
The Steelers signed veteran CB Anthony Averett after a successful workout during rookie minicamp. A humble start, Averett knew that he would need to make the most of his opportunities to stick in the league, and so far he has done just that.
After securing an interception earlier in practice, Averett capped off the day with a pass breakup to end the two-minute drill and send the team to the showers.
Two positions you can never have enough of are corners and pass rushers, so the deeper Pittsburgh is at the position, the better they will be.
Steelers Shuffle the O-line
Up until Tuesday, it was mostly stock across the board when it came to the first-team offensive line. Dan Moore Jr. was the left tackle and Broderick Jones was at RT. But that changed during practice when rookie first-rounder Troy Fautanu reportedly ran with the one's for the majority of practice. On the other side, Jones and Moore split reps as first-team LT.
And while C Zach Frazier continues to look sharp, veteran Nate Herbig was still Pittsburgh's first-team center.
Injury Update
- TE Rodney Williams seen in pads after missing Sunday (Kozora)
- EDGE Jeremiah Moon was back in pads (Kozora)
- LG Isaac Seumalo rest day (Kozora)
- RB Cordarelle Patterson and DL Dean Lowry ramping up (Kozora)
- DT Keeanu Benton seen in shorts, didn't practice (Kozora)
- Half rest days for Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt (Kozora)
- Minkah Fitzpatrick returns to team period (Kozora)
- Alex Highsmith suffers a groin injury during practice (Tomlin)
- Tyler Murray and DeMarvin Leal were said to be banged up but not to seriously (Tomlin)
Related: Steelers veteran reportedly on track to be cut after having yet to practice at training camp
Local Pittsburgh, PA
Most Popular
Comments / 0