Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 unknowns heading into Week 2 of training camp

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 25: Eli Rogers #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball on an end around in the first quarter during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 25, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 25: Eli Rogers #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball on an end around in the first quarter during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 25, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 18: George Iloka #43 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempts to tackle Eli Rogers #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh defeated Cincinnati 24-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 18: George Iloka #43 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempts to tackle Eli Rogers #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh defeated Cincinnati 24-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Who’s starting at slot?

Eli Rogers and JuJu Smith-Schuster are the heavy favorites to start at slot receiver, but which of the two will get the job is still unclear. While Rogers will likely get the first shot as after an impressive 2016 season, it’s still an open competition and a very tight one.

Smith-Schuster, the second-round pick out of USC, has all the potential in the world. While he isn’t going to win an outside job anytime soon, his chances to take over the starting slot role are just as likely as Rogers’. He may not have the chemistry with Ben Roethlisberger that Rogers does, but his 6’1, 215-pound frame makes him the perfect candidate for the job.

With Jesse James still developing at tight end, chances are this team plays a lot of four receiver sets this season. So, whichever player gets the start probably won’t see much more time than the other. Either way, though, it’s still the biggest battle this team has in training camp. And, they’re nowhere near picking a winner.

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