We are officially two weeks into Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, and there are already position battles that seem to be, well...not so competitive, while others are still raging. Without live tackling or the same overall physicality that fans became accustomed to under Mike Tomlin, it's a bit harder to gauge where players stand as the preseason closes in.
Head coach Mike McCarthy's approach this summer isn't necessarily worse, but he has focused more on tempo and execution instead of the more regimented aspects of years past.
It's certainly helped create a clear picture of who is dialed in on each side of the ball, and who still needs time to settle in. In turn, it's also potentially laid some roster battles to rest, while others are only getting started. Here is a look at a few position battles that may already be finished, and some that will continue into late August.
Position battles that Pittsburgh Steelers fans should know the status of as the preseason begins
Decided: Right guard
Usually, a position battle in the trenches would be one that stretches deep into the preseason as players play more live reps in front of coaches. Looking at how the Steelers have handled the right guard spot, however, it sure seems like it's Spencer Anderson's job to lose.
Anderson has lined up as the first-team RG in nearly every available rep thus far in camp, with Brock Hoffman and Gennings Dunker (who has struggled at times) jockeying for position behind him as the No. 2. Until one of those players begins getting reps with the starting unit, this "battle" may not even be happening at all.
Raging on: Right tackle
Keeping things up front with the offensive line, the right tackle competition is a bit more complicated. Dylan Cook, who played admirably at left tackle last season in relief of the injured Broderick Jones, looks like the favorite so far in terms of first-team reps and overall consistency. The rub is that first-round pick Max Iheanachor was starting to put together impressive performances before an injury sidelined him for the last two practices.
If Iheanachor can get healthy, and he continues to flash his immense strength and athleticism, Cook could be in for a tough battle that lasts all the way up to the season opener.
Decided: Slot receiver
This one might feel premature, but I have my reasons. Roman Wilson is the clear favorite to start the season as the Steelers' primary slot receiver, and for good reason. He has had by far his most impressive camp since entering the NFL as a third-round pick in 2024, and his improved connection with Aaron Rodgers is a big part of why.
Does that mean second-round rookie Germie Bernard won't see the field? Or even eventually overtake Wilson? No, but it's hard to imagine Rodgers wanting a rookie out there if Wilson is actually breaking out in his third season. For now, this battle may be settled.
Raging on: Three-down linebacker
This may or may not be a true "battle" per se, but it certainly should be with the kind of camp Payton Wilson has been having. The third-year linebacker looks much more confident and physical in the Steelers' new defense, and he has shown in the past that he has coverage instincts that current three-down linebacker Patrick Queen does not.
Is Queen actually in danger of losing his role? It's too early to say, but his performance since joining the Steelers should have him looking over his shoulder.
Decided: Backup QB
Any combination Steelers/Ohio State fans should probably skip this section. Much to the dismay of many fans of Will Howard (myself included), it seems as though the Steelers coaching staff views Mason Rudolph as the clear No. 2 QB behind Rodgers right now.
Perhaps a strong showing in the preseason could tip the scales back in Howard's direction, but inconsistent practices and a lack of big-time plays so far in camp have made his attempt at unseating Rudolph moot. I would personally still give the nod to the younger passer, but that doesn't seem likely at the moment.
Raging on: No. 3 boundary cornerback
Ok, I will admit: this one feels a little cheap. We all know that Joey Porter Jr. (once he returns from his "injury") and Jamel Dean will be the starting boundary corners for the Steelers this season as long as they are healthy. However, the strong play of both Asante Samuel Jr. and rookie Daylen Everette has given the Steelers something to think about.
I assume Samuel Jr.'s experience will ultimately be the deciding factor, but it's hard to ignore the way coaches have talked up Everette during training camp. Perhaps the preseason will shed light on who the first one off the bench will be in the event of an injury.
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