OTAs aren't built to settle roster battles, and they definitely aren't a reliable indicator of who will make the Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man roster. There’s no tackling, no full pads, and plenty of offseason experimenting that won’t look the same once training camp starts.
That being said, fans can learn some things based on how things played out. Where players lined up, where they currently look to be at on the depth chart, and who is getting the most attention from the coaching staff can all shed light on who is standing out (and who isn't).
Training camp is still where this roster will truly begin to take shape, but here are 4 players who have to step it up once camp kicks off after a lackluster summer.
Pittsburgh Steelers OTAs created some early camp pressure
This isn’t about locking anyone into a roster cut before the real competition begins. The Steelers don’t have to make final cuts until Aug. 30, and each player on this list will get a chance to change the conversation in Latrobe.
Even so, OTAs can change how certain players are viewed heading into training camp. For these four Steelers, the spring didn’t exactly help.
Mason Rudolph
Mason Rudolph entered OTAs as the safe veteran option behind Aaron Rodgers, but that backup quarterback battle feels more complicated now.
The question here is: Who will win the backup role in training camp? If Will Howard is anywhere near Rudolph in terms of being ready to play in an NFL game this year, Pittsburgh is likely to choose the younger quarterback with at least some long-term upside.
Rudolph, who will turn 31 next month, is nothing more than a career backup.
He’s reliable insurance, but he’s not a long-term play. Howard needs an opportunity to shine as Rodgers' backup this season. As a player the Steelers invested a draft pick in, and Mike McCarthy seems eager to get his hands on, Drew Allar's role as third-string/developmental QB is secure.
Rudolph can absolutely steady this in training camp. Until then, his stock took a hit because Howard now has a clear path to push him.
Kaleb Johnson
Kaleb Johnson’s situation got a lot more crowded after the Steelers added Rico Dowdle, Travis Homer and Eli Heidenreich to the running back picture.
Johnson was a third-round pick in 2025, but his rookie season gave Pittsburgh zero reasons to treat his role as untouchable. His path now may depend on special teams and whether he fits what McCarthy's new offense wants from its backs.
Training camp certainly gives Johnson a chance to reset that conversation. After OTAs, though, his place in the room looks a lot less comfortable.
Ryan McCollum
Ryan McCollum has been Pittsburgh’s backup center since 2024, but OTAs brought in more competition.
Brock Hoffman's arrival from Dallas puts McCollum's roster spot in jeopardy. He has center experience, guard flexibility, and starting reps from his time in Dallas. Add in rookie Gennings Dunker, and the Steelers suddenly have more interior options than McCollum probably wanted to see.
McCollum still has camp and preseason snaps to defend his role. For now, his stock dipped because Pittsburgh added the kind of versatility that can squeeze a specialist.
Eli Heidenreich
Eli Heidenreich is an easy player for Steelers fans to root for. He’s a Pittsburgh native, and that always gives a young player some instant attention.
The running back room already has Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Kaleb Johnson, and Travis Homer, who brings 85 more NFL games of experience. For Heidenreich, the best route may be special teams.
He’ll get every chance in training camp to prove he belongs. After OTAs, though, the feel-good story still needs a defined football role.
Add us as a preferred source on Google