With training camp fully underway, the Pittsburgh Steelers are finally getting to see many of their big offseason additions hit the field for real practices. Aaron Rodgers has already started to bond with fellow newcomer DK Metcalf. Jalen Ramsey has been getting used all over the field for Teryl Austin's defense. Even recently signed safety Chuck Clark is already out on the field with his new teammates.
One major trade acquisition has still failed to make it past warmups, however. Tight end Jonnu Smith reported to camp with the rest of his team, but he has not fully practiced in either of the Steelers' first two days of camp. Head Coach Mike Tomlin called him day-to-day after Thursday's practice, but no specific injury was mentioned, according to reports.
Even with his long history with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the Pro-Bowl tight end cannot afford to miss valuable time with so many new pieces on the offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers need Jonnu Smith back on the field as soon as possible
Smith hopes to form a dynamic receiving duo with fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth, but so far, it has just been Freiermuth out there building chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. While both players should expect to be featured in the passing game, Rodgers is notorious for his high expectations of his targets.
If Smith misses a significant chunk of camp practices, he will lose the opportunity to form a strong connection with the Steelers' new signal caller. That could lead to a slow start, opening up a path for Freiermuth to be the unquestioned TE1.
His past relationship with Arthur Smith should be enough to keep him involved in the offense, but he won't come close to producing the 884 yards and eight touchdowns he did a year ago if he can't earn Rodgers' trust.
Luckily, it doesn't appear to be a major injury; otherwise, we would have already heard about it by now. Hopefully, Smith will be back out there this weekend and can make up for lost time.