The Steelers opened training camp this week, and naturally, it has led to a flurry of overreactions. Some are certainly warranted, while others are just fodder as football slowly starts back up. From Justin Fields seeing first-team snaps to some early depth chart surprises, there seems to be a nonstop flurry of reports coming out.
While there is some news worth reporting on and reacting to, there is also a slew of news that can be thrown out. Training camp has just started, and we are a long way from the start of the new season. Here are three things you shouldn’t be overacting about from Steelers camp.
Steelers early injuries
Injuries are a staple of any NFL team right now. Players are coming off a break from play, and the game naturally lends itself to injuries. The most important thing you can do right now is not overreact to every scrape and ding you hear about.
For example, Connor Heyward went down early in camp and was carted off the field. As it turns out, he was only cramping up, and after a few swigs of Gatorade, he was back on the field. Russell Wilson missed out on the first day of practice with some minor leg issues. Teams are going to exercise extra caution right now. They can afford to do so. If something is serious, the team will be quick to let people know.
Steelers rookie playing times
It is always worth noting early in Steelers camp who is lining up where. For veterans, it is a telling sign of how the team views them. For example, Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin were the primary starting receivers along with George Pickens on day one, indicating that, at least initially, they are in the driver's seat for starting roles.
What you shouldn’t be freaking out about is the rookies and the fact that they are running with the second and third teams right now. The Steelers have a long history of doing this, as they want their rookies to earn the job, even their early rookies. Troy Fautanu running second-team right tackle should be expected, as Dan Moore is a trusted veteran that he will have to beat out for a job. Ditto for Zach Frazier, although he has a clearer path to start.
My lone caveat comes from Beanie Bishop. It was shocking to hear that he was running first-team slot cornerback on day one as an undrafted free agent. There is still a long way to go, but seeing him that high up that early is telling. Beyond that though, don’t fret that your favorite rookie is a ways back on the depth chart. They will get their time to shine.
Early Steelers performances from skill positions
Every year we get the same story right as camp opens up: this player is lighting it up and is making a push for a roster spot. More often than not, and especially when this player is from a skill position, things change once pads come on.
Right now, training camp favors the offense. Receivers have a lot of free shots and running backs aren’t getting hit that hard. Once pads come on, it is a different story. Every year we hear about a variety of names dominating in early camp. Does anyone remember Rico Bussey, who was the early darling of his camp? Once the pads came on he disappeared.
Van Jefferson seemed to get a lot of hype on day one. That certainly isn’t a bad thing, but don’t write his name in pen yet on the roster. He needs to build upon that performance and maintain it once camp gets more physical. Until then, expect that these weapons are going to shine while football is still being played in shorts.