4 important notes from Day 1 of Steelers training camp

Steelers may have found a new upback

Once every several years, the Pittsburgh Steelers are required to look for a new upback. For a while now, this is a role that has belonged to former fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Marcus Allen. The former Penn State product always seemed to be stuck between a linebacker and a safety, and the Steelers couldn't quite find a role for him on defense. However, special teams was where he made his bread.

Allen became the upback for the Steelers on punt units. He was responsible for making calls and at the line of scrimmage. Now with Allen no longer on the team, this job will go to someone else in 2023. That person could be Miles Killebrew.

According to Kozora, Killebrew worked as the upback on special teams for the Steelers during the first day of training camp practice. Killebrew is a long-time special teams ace who doesn't often see the field on defense. Adding another role like this to his arsenal would essentially secure him a roster spot.

Of course, Killebrew needs to prove to special teams coach Danny Smith and head coach Mike Tomlin that he is indeed the man for the job. It will be interesting to see which other players get a look in this role during Steelers training camp this year.