4 problems Steelers are already dealing with in training camp

Players are off to an electric start at Steelers training camp, and fans are eating it up. Since practice opened on July 25, social media has been flooded with camp notes and viral video clips of Pittsburgh's practices.

The energy ramps up every time fans hear of George Pickens making a big play or Justin Fields scampering for a 20-yard gain during team sessions. However, we need to be careful about framing Steelers training camp as all sunshine and rainbows.

While there are plenty of notable performances and impressive players worth recognizing early in camp, the Steelers have had their share of problems early on. Some of these issues could have a ripple effect on the team as we inch closer to the start of the 2024 season.

Roman Wilson injury

Coaches, players, and fans can agree that the last thing anyone wants to see is injuries during training camp practices. There's a reason why the NFLPA tries to protect its players from too much contact in meaningless action. On July 30, Roman Wilson sustained an ankle injury that will force him to miss a minimum of two weeks.

Though this was the best possible outcome (considering the rookie was carted off the field), Pittsburgh's third-round wide receiver is expected to play a big part on offense in 2024, and he's one of the lone bright spots to look forward to at the position outside of George Pickens.

After showing continued improvement, Wilson's setback will force him to take note from the sidelines and miss at least one preseason game (possibly more, depending on how quickly he can get back up to speed). Every team deals with injuries during training camp, but this is a problem the Steelers did not want to deal with.

Lack of reps for Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson has been around this league for a long time, and he's got the hardware to prove that he knows what he's doing. But that doesn't make up for a loss of chemistry with his teammates. As Wilson spent the first week of training camp in a ballcap on the sidelines, he missed valuable reps that would have otherwise helped him get on the same page with players like George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth.

Wilson is now back on the field after dealing with a calf ailment, but he will need to play catch-up. The veteran quarterback must prove that he's the best option to lead this team to a playoff win in 2024, and he can't afford any more setbacks.

Cordarrelle Patterson's absence

In most cases, the absence of a 33-year-old third-string running back would be no big deal. Unfortunately, that's not the case for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though Cordarrelle Patterson isn't expected to see a ton of usage on offense, his lack of presence on the field is bad for special teams.

Patterson, who is on the non-football injury list (NFI), has not practiced at Steelers training camp yet. The All-Pro return man is going to be Pittsburgh's primary kick returner in 2024, and with the new kickoff rules, he needs to get acclimated to his new role.

If Patterson can't go, the Steelers will be forced to turn to Jaylen Warren -- a running back who already serves a valuable role on offense. Outside of Warren, there appears to be no reliable option for the team to turn to. Patterson is dealing with a hamstring issue, but he will need to be ready to go by the start of the season.

No answer for Steelers' WR2 position

Outside of the quarterback position, the biggest concern all offseason is what type of play the Steelers will get from the WR2 position. This team desperately needs an answer outside of George Pickens. Early in training camp, they don't appear to have one.

Roman Wilson can't help when watching from street clothes on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson have each had their moments, but they look like WR3s. Someone will need to step into this role and fill the shoes left by Diontae Johnson if the Steelers want to take the pressure off Pickens and have success in the passing game this year.