Football is finally back as the Steelers host the Texans in their first preseason game of 2024.
Training camp has been ongoing for over a couple of weeks as players try to set themselves apart from the pack. Some have enjoyed a great start to camp, while others are starting to move into the doghouse. These three games ahead pose a perfect opportunity for these players to show Pittsburgh they deserve a shot at sticking on the 53-man roster.
For those who have enjoyed a strong start to training camp, they could be in a great spot to play well in the first contest against Houston.
DeMarvin Leal
Not many have had a better start to training camp than DeMarvin Leal.
He needed this type of beginning as many thought he might be the odd man out along the defensive line going into this process. The former third-round pick of the Steelers has been dominant in practices thus far, and that should carry over to this game. If he can show explosiveness against the Texans, he might start to secure a spot.
On the other hand, if he goes missing during game time against the Texans and beyond this preseason, then he could be back in the roster void.
Justin Fields
It's been an up-and-down start to training camp for Justin Fields, but he has been getting most of the first-team reps as Russell Wilson remained out with an injury.
This should be a perfect opportunity for Fields to go out and put up highlight reel plays for the Steelers. No matter if he plays some snaps against the Texans first-team defense or not, he should see time against some backups this preseason. Fields needs to stay on a positive path if he wants a shot to start games in Pittsburgh. He has been getting better at training camp, so he might surprise some.
Payton Wilson
Rookies have been flashing at training camp thus far, but Payton Wilson might be standing out the most.
Pittsburgh used their second third-round pick on Wilson with hopes that he can play this year and take on a starting spot next season. Wilson has brought another level of speed in the middle of the defense and has shown that he can handle his own in practice. Steeler's fans should be hyped about seeing Wilson on the field as he will make plenty of plays.
Troy Fautanu
The offensive line will be something to watch closely during the Steeler's game against the Texans. How will they line up their starting unit? Will all the starters play? How will they jumble the group together? All of those questions will be answered and analyzed by many. Either way, pay close attention to Pittsburgh's first-round pick Troy Fautanu.
He has been getting better with each passing day at training camp. Fautanu has graduated to getting first-team reps at right tackle. We will see how the left tackle competition between Dan Moore Jr. and Broderick Jones finishes because that will have a direct effect on Fautanu. He should see a lot of playing time in this one, so keep that edge in your periphery.
Ryan Watts
There are a handful of defensive backs to pay close attention to in this one, but Ryan Watts is a fun player having a quality training camp.
We will see how the Steelers envision him, and if they see him as more of a safety or a versatile defensive back. Watts has caused turnovers during practice thus far and could be getting an interception or two this preseason. His chances of making the final roster are still slim, but he could up his chances if he can make a play on the ball against the Texans.