7 standouts and 4 duds from Thursday's Steelers training camp practice
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off three straight days of padded practices before gearing up for their annual Friday Night Lights practice on August 2. There have been numerous notable performers to date. Some of these players managed to stack impressive practices, while others are trending in the wrong direction.
While we never want to read too much into one training camp practice, it was easy to see which players stole the show on Thursday and who had a forgettable day. Based on practice reports, video clips, and social media posts from those on hand for practice at Saint Vincent College, here are the biggest studs and duds from Steelers training camp on Thursday.
Steelers camp standouts from Thursday's practice
QB Justin Fields
Though Justin Fields threw an interception in Thursday's practice (a pass that may have been tipped at the line of scrimmage), he was excellent in team sessions. Fields delivered a beautiful deep ball down the sideline and capped off his two-minute drill with a score. This wasn't his best performance at training camp, but it was close.
WR George Pickens
George Pickens was busy making cornerbacks look silly during Thursday's training camp practice. The 6'3'' wide receiver easily won down the field -- chewing up yards with one big play after the next. The highlight of Picken's practice was his impressive touchdown snag in the back of the endzone, which was captured on video by a fan in attendance.
Wr Van Jefferson
With Roman Wilson sidelined, Van Jefferson is taking advantage of every opportunity. The veteran wide receiver had his best training camp practice so far, as he won all over the field. Jefferson's biggest moment of practice was an over-the-shoulder deep ball catch against Joey Porter Jr.
DL DeMarvin Leal
DeMarvin Leal continues to be one of the stars of Steelers camp. The 23-year-old defensive lineman and 2022 third-round pick once again flashed his speed and ability to knife into the backfield. He hasn't gone unnoticed early on and he made some splashy plays in team sessions on Thursday.
LB Patrick Queen
Though there haven't been many live tackling sessions at Steelers training camp to date, Patrick Queen flashed his elite closing speed and sideline ability routinely during practice. A clip surfaced of the Pro Bowl linebacker reading the play and pouncing on running back Jaylen Warren to drop him for a loss.
CB Thomas Graham Jr.
Amongst a crowded group of cornerbacks, Thomas Graham did something to catch the eye of the coaching staff at Thursday's practice. The journeyman CB was on the receiving end of Justin Fields' interception, drawing praise from his teammates.
LB Mark Robinson
Though he's not known for his coverage ability, Mark Robinson had a solid practice on Thursday, which included a pair of pass breakups. This isn't enough to change his status on the 2024 roster outlook, but it's a start.
Duds from Thursday's practice at Steelers training camp
CB Donte Jackson
Donte Jackson has been one of the biggest winners at Steelers training camp so far, but Thursday wasn't his best day. The veteran cornerback allowed Van Jefferson and others to rack up easy completions against him in team sessions.
WR Calvin Austin III
With George Pickens and Van Jefferson exploding for big performances, Calvin Austin III was the odd man out. The speedy wide receiver had a few nice catches but failed to track down a well-thrown ball on a wheel route. With Roman Wilson sidelined, this was a missed opportunity for Wilson to take advantage of his situation.
CB Cory Trice Jr.
Cory Trice Jr. is off to a slow start to Steelers training camp, and it's disappointing to see him running with the third-team defense in practice. He didn't help his case in Thursday's practice when he let a receiver run past him and was called for defensive holding.
CB Joey Porter Jr.
Nobody is worried about Joey Porter Jr., and the impressive young cornerback will be just fine when the season rolls around. Unfortunately, Thursday's practice was not his best day. Porter gave up a 40-yard reception and was all around too grabby in coverage. This led to the refs throwing a penalty against him during practice.