Steelers training camp wrapped up on August 14. Now the team will make the journey back to Pittsburgh to suit up for their joint practice with the Bills at Acrisure Stadium before taking the field for their second preseason game against Buffalo on Saturday.
Unfortunately, their time in Latrobe didn't end with the 'bang' they were hoping for, as multiple players left practice with injuries. As camp wraps up, the Brandon Aiyuk trade drama continues, the Steelers make roster moves, and Pittsburgh has an important decision to make ahead of their second preseason game. Here's the latest Steelers news.
Nate Herbig suffers injury in final Steelers training camp practice
Injuries in the summer are tough enough to stomach, but they are even more deflating when they occur during the final practice at training camp. With the clock winding down on the final minutes of the Steelers' 2024 training camp in Latrobe, three players sustained injuries: center Nate Herbig, running back Jonathan Ward, and cornerback Grayland Arnold.
Arnold left the field on a cart after sustaining a calf injury (which isn't a good sign for a player trying to make the team). Meanwhile, Ward is dealing with a hamstring strain. Both players were fighting for a shot at the roster.
Herbig's injury could be the most significant, as he is expected to be Pittsburgh's starting center to open the season. While the extent of his injury has not yet been disclosed, he is believed to have suffered an arm injury that forced him to leave practice early. Rookie Zach Frazier took over first-team reps in his absence.
Brandon Aiyuk at 49ers training camp
Brandon Aiyuk was spotted at 49ers training camp sporting a red cutoff team shirt, per Grant Cohn of All 49ers FanNation.
Brandon Aiyuk is here at practice and he’s wearing a red cutoff 49ers shirt.
— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) August 14, 2024
Sources close to ESPN confirmed the 49ers agreed to parameters on a trade that would send wide Aiyuk to the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the team has made it clear they don't want to trade the star receiver. ESPN reports that talks between the 49ers and Steelers have gone quiet in recent days.
Latest Steelers roster moves
The Steelers made several roster moves this week. After waiving cornerback Kalon Barnes and wide receiver Tarik Black, Pittsburgh signed offensive lineman TyKeem Doss off waivers from Baltimore. To round out their 90-man roster, the Steelers also signed DB Zyon Gilbert and WR T.J. Luther.
With just one cut-down deadline, these new additions will have less than two weeks to prove their worth to the team in an effort to earn a spot on the practice squad in 2024.
Steelers undecided who will start at QB vs. Bills
Just days away from the Steelers vs. Bills Week 2 preseason game, we still don't have confirmation about which quarterback will be starting on Saturday. Russell Wilson missed the first exhibition contest as he worked his way back from a calf injury.
Most fans would assume that Russell Wilson will get the first crack with the starting unit to open the game if he's ready to go after Fields saw a bulk of the action in Pittsburgh's preseason opener against the Texans. We will keep you updated on the situation, as Mike Tomlin will need to make a decision soon.