Steelers Training Camp 2024: What to Know

Fields’ Development

Justin Fields has seized the opportunity to work with the first-team offense during Wilson’s absence. His performance has been a mixed bag, showcasing both his potential and areas for improvement. Fields has demonstrated his arm talent with impressive deep passes, but consistency remains a challenge.

One notable aspect of Fields’ performance has been his ball security. Reports indicate that he hasn’t thrown a single interception during the early days of camp, showing good decision-making and protecting the football. This is a positive sign for a quarterback who has struggled with turnovers in the past.

Coach Tomlin’s Approach 

Head Coach Mike Tomlin has maintained a measured approach to the quarterback situation. When asked about Wilson’s status, Tomlin reiterated his “pole position” stance, indicating that Wilson remains the frontrunner for the starting job. However, Tomlin has also emphasized the value of competition and the opportunity it presents for both quarterbacks.

Tomlin’s philosophy is evident in his statement: “One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity” . This approach allows Fields to gain valuable first-team reps while keeping the competition open. Tomlin has been careful not to commit to a definitive starter, stating, “Nothing has changed” when asked about Wilson’s advantage.  

Wide Receiver Position

Entering his third season, George Pickens has established himself as a formidable presence on the field. In 2023, he showcased his talent by catching 63 passes for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. Pickens’ growth as a leader is required, but it’s not a secret he’s the offense’s most talented player. 

The battle for the WR2 position has intensified, with several players vying for the role. Calvin Austin III, entering his third season with the Steelers, has emerged as a strong contender. Austin’s familiarity with the team and his speed make him a valuable asset in the new offensive scheme under Arthur Smith. Roman Wilson, the Steelers’ third-round pick in this year’s draft, was showing his skillset early on but has suffered a setback. With an apparent injury and not knowing many details, this is a stunt in early development.

Running Back Duo

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a crucial decision to make regarding Najee Harris’s future with the team. In May, the Steelers declined Harris’s fifth-year option, which would have cost $6.79 million fully guaranteed for the 2025 season. 

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, Harris has expressed interest in staying with the Steelers long-term. However, he says he understands the business side of the game, and acknowledged that there have been no serious discussions about a new deal. 

Jaylen Warren’s Impressive Start

Jaylen Warren has shown his explosiveness early. Which is great considering he’s pushing for the full time starting job. His improved conditioning has been particularly noteworthy, with Warren focusing more on running than lifting during the offseason. This dedication has paid off, as Warren feels he can “run all day” and maintain his focus without fatigue. 

The Steelers find themselves with a unique running back duo. In 2023, both Harris and Warren eclipsed 1,000 yards from scrimmage, joining Detroit’s David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs as the only RB duos in the league to accomplish such a feat. Last season, Harris rushed for 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns, while Warren carried the ball 149 times for 784 yards and four touchdowns. Warren’s efficiency was particularly impressive, averaging 5.3 yards per carry compared to Harris’s 4.1. 

As the Steelers adapt to Arthur Smith’s new offense, the distribution of work between Harris and Warren remains a key question. Based on Warren’s performance in camp and his past production, it’s likely he sees an increased workload from last year.