LATROBE – A crowd of 8,499 Steelers fans packed Latrobe Memorial Stadium to welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers on one of the most unique training camp traditions in the National Football League. The practice gave us no shortage of fireworks and big plays all around. Here are the biggest takeaways from the Steelers’ ninth training camp practice of 2026.
DK Metcalf makes the catch of camp
During team period, Rodgers looked through his progressions for a moment before firing a ball down the right sideline. DK Metcalf was running down the field,
but Asante Samuel Jr., who is having arguably the best camp of any player on the Steelers, was running stride for stride with him. It was great coverage by Samuel Jr., but a perfectly placed ball by Rodgers. Metcalf juggled with Samuel for a moment, but as they both fell to the ground, Metcalf came down with it with one hand. The play got a huge rise from the crowd and was arguably the best catch we have seen all camp. Rodgers and Metcalf seem to be more in rhythm this season, and that can only bode well for the Steelers offense.
Have a day, Broderick Jones
It was a shock to many that offensive tackle Broderick Jones was cleared in time to participate in training camp. After a few weeks of practice, Jones looks to be making serious strides after putting together a great practice today. In one-on-one blocking drills, Jones had a rep where he knocked freshly extended edge rusher Nick Herbig on his backside immediately. Jones was listed as the backup left tackle on the team’s initial depth chart. He will be a player to watch throughout camp to see how he is continuing to progress from his injury and earn a role on the team.
Jamel Dean’s pick-six
During seven-on-seven, Aaron Rodgers stepped back for his first throw of practice with a defense in front of him and was targeting Roman Wilson on an out route. The throw seemed to be a bit behind Wilson, leading to it being jumped and intercepted by Jamel Dean. Dean then took the interception all the way to the other end zone for what would have been a pick-six in a game. Dean has been thrusted into being the teams top corner in camp with Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey both still on the physically unable to perform list. It was a huge play for Dean, who figures to be a key piece on the Steelers defense this season.
The Drew Allar experience is real
The project that is Drew Allar showed some flashes tonight. First was a downfield throw along the sideline to tight end Robert Tonyan. Allar hit Tonyan in stride for what would have been a 50-yard touchdown. The very next play, Allar uncorked a ball downfield as wide receiver Brandon Smith made a diving catch on the goal line. Allar displayed his ability not only to push the ball down the field, but to do it consistently in 11-on-11 situations. Allar also had issues with his short accuracy tonight and seemed to be unsettled when under pressure. I have seen more “wow” throws from Allar than any other Steelers QB this camp short of perhaps Aaron Rodgers, but the simple stuff is still very much a work in progress.
Other notes:
- WR Michael Pittman Jr. left practice after being seen with a trainer looking at his left leg. Keep an eye out for any update on that in the coming days.
- Jaquan Brisker did not practice. It is not believed to be any sort of injury but rather a veterans day off.
- TE Robert Tonyan had several quality chunk plays over the middle. For what it’s worth, Tonyan was listed as the third tight end on the Steelers’ initial roster. Look for him to be a guy that makes the team given his familiarity with Rodgers and his quality of play this camp.
- After a rough go earlier in the week, tackle Troy Fautanu had a dominant practice. He stood out in one-on-one blocking drills and continues to show he is a player on the rise.
- Rico Dowdle looks very fast. Keep in mind they aren’t fully tackling, but there was a rep tonight where the running back exploded in between the tackles and would have had a huge gain even if they were tackling.
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