The Pittsburgh Steelers will open the 2026 regular season Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, marking the beginning of the Mike McCarthy era and the first meaningful opportunity for several players to establish themselves in their new-look roles.
While the season opener is only one game, it could carry significant implications for players competing for playing time. With a number of young players pushing for opportunities, three Steelers in particular have plenty at stake against Atlanta.
Dylan Cook
Dylan Cook
enters the season as Pittsburgh’s starting right tackle, but his grip on the position may not be as secure as it appears. The Steelers’ official depth chart lists Cook ahead of first-round pick Max Iheanachor, who is currently the backup at right tackle.
Cook struggled during the preseason and also endured difficulties in Pittsburgh’s playoff loss to Houston last season. With Aaron Rodgers entering the season as the Steelers’ starting quarterback, protecting him will be one of the most important responsibilities if the team wants to contend. That makes Cook’s performance against Atlanta particularly important.
If Cook struggles to consistently handle his assignments against backups, Pittsburgh could have a quick trigger with Iheanachor waiting behind him. The rookie has dealt with an injury that limited his preseason opportunities, but his first-round status gives the Steelers every reason to see what he can provide if Cook continues to struggle.
The Falcons could also provide a favorable opening matchup. Atlanta enters Week 1 with significant losses along its pass rush, potentially giving Cook an opportunity to settle into his role.
Still, Sunday represents an important early test.
Roman Wilson
Roman Wilson currently appears to have a firm hold on the No. 3 wide receiver role behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., but that position could become increasingly competitive.
Wilson has endured an inconsistent first two years, particularly when it comes to his attention to detail and developing chemistry with Rodgers. There have been too many ugly moments for a receiver expected to become a meaningful part of Pittsburgh’s passing game.
The team drafted Germie Bernard in round two to compete for the slot spot. Bernard has generated considerable buzz throughout the preseason and represents the most obvious threat to Wilson’s playing time if the third-year receiver cannot turn his opportunities into consistent production.
For Wilson, the Falcons game is about more than simply making a few catches. He needs to demonstrate that he can consistently be where Rodgers expects him to be, win his assignments and avoid the mental mistakes that can quickly erode a quarterback’s trust.
If that doesn’t happen, Bernard could begin forcing his way into the rotation sooner rather than later.
Payton Wilson
Payton Wilson is unlikely to completely lose his role, but his playing time could be affected if his inconsistency continues.
Wilson flashed significant potential during his first two seasons, but he has also struggled to maintain consistency. Meanwhile, veteran Cole Holcomb put together a strong preseason and gives Pittsburgh another experienced option at inside linebacker.
The Steelers retained both Wilson and Holcomb on their 2026 roster alongside Patrick Queen, giving Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham multiple options at the position.
That competition could make Wilson’s performance against Atlanta especially important.
He doesn’t necessarily need to dominate to retain his role, but he needs to show that he can consistently make the right reads, fit the run and hold up in coverage.
If Wilson struggles while Holcomb continues to play well, Pittsburgh could begin shifting some of the veteran’s snaps his way.
The bigger picture
The Steelers have spent the offseason building a roster that blends veterans with young players who could become important pieces of the team’s future.
Cook, Wilson and Wilson all enter Sunday with starting or prominent roles, but each also has a legitimate challenger waiting behind him.
That makes the opener against Atlanta more than simply the first game of the McCarthy era. For these three players, it could be the first opportunity to either solidify their place on the depth chart—or open the door for someone else to take it.
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