LATROBE— It was a picture-perfect overcast day at Saint Vincent College for the first training camp practice of 2026. Practice only lasted a little over an hour, and pads don’t go on until Monday, but there are still plenty of things to take away from the Steelers’ first training camp practice under Mike McCarthy. Here are some guys who helped their stock, and others who are hoping for a better Day 2.
Stock up:
QB Drew Allar
We got to see the full Drew Allar experience today in Latrobe. Although it is tough to differentiate
between who is doing well or not while nobody is tackling or wearing pads, it’s tough to argue that Allar didn’t have the best moments of any quarterback today. The third-rounder fired a ball over the middle of the field to wide receiver Max Hurleman in seven-on-sevens that, for what it’s worth, would have gone for a touchdown.
Allar then followed that throw up with an interception on a deflected ball and two more that defenders batted down. On the final play of practice, Allar fired a 25-yard rope to tight end Robert Tonyan in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. We all know Allar is a work in progress, but it was encouraging to see some exciting throws from him on day 1.
CB Asante Samuel Jr
With Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey on the PUP list to start camp, Samuel Jr. went against the first team for many of his reps today in practice. During team periods, quarterback Aaron Rodgers tried to hit DK Metcalf on a streak down the right sideline, but Samuel ran stride for stride with Metcalf and tipped the ball away.
LB Patrick Queen
Queen and Cole Holcomb handled the first team linebacker reps today as Queen stood out. The linebacker has several quality reps in coverage in red zone drills and in 7-on-7’s. Queen admitted after practice that last year was a bit of a “down year” for him, but he is working to do everything he can to be better this season. Today was a great start for him in that regard.
Stock down:
OT Broderick Jones
It was great to see that Jones has been activated and will be available to participate for the start of camp after suffering a neck injury last November in Chicago against the Bears. After the team drafted Max Iheanachor, many assumed that Jones would not be able to participate for the start of camp. Jones ran with the second team at left tackle and looked noticeably thinner than he has in recent years.
Jones then worked with the third and fourth teams later in practice. Dylan Cook took the first team reps at left tackle as expected. The Steelers are going to ease Jones along as he recovers from injury, but it’s tough to see Jones having a legitimate shot to earn his starting spot back barring injury.
QB Aaron Rodgers
It was a slow first practice for Rodgers and the first team offense, who failed to score during a two-minute drill opportunity and were also held scoreless in red zone shots at the end of practice. Rodgers was throwing early and often underneath to Roman Wilson, but the pair also seemed to have had a miscommunication downfield. Rodgers and rookie receiver Germie Bernard also had a moment where it seemed like they weren’t on the same page.
Head coach Mike McCarthy also noted before practice that Rodgers would be on a bit of a pitch count this week, likely in preparation for fully padded practices next week. This week will have a heavy emphasis on ironing out those miscommunications between Rodgers and his receivers.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
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- T.J. Watt shares promising insight into Steelers’ pass rush plan
- Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr suffers surprise injury at training camp
- Aaron Rodgers has glowing expectations for Roman Wilson
