2022 Steelers Training Camp - Practice Day 1 Report
The year 2019 was the last time the Pittsburgh Steelers held a practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
In front of a capacity crowd, the team took to the field for the first time in two years for their first official training camp session. Even though small instances of rain threatened to close this afternoon's session, eventually, the weather cooperated enough for the team to practice at full capacity.
The storylines on this first day includes: a potential camp rivalry at left guard; the hierarchy at quarterback is set; and a rookie receiver making a huge impression on his first day.
It's finally that time again, Steelers fans, so let's go!
Camp Injury/Participant Report:
On this first day, only two players were incapable of participating in this afternoon's session with different injuries. Veteran defensive lineman Tyson Alualu was added to the team's PUP list due to knee swelling. Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was also sidelined with a wrist injury he sustained after falling off his bike during a vacation. Lastly, veteran defensive back Miles Killebrew did not partake in today's session, as he was sidelined with a pectoral injury.
The biggest surprise was the presence of receiver Diontae Johnson, who was mainly seen training on the sidelines, reminiscent of linebacker T.J. Watt during training camp last year, when he was going through similar contract negotiations. Another surprise was defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi, who participated in a limited capacity after undergoing foot surgery.
Camp Notes And Highlights:
According to Steelers and Pitt Panthers analyst Nick Farabaugh's camp report, both Kendrick Green and Kevin Dotson were seen positioned at first-team left guard. Later reports confirmed that Dotson was taking first-team reps at left guard before Green at left guard. While Dotson may have the advantage for now, both performance and availability may determine who wins the starting left guard spot. An intriguing camp battle worth following.
The quarterback hierarchy for the first day was as follows: Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, and Kenny Pickett. Rookie Chris Oladokun was noted as the odd man out. Based on the order each player threw during the drills, Trubisky is currently the team's No. 1 quarterback.
Rookie George Pickens was by far the top performer in today's session. Based on several reports, Pickens was making the type of catches that made him a household name during his time with the Georgia Bulldogs. As described by Farabaugh, his most notable catch was a 45-yard reception from kTrubisky.
Another receiver that had a strong day was Anthony Miller. The veteran made his early case for a spot on the roster by making big catches in various drills. Here's an example courtesy of reporter/analyst Josh Carney's report.
For rookie QB Kenny Pickett, his first practice was one filled with peaks and valleys. In addition to the interception surrendered to UDFA DB Carlins Platel, he would later be picked off by second-year DB Tre Norwood to end practice, per Dale Lolley's report. It was a rough day overall, but part of the growing pains of being a rookie.
BIG PLAY ALERT: Rookie Calvin Austin III takes a screen pass from Rudolph and takes it back 61 yards for a touchdown. As noted in several reports, Austin III's speed was as advertised.
Third-year receiver Chase Claypool noted this offseason that he was working primarily in the slot. After making several catches from this position in today's session, he demonstrated why this could be the spot for him.