2026 Steelers Training Camp - Day 1 Recap

In many ways, it felt like a new beginning — the first Steelers training camp of the Mike McCarthy era. After 19 years with Mike Tomlin at the helm, the day carried a distinctly different tone.

Veteran running back Travis Homer was the first player to step onto the field at St. Vincent College. Before long, the rest of the team followed him down for their first training camp session of the year.

Today training camp storylines include - the new first-team offensive line, a linebacker making a big impression, and an under-the-radar receiver quietly has a standout day

So, Steelers fans, let's go!

Injury Report

As announced yesterdays by general manager Omar Khan, the following players are currently on the team's PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list to start camp:

• Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (unknown)

• Cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Knee)

• Cornerback Donte Kent (Knee)

  
  

As also announced yesterday, offensive tackle Broderick Jones (neck) was cleared to participate in today's session.

Offensive Line Configurations

As reported by several in attendance, the first-team offensive line feature the following lineup:

• Troy Fautanu (LT), Mason McCormick (LG), Zach Frazier (C), Spencer Anderson (RG), and Dylan Cook (RG)

Per ESPN's Brooke Pryor, Broderick Jones was seen reps with the second-team offensive at left tackle.

Per Nick Farabaugh’s report, rookie Max Iheanachor, along with Troy Fautanu and Mason Cook, each rotated in with both the first‑ and second‑team offense during practice.

Cole Holcomb Stands Out

Per Nick Farabaugh’s report, veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb opened practice with the first‑team defense alongside Patrick Queen. During the team period, Holcomb notched consecutive would‑be sacks, an encouraging start for a player working to regain his pre‑injury form.

Later during a team session, Holcomb deflected a pass from rookie QB Drew Allar (intended for running back Jaylen Warren), that would intercepted by linebacker Payton Wilson.

Brandon Smith Has A Strong Day

A name that has been mentioned little this off-season is receiver Brandon Smith out of Iowa. On this day however, he registered back-to-back over-the shoulder receptions against cornerback Jamel Dean. He would later register a reception from Mason Rudolph. Overall, Smith got plenty of attention for his performance.

Samuel Jr. Making Plays

Another big winner on Day 1 was cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who registered consecutive pass breakups during one of the 7-on-7 two-minute drills- both on starting receivers, DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.

Rollercoaster Day For The QBs

It wasn’t just rookie Drew Allar who faced his share of challenges; veterans Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph also struggled to move the ball against a Steelers defense that looked sharp throughout the day. Rodgers had difficulty during the two‑minute drill, a sequence Asante Samuel Jr. capitalized on. Rudolph nearly threw an interception during 7‑on‑7 work but eventually settled in and produced several completions. As for Allar, he understandably started slow — including a pass deflected by linebacker Cole Holcomb — but finished strong toward the end which included a TD pass to veteran tight end Robert Tonyan to end the day. Considering it's his first training camp, this type of performance was expected on the first day.

To be fair, the defense performed well on Day 1.