2026 Steelers Training Camp Preview : Position Battles to Watch

With OTAs coming to a close, the Steelers are still a long way from reporting to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, for their annual training camp.

However, what we’ve seen throughout minicamp and OTAs has laid the groundwork for what could be one of the most compelling training camps in years. The first camp of the post–Mike Tomlin era will feature a new head coach in Mike McCarthy, one of the franchise’s largest draft classes in decades, and a roster poised for intense competition across multiple positions.

With that in mind, we present the position battles we consider the most important to follow.

QB2 Battle — Will Howard vs. Drew Allar vs. Mason Rudolph

The competition behind Aaron Rodgers may be the most scrutinized storyline of camp. Will Howard enters with the advantage of NFL game experience and a skill set that fits Mike McCarthy’s vertical passing concepts. Rookie Drew Allar, however, has already drawn attention during OTAs for his poise and arm strength, and vastly improved footwork. Mason Rudolph provides the steady veteran presence the staff values, but he will need a strong camp to hold off the younger, higher‑upside challengers. This battle will shape the depth and long‑term future of the position.

RB3 Battle — Kaleb Johnson vs. Eli Heidenreich vs. Travis Homer

With both Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle established as the teams RB1 and RB2, the fight for the third running back spot is wide open.

For second-year running back Kaleb Johnson, who is looking to bounce back from an underwhelming rookie season, brings size and downhill power, traits that could complement the top of the depth chart. Rookie Eli Heidenreich has flashed versatility as both a runner and receiver, giving him a potential edge in a McCarthy offense that values multipurpose backs. Travis Homer remains the most proven special‑teams contributor of the group, which keeps him firmly in the mix. The outcome may ultimately hinge on who can offer the most versatility, an aspect with McCarthy highly values.

Right Tackle Battle — Dylan Cook vs. Max Iheanachor

Right tackle is shaping up to be one of the most physical and consequential battles of camp. Dylan Cook enters as the incumbent with starting experience, but his performance in their playoff loss to the Houston Texans left room for improvement. Max Iheanachor, the first-round rookie with rare length and athletic traits, has already shown encouraging progress in early OTA sessions. The coaching staff will likely be eager to see how he responds once the pads come on. This competition will directly impact the stability of the offensive line and the protection of Rodgers in his final season.

WR4 Battle — Roman Wilson vs. Ben Skowronek vs. Kaden Wetjen vs. A.T. Perry

The competition for the WR4 role is one of the deepest and most nuanced battles on the roster.

Roman Wilson enters camp with clear momentum after drawing praise from head coach Mike McCarthy, who highlighted the rookie’s work ethic and professional approach throughout OTAs. His speed and route discipline make him a natural fit in the slot, and his rapid assimilation into the offense has not gone unnoticed.

Ben Skowronek, meanwhile, brings a proven track record on special teams, an area where he has carved out a reliable niche and one that could secure his roster spot if offensive snaps become limited.

Rookie Kaden Wetjen adds another layer of intrigue with his quickness and versatility, showing flashes that suggest he could contribute both offensively and in the return game.

A.T. Perry rounds out the group with his size and red‑zone potential, giving the coaching staff a different stylistic option. With each candidate offering a distinct skill set, this battle will ultimately come down to which traits best complement the established top of the depth chart.