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Steelers 2025: Four Key Training Camp Battles to Watch Out For
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- Steelers 2025: Four Key Training Camp Battles to Watch Out For
Quarterbacks Will Howard Skylar Thompson and Will Howard during individual.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers head into training camp, several positions remain up for grabs behind the established starters. From quarterback depth to wide receiver hierarchy, these competitions could shape the final roster and possibly the regular season rotation. Here are four of the most compelling battles to follow in Latrobe.
QB2: Mason Rudolph vs. Will Howard
Mason Rudolph enters camp as the expected backup to Aaron Rodgers , and for good reason. The veteran brings experience, familiarity with the system, and a steady hand if called upon. Originally drafted by the Steelers in 2018, Rudolph has proven to be a capable spot starter, including a key stretch in 2023 that helped Pittsburgh reach the postseason.
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Still, rookie Will Howard presents an intriguing challenge. At six-foot-five with sneaky mobility and a championship pedigree from Ohio State, Howard has the physical tools and leadership qualities teams covet. Though drafted in the sixth round, his leadership, frame, and toughness give him long-term upside.
Rudolph is clearly the more ready option right now, but if Howard adapts quickly to the speed of the NFL during camp, this could evolve into a legitimate competition.
Howard
WR2: Calvin Austin III vs. Roman Wilson
Wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni has confirmed that Calvin Austin III enters camp as the team's number two receiver, and that's no surprise. Austin's speed, shiftiness, and ability to create mismatches from the slot have been on display in spurts over the last two seasons.
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However, Roman Wilson could bring some heat to that spot. A second-year player with a slightly bigger frame than Austin, Wilson fits a similar archetype as a speedy, undersized field-stretcher. He was also a higher draft pick, which suggests the team believes in his long-term ceiling. His rookie year was derailed by injury and limited action, but the traits that made him dynamic at Michigan are still there.
If Wilson puts it together in camp and stays healthy, he could push Austin for that WR2 role by the end of the
preseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson at OTAs on June 4, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
RB1: Jaylen Warren vs. Kaleb Johnson
Jaylen Warren has earned a reputation as one of the league's most underrated backs. He runs with power, grit, and explosive short-area burst, thriving in late-down situations and carving out a vital role behind Najee Harris . With Harris now gone in free agency, Warren is expected to step into the lead back role.
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But Kaleb Johnson, a third-round pick out of Iowa, could have something to say about that. Johnson is a one-cut, downhill runner with excellent vision, tailor-made for Arthur Smith's zone-based run game. His physical style and decisiveness should translate well to the pro level.
The lead job is Warren's for now, but if Johnson picks up the offense quickly and proves reliable in pass protection, he could earn significant touches, or even challenge for the starting job outright.
Pittbsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren during an OTAs practice on June 4, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
MLB2: Payton Wilson vs. Cole Holcomb
Patrick Queen is locked in as the starting inside linebacker, but the spot next to him remains open. Payton Wilson enters training camp with a strong case. He impressed as a rookie with 78 tackles, flashing elite sideline-to-sideline speed and a high football IQ.
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Cole Holcomb returns to the field after missing the back half of 2023 and all of 2024 with a serious knee injury. Before going down, Holcomb was a physical, dependable presence in the middle of the defense. Now fully healthy and back in action, his veteran savvy could carry weight in the rotation.
Wilson will likely see the bulk of first-team reps early, but Holcomb's presence means the leash could be short. If Wilson struggles with consistency, the Steelers will have no hesitation turning to the veteran.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb at practice on June 3, 2025 — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Conclusion
Each of these training camp battles presents a classic tension between proven reliability and rising potential. Whether it's a rookie pushing to make an immediate impact or a veteran trying to hold off the next wave, these competitions will shape Pittsburgh's 2025 roster. And in a conference as competitive as the AFC, the depth built through these decisions could make all the difference.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers 2025: Four Key Training Camp Battles to Watch Out For
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