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3 Major Challenges the Steelers Must Overcome Before Training Camp Begins
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- 3 Major Challenges the Steelers Must Overcome Before Training Camp Begins
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are just over a month away from the start of training camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Soon, veterans, rookies, and coaches will report to Saint Vincent College for one of the NFL's most unique and storied training camp traditions . As preparations ramp up, plenty will be at stake when the team takes the field under the summer sun.
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While the Steelers strengthened several position groups this offseason, others still raise concerns. Some of those questions may even prompt general manager Omar Khan to explore additional moves before the regular season begins.
Training camp and the preseason will ultimately determine whether the Steelers need major changes, minor adjustments, or no roster moves at all. Here are some of the biggest issues facing Pittsburgh as it prepares for its first training camp under head coach Mike McCarthy .
Jun 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Aiden Williams (78) and offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (71) participate in drills during Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Offensive Tackle
Few injuries have altered the outlook of a position group as dramatically as Broderick Jones' injury. While there is optimism that Jones will return to the field, the timeline for his recovery remains uncertain.
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His absence has forced the Steelers to shuffle Troy Fautanu and Dylan Cook across the offensive line in an effort to find the best combination. Meanwhile, first-round pick Max Iheanachor is not yet ready to step into a full-time starting role. His long-term upside is undeniable, but he still needs refinement before he can consistently handle NFL competition.
The good news is that Pittsburgh still has time to solidify the position before Week 1. The Steelers need Fautanu and Cook to adapt quickly to their shifting responsibilities—and they must hope that will be enough to stabilize the tackle situation.
Safety
The Steelers have plenty of talent at safety, but they lack a true, proven free safety.
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Pittsburgh is loaded with players better suited for strong safety roles, but if the coaching staff plans to move Jalen Ramsey around the secondary , it must find a reliable answer on the back end.
The Steelers have quality depth at the position, but no clear free safety who significantly changes the outlook of the defense. Ramsey is most effective when deployed as a versatile chess piece who can impact multiple areas of the field. Locking him into a traditional free safety role would limit his versatility and reduce the impact of one of the defense's most dynamic playmakers.
Aug 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) punts the ball to the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Punter
The Steelers are once again placing their trust in Cameron Johnston .
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Two years removed from the season-ending knee injury he suffered in Atlanta , Johnston appears poised to reclaim Pittsburgh's starting punter job. However, he lost the competition to now-departed Corliss Waitman during training camp last year , creating some uncertainty heading into 2026.
That doesn't mean Johnston can't bounce back and have a productive season. The concern is that the Steelers currently lack proven competition behind him. That could change during training camp, but for now, the position carries significant boom-or-bust potential.
Johnston also struggled at times during the 2025 season while splitting time between the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills . If the Steelers hope to improve their special teams unit, they'll need Johnston to rediscover the form that once made him one of the league's more reliable punters.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
