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Key Takeaways from Steelers Minicamp: Surprises and Concerns Ahead of Training Camp
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- Key Takeaways from Steelers Minicamp: Surprises and Concerns Ahead of Training Camp
The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up mandatory minicamp in early June and will open training camp in July. Before the team reports to St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, minicamp provided several important takeaways ( and three big questions as well ). Pittsburgh saw a few pleasant surprises, but some concerns also emerged. That doesn't mean those concerns are fatal flaws—they simply remain issues the organization must address.
Several training camp battles will unfold under the hot Latrobe sun, and plenty of questions still surround the roster heading into the 2026 season. Some of those questions may even have long-term implications. Still, the Steelers took a step toward finding answers during minicamp.
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Here are the good, and maybe some not-so-good, things from Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp.
The Good
Jun 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard (17) participates in drills during Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Wide Receivers
Suddenly, the Steelers may finally have more than one reliable wide receiver.
Last season, Adam Thielen proved to be Pittsburgh's most impactful addition at the position. While the veteran provided stability and leadership, he has since retired.
This offseason, general manager Omar Khan traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and selected both Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen in the draft. Roman Wilson also enjoyed a strong minicamp and appears to be a much better fit in Mike McCarthy 's vertical passing attack.
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As a result, the Steelers suddenly have a respectable receiving corps on paper. Of course, that potential still has to translate onto the field.
Jun 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in drills during Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Running Backs
Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle are expected to lead the backfield in 2026, but Kaleb Johnson appears to be making steady progress in the new offense. McCarthy also reiterated that Johnson enters training camp with a clean slate.
Meanwhile, Eli Heidenreich continues to generate buzz because of his athleticism and versatility. Pittsburgh could ultimately carry four running backs if Heidenreich proves capable of filling multiple roles. Training camp should provide a clearer picture of how the depth chart will shake out.
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The Not-So-Good
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 Line
Offensive tackle remains the Steelers' biggest concern.
Broderick Jones' neck injury threw a major wrench into the organization's plans. While Troy Fautanu could slide back to left tackle, that move would create even more questions elsewhere.
Who starts at right tackle? Is Dylan Cook ready for a full-time role? Will the Steelers accelerate Max Iheanachor's development and give him a chance to compete? And what happens when, or maybe even if, Jones returns?
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The Steelers have plenty of questions but limited time to find answers.
Safety
The Steelers still have Jalen Ramsey and DeShon Elliott in the secondary. They also added Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage in free agency. However, outside of Ramsey, Pittsburgh lacks a proven free safety with the range needed to thrive in that role.
Complicating matters further, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will likely want to deploy Ramsey all over the defense rather than lock him into one position.
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That leaves the Steelers with an abundance of strong safeties and fewer true free-safety options. While Brisker, Savage, or Elliott could potentially handle the role, it's not an ideal situation heading into training camp.
May 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (right) participates in OTA drills at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Quarterback
The Steelers aren't moving on from Aaron Rodgers , nor are they giving up on Drew Allar . However, the backup quarterback competition has become one of the roster's more intriguing storylines.
Mason Rudolph is exactly what teams want in a backup quarterback. He's a proven veteran capable of stepping in when needed. Will Howard, meanwhile, remains largely an unknown commodity .
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Howard has reportedly received a significant number of first-team reps, but it's fair to question whether he's ready to take over if Rodgers misses time. Rudolph suddenly appears to be the odd man out, which could leave Pittsburgh relying on two quarterbacks who, for all practical purposes, are still rookies.
If Rodgers suffers another injury, the Steelers would be betting heavily on Howard developing faster than expected. If they have to turn to Allar instead, the situation becomes even more concerning. Allar remains a work in progress, and asking him to carry a playoff-caliber team would be a risky proposition.
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.
