2026 Steelers Training Camp Recap - The Prelude

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t take the field Tuesday, but they did take the first step of camp life, as they checked into their dorms yesterday at St. Vincent College. With the first practice set for tomorrow morning, veterans and rookies streamed through campus, settling in for the opening chapter of the Mike McCarthy era.

Metcalf Takes The Podium

During his morning availability, receiver DK Metcalf made it clear that one of his priorities this season is growing as a leader, as well to win a Superbowl. He also revealed that he and quarterback Aaron Rodgers will once again be suite mates during their stay at St. Vincent — a tradition he clearly enjoys. Metcalf brushed off any notion that this season might be his “last rodeo,” insisting he’s nowhere near the end of his NFL run.

Per Alan Saunders of SteelersNow, Metcalf arrived early Monday to get a jump on preparations for camp. Metcalf also singled out rookie receiver Germie Bernard, praising his eagerness to learn. He couldn’t resist a jab, though, joking, “These NIL kids are getting a little too cocky.”

Low-Key Arrivals

One of Tomlin’s trademarks was the annual spectacle of big‑name arrivals, the slow‑drip parade that always gave Day One a little theatre. Mike McCarthy didn’t entertain any of that. His players rolled in yesterday, all at once, giving few openings for cameras or questions - the first real trademark of the McCarthy era.

Injury Updates

The Steelers opened camp with a mixed set of injury updates, and Omar Khan laid it out during his presser. General manager Omar Khan revealed that veteran defensive back Jalen Ramsey will open on the team’s PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, due to a knee injury sustained during mandatory minicamp. Khan also noted that defensive back Donte Kent will start on the PUP list as well, as he continues to work back from the ACL injury he suffered last December during practice.

The biggest news, though, centered on the offensive line. Offensive tackle Broderick Jones has been cleared to practice and will not start camp on the PUP list. Khan reiterated that he would be evaluated from a strength perspective, but was good to go in Camp. Jones sustained a serious neck injury in the Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears, which led to neck‑fusion surgery this offseason. His return will make the competition along the Steelers’ offensive line even more compelling.

It was later reported that cornerback Joey Porter Jr. would also placed on the team's PUP list.

Keeping Four QBs?

When asked about the possibility of the team having four quarterbacks on the roster, Khan noted that it was "'doable", depending on the status of the team injury-wise, but his overall tone suggested that he was not overly certain of this possibility.

McCarthy Takes The Podium

In his first official Steelers camp presser, head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that the team’s first padded practice is scheduled for Monday. Addressing the status of Broderick Jones, McCarthy said he does not intend to rush the tackle back too quickly, while acknowledging Jones’ experience as a starter. He added that it remains unclear whether Jones will practice at left or right tackle, noting that he has “position‑flex.”

McCarthy also weighed in on the early quarterback rotation, stating that Mason Rudolph will begin camp taking reps with the second‑team offense. Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar will split reps with the third‑team unit. When asked about the possibility of carrying four quarterbacks, McCarthy replied, “I don’t know why it wouldn’t be (an option).”

One of the biggest surprises from McCarthy’s session was his decision not to implement any live tackling during training camp. With physicality long considered a staple of past Steelers camps, McCarthy said the focus this year is on reducing injury risk while finding other ways to address the team’s defensive issues.

Considering they Steelers defense were one of the worst tackling teams in the league last season, this change could be beneficial to them.

Aaron Rodgers' Final Year

When asked about 2026 being his final season, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers make it clear that this would definitely be his last year in the NFL.

Rodgers originally considering his retirement after last season but changed his mind when McCarthy was hired as head coach.