With another training camp behind them, the Steelers and Buffalo Bills held their first combined practice since 2016. Both teams took the field at Acrisure Stadium this afternoon for a competitive and intense session.
Today's joint practice storylines include a potential WR2 in the making and an old defensive issue rearing its ugly head.
So, Steelers fans, let's go
Injury Report
After missing the previous three training camp sessions, veteran cornerback Donte Johnson returned to today's joint practice versus the Bills. Defensive lineman Keeanu Benton, Alex Highsmith, and DeMarvin Leal returned in full pads.
Center Nick Herbig was added to the injury list after suffering an injury during Wednesday's training camp session. In his absence, rookie Zach Frazier received all of the first-team reps. Furthermore, running back Jonathan Ward did not suit up due to a hamstring injury acquired during Wednesday's practice as well.
As expected, All-Pro linebacker T.J Watt did not participate in this afternoon's session.
Steelers-Bills Joint Practice Summary
Van Jefferson Showing Out
The biggest challenge that has surrounded the Steelers this offseason has been finding the right WR2.
Though general manager Omar Khan has been heavily involved in trading for All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk, the organization may already have a man in Van Jefferson. Jefferson was a standout in training camp and continued to pose a challenge for the Bills defense during joint practice.
Issues With Tight Ends
The Steelers defense has long struggled to handle tight ends. Against the Bills, their standout tight end Dalton Kincaid caused problems that were identical to their playoff game against them in January. It's worth mentioning that linebacker Patrick Queen locked up Kinkaid in one-on-one situations.
DeMarvin Leal Continues To Elevate
One of the biggest winners this preseason has been defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal. Since Week 1 of training camp, Leal has elevated his game to a higher level and has dominated in one-on-ones and various other drills. Leal carried that moment in their joint session with the Bills by winning his one-on-one battles.
Pass Rushers On The Rise
Linebacker Kyron Johnson and Jeremiah Moon are two names that have come up recently throughout training camp. Both have established themselves deserving of a roster spot at the edge position, which Markus Golden previously held before his untimely retirement. In today's training, both players performed well, with Johnson recording a sack during the two-minute exercise.
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