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2025 Steelers Training Camp Takeaways No.3: Will Howard steals the show while Aaron Rodgers' slow start continues
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2025 Steelers Training Camp Takeaways No.3: Will Howard steals the show while Aaron Rodgers' slow start continues

Originally posted on A to Z Sports  |  By Rob Gregson  |  Last updated Jul 26, 2025 7:14 PM ET

Day three of 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers training camp in Latrobe saw one of the biggest turnouts in Latrobe in recent memory. Here was everything of note from the packed house on Saturday afternoon...

Offensive Takeaways 

  • TE Jonnu Smith returns to team activities 
  • Center Zach Frazier pulled for backup Ryan McCollum after another bad snap to start 7 Shots
  • Rookie TE JJ Galbreath continues to make plays with a TD catch in 7 Shots
  • Rookie RB Kaleb Johnson returns kicks
  • Rookie QB Will Howard draws huge crowd support on 20 yard throw to Montana Lemonious-Craig
  • Aaron Rodgers struggles in both team periods

What it means

Jonnu Smith told the media yesterday that he was fine and would return to practice in full capacity on Saturday, and he did just that. Expect more two-tight-end sets when the pads come on Tuesday. 

After starting 7 Shots with a snap that went through the legs of Aaron Rodgers on Friday, Frazier did the exact same thing on Saturday. Only, the Steelers weren't playing around today, and they quickly pulled him for backup Ryan McCollum. I would just chalk it up to rust right now for Frazier. 

Rookie TE JJ Galbreath has generated a lot of buzz through the first three days of practice. He is a real sleeper to make the Steelers roster. 

Kaleb Johnson is going to find the field one way or another in his rookie season and that could be via kick returns. 

Will Howard received a massive pop every time he stepped on the field in Latrobe on Saturday, but none were bigger than his 20-yard beauty of an out route to WR Montana Lemonious-Craig. More throws like the one below will surely see him rise up the depth chart.

As for Rodgers, after the first pass of his Steelers training camp career was intercepted on Thursday, Saturday wasn't much better. The first team period was reportedly marred by incompletions, and in the second team period, he was intercepted by Jalen Ramsey, 

It's crtical to remember that camp is about trying things and figuring out what works and what does not. So far, though, Rodgers is seeing more of what doesn't.  

Defensive takeaways

  • EDGE Jeremiah Moon carted off
  • Rookie DT Derrick Harmon's would-be sack clinch's tiebreaker in 7 Shots
  • Rookie EDGE Jack Sawyer records the first would-be sack against Troy Fautanu
  • Defense dominates team periods

What it means

Jeremiah Moon is an important depth piece at the EDGE position. The Steelers' five-man rotation is strong if DeMarvin Leal can remain healthy, but Moon is on the roster bubble. Coach Tomlin said after practice that he is dealing with a calf injury.  

Derrick Harmon hasn't been short on playmaking to start his Steelers career with multiple plays in the backfield via the run and pass. Those penetrating tendencies are exactly what the Steelers drafted him for. 

Another rookie who has had a strong start is Jack Sawyer. He would have had his first sack of camp if things were live on Saturday and it came against Troy Fautanu of all tackles. 

What is very clear through the first three days is that the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense has been on another level. Yes, defense should have the advantage without pads and all of the moving parts on the Steelers' offense need time to mesh, but the highest-paid defense in the league has looked worthy of every penny through three practices. 

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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