Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers will face familiar foe in first preseason game

The Steelers are just a few days away from their first preseason action, and although many veterans won't see the field, one familiar face will be starting for the Buccaneers on Friday night.

According to reports, former No. 1 overall pick QB Baker Mayfield, who Pittsburgh faced several times during his four-year stint with the Browns, will start the preseason opener.

Why is it important?

Mayfield has a 2-5 career record vs. the Steelers, which means Pittsburgh has the opportunity to start the 2023 season on a good note.

Tampa Bay also released its initial depth chart and it lists Mayfield "OR" Kyle Trask, a former second-round pick, as the starter. So, with a clear quarterback competition underway for the Buccaneers, the Steelers could be seeing a lot of Mayfield as well.

It is valuable anytime young players have the opportunity to go up against experienced veterans in preseason and that's exactly what rookie CB Joey Porter Jr., DT Keeanu Benton and LB Nick Herbig get to do.

Which veterans Pittsburgh will be playing is yet to be known, but WR Diontae Johnson hinted he could see some action this week.

Either way, everyone is just relieved that football is finally back and there will be at least some meaningful snaps taken come Friday night. 

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