Steelers camp physicality ramps up after Saturday night

The Steelers will practice Monday and Tuesday in preparation for preseason game one at Acrisure Stadium on Thursday (August 13, 7:00 PM ET) against the Green Bay Packers.

While Aaron Rodgers is highly unlikely to get snaps, it will be the competition between Will Howard and Drew Allar at quarterback that will likely draw fans to the first dress rehearsal. The offensive line looked impressive on Saturday night, even with backup players subbed in, and an improved offensive front will give the quarterbacks an opportunity to show how well they have grasped Mike McCarthy’s system.

Allar has been getting a lot of hype during his rookie camp, but there are plenty of fans looking for Will Howard to become the next QB1 after Rodgers.

Linebacker Payton Wilson raised some eyebrows on Saturday night. Earlier in the week, he’d admitted he was getting used to limited contact under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. On Saturday, though Wilson seemed to consistently be around the ball, play after play.

Wilson was very vocal, communicating well to keep the defense on point. Safety Rayshawn Jenkins – who recently signed with the team – said, “Having a ‘backer that confident and that active in front of you makes my job a whole lot easier.”

Although McCarthy and his staff have protected players throughout the first two weeks of camp, the pads and hits are going to come. The Steelers would like to showcase their physicality against the Packers, not just give reps to players who need experience or may be on the roster bubble. Fans will get their first opportunity to see the schemes on both sides of the ball, either pumping up the anticipation for the 2026 NFL regular season or giving yinzers things to debate around the coffee spots and Market Square.