The Steelers practiced on the South Side yesterday, getting ready for tomorrow night’s preseason game against the Jets in New Jersey, and coach Mike McCarthy said they will play only their two young quarterbacks, Will Howard and Drew Allar, who are battling to determine who’s QB3 and who’s QB4.
McCarthy says he’s not concerned with who the opponent is. He wants to see his guys.
McCarthy is especially interested in seventh round draft choice Eli Heidenreich, the McKeesport High grad who’s missed some training camp time with a hamstring injury. He’s healthy and ready to go tomorrow night.
Assistant general manager Andy Weidl declined yesterday to comment on a potential contract extension for Joey Porter Jr., who’s not practicing with a reported back injury, but who is entering the final year of his contract and is expected to get a big pay raise. Weidl said he would refer to GM Omar Khan for any remarks on Porter.
Weidl did hit a number of topics in a media appearance after practice. He said training camp and the preseason are crucial to getting to know a team.
Weidl also talked about player acquisitions in the offseason, both in the draft and in signing free agents. He said talent is important, but so is “football character.”
Both of the Steelers’ third round draft choices this year, cornerback Daylen Everette and offensive guard Gennings Dunker, were on the sideline at practice yesterday and neither is expected to play tomorrow night. Their injuries were not detailed by the team. Also out were wide receivers DK Metcalfe and Michael Pittman Jr., defensive backs Brandin Echols, Jaquan Brisker, and Israel Mukuamu, while defensive backs Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, and Donte Kent, who are all on the PUP list, did light agility work on their own.
