The Steelers and Jets kick off at seven o’clock tonight at Acrisure Stadium in the second of three preseason games. Pittsburgh is coming off a 28-9 win over Green Bay while the Jets lost to Tampa Bay, 24-16 in their first game.
Coach Mike McCarthy isn’t concerned about winning. He wants to gather all the information he can about the players who are trying to earn a roster spot.
The coach said on Wednesday that whether it’s practice or games, it’s all about getting eyes on the players fighting to make the team.
The Steelers have yet to see their secondary on the field together. Joey Porter Jr. and Jaylen Ramsey remain on the PUP list and have not practiced yet this preseason. DeShon Elliott is only recently practicing again, and Jaquan Brisker and Brandin Echols remain out.
McCarthy says he’s not worried about Porter and Ramsey being ready for the start of the season, as they continue to work their way back from pre-camp injuries.
Will Howard will start at quarterback for the Steelers tonight and Drew Allar will also play. McCarthy hasn’t said whether it’s first half for Howard and second half for Allar, or if he’ll alternate quarters with the two so each can play with whatever first-teamers are on the field in the first half.
As the preseason heads for the home stretch and teams look ahead to roster-shaping, there are plenty of NFL “insider” trade rumors involving Steelers. In the last 24 hours alone, various TV commentators have suggested Alex Highsmith ending up with the Colts, Asante Samuel Jr. with the Lions, and Porter with any number of teams.
Others mentioned as possible targets to come to Pittsburgh are Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers (in a trade for Rudolph or Howard), Jaguars offensive tackle Walker Little, Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine, and even Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao…he’s the nephew of Steelers legend Troy Polamalu.
