Pittsburgh Steelers face camp chaos in August 2025 as Alex Highsmith is injured. Will a trade for Terry McLaurin provide a spark? Get the latest news.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The dog days of training camp officially have some bite. A quiet Monday in Latrobe was overshadowed by the fallout from a chaotic weekend that saw star pass-rusher Alex Highsmith go down with an injury, blockbuster trade rumors linking the Steelers to Terry McLaurin, and a potential position switch so wild it just might work. The identity of the 2025 Steelers is being forged in the fire of uncertainty, with major questions now looming over three of the most critical position groups.
I'm a football player first. If they think I can help the team win at tackle, let's do it.
The biggest cloud hanging over Saint Vincent College is the health of Alex Highsmith. The edge rusher suffered an undisclosed injury during Sunday's practice, and the team has been tight-lipped about the severity. Any missed time for Highsmith is a major blow, putting immense pressure on T.J. Watt and potentially accelerating the development of fourth-round pick Jack Sawyer. With the pass rush being the engine of this defense, Highsmith's status is now the single most important storyline to watch heading into the preseason.
While the defense worries about subtraction, the offense is contemplating a massive addition. Reports surfaced that the Steelers have inquired about trading for Commanders star Terry McLaurin, a clear signal that management isn't satisfied with the current receiver room. The rumor mill is churning as veterans like Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, and Calvin Austin III have had slow starts to camp. This has opened the door for undrafted rookie Roc Taylor, who has been turning heads and making a legitimate push for the WR2 spot. The team's release of another promising young receiver on Sunday only adds to the intrigue, proving no spot is safe.
Perhaps the most fascinating camp development is the team's potential solution to Broderick Jones' struggles at left tackle: moving 6-foot-7, 272-pound tight end Darnell Washington to the position. Washington confirmed his openness to the switch, a testament to his team-first attitude and a wild card for an offensive line in flux. On the other side of the ball, the defensive line continues its own shuffle. Veteran Dean Lowry was placed on Injured Reserve, with the team signing former Steeler Breiden Fehoko for depth. This move, coupled with first-round pick Derrick Harmon's integration, shows the team is still actively searching for the right rotation up front.
With veterans getting rest days, the kids have had a chance to play. Rookie QB Will Howard has seen increased reps, while third-round running back Kaleb Johnson is already flashing the playmaking ability that made him a standout at Iowa. The youth movement isn't just about rookies, either. The secondary is working to build chemistry with its new pieces, including veteran safety Chuck Clark. Signed in late July after the blockbuster trade that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami for Jalen Ramsey, Clark's experience is proving vital in a safety room now led by him, DeShon Elliott, and Juan Thornhill.
With the first preseason game just a week away, the heat is on. Roster spots are on the line, the front office is exploring aggressive trades, and the coaching staff is considering radical experiments. Will Highsmith be ready for Week 1? Will Roc Taylor's camp performance earn him a starting job, or will the team land a star like McLaurin? And could Darnell Washington be the team's starting left tackle? The next seven days will provide some crucial answers.
