Aaron Rodgers shines in his Steelers training camp debut on July 26, connecting with Metcalf & Austin before storms hit. See highlights from the new-look offense.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Aaron Rodgers era in Pittsburgh began with a bang, followed by a literal clap of thunder. Before afternoon storms forced the Steelers' second training camp practice indoors, the 41-year-old quarterback gave fans at Saint Vincent College a thrilling preview of what's to come, connecting on a deep bomb to Calvin Austin II and firing touchdown strikes to new targets DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth. It was a tantalizing glimpse of a revamped offense, even if Mother Nature had the final say on the day.
We wanted Aaron Rodgers and Aaron Rodgers wanted to be a Steeler, and it worked out.
GM Omar Khan made it clear that the team's major offseason moves are complete. Addressing the media, Khan expressed total confidence in the roster he's assembled, specifically shutting down any lingering speculation about adding another veteran wide receiver or safety. His comments on the Aaron Rodgers signing were definitive, emphasizing the mutual desire that brought the future Hall of Famer to Pittsburgh on a one-year, $13.65 million deal. For Khan, the message is simple: this is the team. The focus now shifts from acquisition to execution, with the front office content to let the pieces they've gathered build chemistry on the field.
The success of the Rodgers experiment hinges on the big men up front, and the Steelers are rolling out a significantly reshuffled offensive line. Broderick Jones makes his anticipated move to his natural left tackle position, with 2024 first-rounder Troy Fautanu, now healthy after missing his rookie season, stepping in at right tackle. The interior features a blend of youth and experience with Isaac Seumalo at left guard, rookie Zach Frazier at center, and fellow rookie Mason McCormick at right guard. Building cohesion will be priority number one for this group as they work to protect their new quarterback and pave the way for the running game.
While the day brought excitement, it also delivered a crushing blow. The team confirmed that tight end Donald Parham Jr. will miss the entire 2025-26 season after suffering a torn Achilles, an injury that forces a major rethink of the team's two-tight end sets. The news casts a shadow over an otherwise positive start to camp. On a less severe note, fellow tight end Jonnu Smith was limited, as was center Ryan McCollum. Meanwhile, running back Cordarrelle Patterson sat out practice entirely, raising questions about his spot on a crowded roster bubble behind Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson. The team's depth is already being tested before the pads have even come on.
With the roster largely in place, the focus shifts to the intense position battles brewing across the depth chart. At wide receiver, rookies Roman Wilson and veteran Robert Woods are competing with Calvin Austin II for snaps behind DK Metcalf. The backfield has a spirited competition for the RB2 spot, with rookie Kaleb Johnson impressing early. Defensively, the additions of cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Payton Wilson have injected new energy, while rookie defensive lineman Yahya Black is another name to watch. These competitions will be the central storyline as camp progresses, with every rep counting for those looking to carve out a role under Mike Tomlin.
The early days of camp have delivered exactly what fans hoped for: flashes of brilliance from a new-look offense and a clear vote of confidence from the front office. But the devastating injury to Donald Parham Jr. is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. The real evaluation begins when the pads come on next week. Can the new offensive line gel? Can the young receivers step up? And can Aaron Rodgers turn this collection of talent into a true contender? The storms in Latrobe may have passed, but the real tempest of the NFL season is just beginning to form.
