6 Steelers standouts from preseason win over Jaguars
From outstanding quarterback play to once-injured players making their triumphant returns, to undrafted rookies forging their own path, here are the six best Steelers performers from the preseason opener vs. the Jaguars.
QB Mason Rudolph
With Aaron Rodgers a healthy scratch in the preseason opener, Rudolph was tasked with leading the offensive charge on the first two drives of the contest — and he did not disappoint. Completing 9-of-10 passes for 84 yards and an opening-drive touchdown pass, Rudolph looked like his 2023 self against the Jaguars.
TE Darnell Washington
As Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth were dominating the headlines this offseason, one massive Steelers tight end continued to be overlooked: Darnell Washington. The huge 6'7", 265 lb pass catcher has been a red-zone favorite throughout training camp — and it translated to an impressive 19-yard touchdown on the Steelers' opening drive.
WR Scotty Miller
Similar to Washington, Miller was also turning heads in training camp — but his preseason performance was outstanding in its own right: four catches for 47 yards. If Miller can continue his success throughout the remaining two preseason games, he may be in line for plenty of work with the first-team offense.
WR Ke'Shawn Williams
The undrafted rookie exploded onto the scene in his NFL preseason debut, catching two passes for 55 yards — the most of any wideout in the contest. Not to mention his viral touchdown taking social media by storm, one in which he all but mossed a Jaguars defender on his way to six points. If Williams' production continues this sky-high trajectory, he could push to make the 53-man roster this upcoming season.
LB Cole Holcomb
Almost a year and a half removed from a season-ending knee injury, Holcomb reminded everyone watching the preseason opener why he is still one of the most underrated linebackers in the league. His best play of the night was, without a doubt, breaking up a third-down pass intended for RB Tank Bigsby — where he silenced concerns over his explosiveness and speed following his injury.
QB Skylar Thompson
There was zero chance we could leave Thompson off the list — as the former Dolphins-turned-Steelers QB gave an absolute preseason master class: completing 20-of-28 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns. If there were any Player of the Week awards given out in the preseason, Thompson would receive it hands down — as he all but carried Pittsburgh to their 31-25 victory.
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