Latest news with #PittsburghPost-Gazette


USA Today
20 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith admits rotating spots with T.J. Watt is much-needed change
Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith admits rotating spots with T.J. Watt is much-needed change T.J. Watt may be absent from OTAs — but that hasn't stopped Alex Highsmith from hinting at what's to come for the dangerous Steelers OLB duo. Toward the end of the season, the Steelers defense became embarrassingly predictable — as Watt was practically made a non-factor from the LOLB position. At Steelers OTAs, Highsmith admitted that rotating spots with Watt will be key moving forward (courtesy of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette): "Yeah, I think [switching spots] is something we definitely got to include in the game, because, just like you said, teams were kind of catching on to what we were doing. If we're able to move around to different spots and stuff like that, we'll be able to get teams off balance — and they can't just sit there and max protect." In reference to playing on opposite sides of the defensive line, Highsmith clarified that it's important to "get comfortable with what you're uncomfortable at." For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.


USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Insider: Steelers will prioritize T.J. Watt extension, not Minkah Fitzpatrick just yet
Insider: Steelers will prioritize T.J. Watt extension, not Minkah Fitzpatrick just yet T.J. Watt's contract buzz continues to dominate headlines in the Steel City — which has done zero favors for another All-Pro defender's soon-to-expire contract. T.J.'s older brother, J.J. Watt, argued that the Steelers should have gotten the deal done one year earlier to potentially earn a "hometown discount" — and that's exactly what Pittsburgh could do this season with FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, a notion that insider Gerry Dulac quickly shot down. During Wednesday's Steelers chat on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Dulac was asked if Watt or Fitzpatrick could be extended before the 2025 regular season began — and this was his response: "They will try to extend Watt. Minkah not on that list yet." While Fitzpatrick's splash plays have become quite rare over the past few seasons, he is still more than capable of completely erasing one side of the field in coverage — and the Steelers would be wise to re-sign him before they repeat another Watt mishap. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.


USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers C Zach Frazier says quiet part out loud about Aaron Rodgers' waiting game
Steelers C Zach Frazier says quiet part out loud about Aaron Rodgers' waiting game There is a huge difference between an Aaron Rodgers- and Mason Rudolph-led Steelers offense — and C Zach Frazier knows it. Aside from his throwing session with DK Metcalf at UCLA, Rodgers has had zero opportunity to build chemistry with his offense — and Frazier knows the issues that could arise as this waiting game trudges on. At Steelers OTAs, Frazier made it clear that he has no idea whether Rudolph or Rodgers will be under center — but he seemingly made his preference known based on familiarity (courtesy of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Brian Batko): 'It's not up to me, so I don't really know,' Frazier said. 'Chemistry is important, I'll say that.' Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger recently reiterated a similar stance on his podcast — begging for 'someone here who's going to get reps and start practicing.' For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.


USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers rookie Will Howard on Week 1 of OTAs: 'First day was work in progress'
Steelers rookie Will Howard on Week 1 of OTAs: 'First day was work in progress' Will Howard hit a wall on Day 1 of Steelers OTAs — but he's not shying away from the challenge, as he's ready to learn and move forward. Howard's first week of Steelers OTAs is officially in the books, and he recently explained to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette what the experience was like overall: "First day was a work in progress. I didn't feel great about my first day — just coming off the field, but it was a good learning experience," Howard told reporters at OTAs on Thursday. "I wasn't expecting to be perfect on my first day. I'm not going to be perfect. That's the thing — you've got to learn. Especially me, being young, you've got to be able to roll with the punches and know you're going to make some mistakes — especially being a rookie." The Steelers rookie further broke down his performance, stating that Day 1 was more about getting his feet under him, while Days 2 and 3 were better practices. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.


USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers WR Roman Wilson praises QB Mason Rudolph — says he's an 'elite quarterback'
Steelers WR Roman Wilson praises QB Mason Rudolph — says he's an 'elite quarterback' Watch out, Aaron Rodgers. In your absence, another Steelers QB is rallying the team behind him — none other than Mason Rudolph. On Day 3 of Steelers OTAs, rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson was asked for his opinion on catching passes from Rudolph — and this was his response, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "I love him. He's a great guy. I think he's an elite quarterback — really locked in, bought in. Everyone likes him a lot — he's a good dude." Wilson's admiration for Rudolph may toe the line between fact and fiction, but at least Rudolph is here in Pittsburgh — while the same can't be said for Rodgers. Yes, OTAs are voluntary — but it doesn't change the fact that Rodgers continues to play this never-ending waiting game — while Rudolph is earning the respect of his peers. Should Rodgers not end up signing with the Steelers, the Rudolph-to-Wilson connection is a sight fans will hopefully learn to love throughout the 2025 season. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.