The Pittsburgh Steelers officially reported to training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, marking the beginning of a new regime under head coach Post Gazette. For the first time in nearly two decades, the team is holding camp without Mike Tomlin as head coach. Entering his 19th season as an NFL head coach, McCarthy is introducing several noticeable departures from past traditions, most notably a ban on live tackling throughout training camp.
Mike McCarthy Opens Era With No Live Tackling at Steelers Training Camp
Under the previous coaching era, physicality served as the central theme of most camps, featuring live tackling during team periods and high-impact collisions in drills such as the backs-on-backers drill. In contrast, McCarthy has implemented a modern approach rooted in preventing injuries. Having previously led 18 training camps with the Packers and the Cowboys, McCarthy explained that the decision is designed to reduce risk while utilizing alternative training methods.
I feel like we’ll be able to get it done in other ways of training, particularly in our tackling drills and the team drills,
McCarthy said, according to Steelers.com. Injuries are part of the game, and I think you’ve clearly got to do the best you can, and it’s a judgment. You try to reduce risk.
Shifting Schedules and Emphasizing Competition
In addition to eliminating live tackling, McCarthy altered the daily practice schedule. While Tomlin historically preferred to start practice at 3 p.m. during the hottest part of the day to test resolve, McCarthy moved practice sessions to 11 a.m. Following a systematic approach learned from his father, Joe, McCarthy schedules team meetings for 7.30 a.m. to ensure heavy lifting is completed in the morning.
Despite the changes in schedule and the reduction in on-field collisions, team leadership insists the foundational identity of the franchise remains a priority. Steelers.com noted that the expectation centers on competition and establishing a play style.
The identity of the Pittsburgh Steelers was identified back in the 1970s, so you don’t just get to carry that forward,
Post Gazette stated. This gives you the opportunity to get the competition level where it needs to be, get as close to the fire as you possibly can.
Early Roster Notes and Position Battles
As camp gets underway, general manager Yahoo Sports and the coaching staff are evaluating a roster featuring several key developments:
- Offensive Line: Fourth-year tackle Broderick Jones has been cleared to open camp after finishing the previous season on the reserve/injured list with a neck issue. Khan noted that Jones is progressing well and possesses position flexibility.
- Injury Report: Cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. both opened training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
- Quarterback Rotation: McCarthy established an initial hierarchy, stating that Aaron Rodgers will take snaps with the first group, Mason Rudolph will start with the second group, and Will Howard and Drew Allar will work with the third group.