Thursday, August 28

Ready to get back: Tight end Jonnu Smith was traded to the Steelers at the end of June, and since then he has been itching to get on the field to show off his talents for his new team.

After injuries hampered him in training camp, causing him to miss the preseason, he has made progress and is looking forward to Week 1 against the New York Jets.

"I feel great, just focusing on obviously getting ready for week one and continue to jump on this moving train," said Smith. "Just ready to get back. I'm excited to be able to get back into it and pick up where we hop on that moving train. Not even pick up where we left off, the train has been moving, so just hop on the moving train."

Smith, who played for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith while with the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans, feels comfortable with the offense even though he hasn't seen any game action. A big part of that is his experience with Arthur Smith.

"It's a lot of the same concepts that I've been around my entire time with Art," said Smith. "Obviously, you've got a lot different playmakers in the system. Things are going to change, but my comfortability level is fairly good."

The combination of the two Smiths has proved to be successful.

Smith spent one season with the Falcons during Arthur Smith's tenure. He played in 17 games, starting six, and finished with 50 receptions for 582 yards, an 11.6-yard average, and three touchdowns.

Smith was drafted by the Titans in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the 100th overall pick. During his time there, Arthur Smith was the tight ends coach and then offensive coordinator. In four seasons in Tennessee he played in 60 games, with 53 starts. He had 114 receptions for 1,302 yards, an 11.4-yard average, and 16 touchdowns.

"I've had a lot of success in my career," said Smith. "I trust his vision, trust his football IQ. He's a guy who's been on both sides of the ball and has been able to see things from a different perspective.

"I learned a lot from Art, had lot of success with him. So, just continuing that and always excited to build on that.

"Me and Art, we've had a lot of success together. He's a guy that's going to continue to move that needle and bring the best out of you and demand the best from you. That's why we get along so well and just being able to answer when my number is called."

Smith is hoping his number is called a lot this season by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, someone he can't wait to get on the field with.

Smith has seen in the past what Rodgers brings to the game, and he wants to be a part of that.

"He's another genius and a guy who loves the game," said Smith. "Learning from him and talking ball with him, seeing what he's thinking. He's a heck of a teammate. I have nothing but good things to say about AR.

"He is going to go ahead and get his Gold Jacket whenever that time comes and I'm excited to have that opportunity to go and do this thing with him.

"Just the way he sees the game. He's been playing how many years? Twenty years. So, 20 years ago, I'm in fifth grade. I'm outside playing with my guys, jumping in the local swimming pool. And this guy's been in training camp for 20 years now. The knowledge that he has and the things that he has seen, and he has seen everything. He's got all the answers to the test. You want to play with a guy like that. I've been around a lot of talented quarterbacks. And for him to be playing at the level that he is, it's admirable. I'm excited to be going out there with him."

Mr. Reliable: If there is one thing a quarterback wants from a wide receiver, it's reliability.

And if you ask Skylar Thompson, he will tell you that Scotty Miller fits the bill.

"He's just a reliable guy, super smart, very fast, you can just count on him," said Thompson. "He's going to run the right route, he is going to get open, do separation. He's going to make plays for you. You don't have to make a perfect throw to him either. He can adjust.

"He's a good football player. He has a really good IQ and a great teammate. All-around Scotty, he's just a really good dude. I really enjoy playing with him and being around him."

Miller, who is entering his seventh season, led the Steelers in receiving in the preseason with nine receptions for 167 yards, an 18.6-yard average.

"I think it's been solid," said Miller of his performance in the preseason and camp. "I've just been trying to go out there every day and be consistent and just do my job the best way I can. I want to show everyone I can make plays.

"And it's fun. It's fun playing with Skylar and Mason (Rudolph) and Aaron (Rodgers). All those guys are such great players. It's been fun getting on the same page with them. I think it was productive for me."

As productive as it was, Miller always feels like he has to work hard for everything he gets. A former sixth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he never takes anything for granted and goes 100 percent on every snap.

"I'll do whatever I can," said Miller. "I'm going to do everything I possibly can to give myself the most opportunities. That's my mindset every single day.

"It's never been easy for me. I haven't been given much, but I just try to take advantage of the opportunities I do get. And I know that if I do that, I'll get more.

"It's just going out there and being consistent every single day. It's one thing to say it, but it's another thing to do it. For one, stay on top of your body. One of the most important things is being available. So just making sure I can be out there and compete every single day, and then just try to win each and every rep."

Miller approaches every day, every snap, every practice like he is fighting for something, but he welcomes that as it keeps him sharp and on his toes.

"It's definitely hard, but you wouldn't want it any other way," said Miller. "That's the cards I've been dealt, and I enjoy it. I try to do the best I can, control what I can control, and try to win each and every rep I get."

Miller is looking forward to more of those reps as the regular season approaches, and he loves what the Steelers offense can be with the talent they have, including Rodgers at the helm.

"I think we've got a chance to be special," said Miller. "I think it's exciting, but we know we have a lot of work to do. We haven't had a ton of time together. Obviously, it's (Aaron's) first year here. It's DK (Metcalf's) first year. We're just trying each and every day to get a little better and keep getting more on the page every day.

"Obviously with Aaron leading us, one of the best to ever do it, has been great. All of us are getting on the same page with him. He has the ability to bring the best out of everybody.

"I think our connection has been good. I am just trying to get as much knowledge as I can from him."

And bringing out the best is something Miller has seen happen for him on and off the field.

"For one, he's brought a lot of knowledge of the game, the way he sees the defense," said Miller. "His ability to go to the line, visualize it, take a look at the defense and then give us certain checks has opened up my view of the game a little bit more.

"Now it's not just me getting up the line focusing on what I have to do, it's what does the running back have and how does that affect where the linebackers are going to be in the different spots and zones. It's a broader picture of the game he's brought.

"His greatness brings greatness out of everybody. You want to be on that elite level, and if you're not, you're going to get left behind."

Then and now: Offensive tackle Troy Fautanu made it this far last season but not much farther.

That helps explain the anticipation with which Fautanu is looking ahead to the upcoming regular season.

"I am truly blessed to be in this position," he emphasized after practice today. "Obviously, I was grateful last year, being on the team, getting drafted. But to be in this position, looking back now at what I had to go through, just with rehab and stuff, battling my mental.

"Yeah, man, I'm just super grateful that I'm here today and so excited to see what this team can do."

Knee injuries limited Fautanu to one appearance last season (Sept. 15 at Denver). He played just 55 snaps as a rookie but he's returned this season to an offensive line that lacks experience collectively yet is not without its bona fides.

"It's kinda evident if you watch the film but I feel like we're all just very athletic," Fautanu said. "So I feel like that opens up the playbook a little bit more.

"Being able to get us out in space is something that I feel like Coach Arthur (offensive coordinator Smith) is going to do a really good job of going forward."

The line has another significant strength in Fautanu's estimation.

"Just how tough we are," he continued. "This offensive line, I feel like we're in a really good spot being on the same page with each other, with (quarterback) Aaron (Rodgers).

"We're young, but I think we're gonna use that to our advantage. Just the mentality and the style of play we're going to go out there with is I feel like what's gonna separate us."

The Steelers won't practice again until Monday but the approach to today's session got Fautanu's attention.

"Guys can kind of look forward to having these next four days off but I felt like everyone came to work today," he said. "That's just a testament to what this team is capable of doing.

"It's a long season. I personally can't speak for everyone else, I haven't been through it. But I know having the right guys round us, which we do, it'll help me out."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Like father, like son: One of the feel-good stories of the preseason had a happy ending for those most directly involved.

Linebacker Carson Bruener, the son of former Steelers tight end and current Steelers scout Mark Bruener, earned a spot on the initial 53-man roster.

"It feels great," Carson Bruener said. "It's something I've worked for my whole life. I knew it wouldn't be easy. Being a seventh-round pick, nothing's guaranteed. Obviously, I felt like I had a big target on my back because of my last name and coming in here and that pressure.

"At the same time, I did the same thing at 'U-Dub' (the University of Washington) coming in after my dad. I took that pressure and I feel like I ran with it and obviously I got here because of that."

Now that he has, Bruener's parents have understandably let him know 'how proud they are of me.'

"My dad kept reiterating, too, 'You did this on your own,'" Bruener said. "'Yes, I'm a scout. Yes, I played football, as well. But at the same time, you've built this path. I've helped a little bit.'

"He's been a great mentor for me so I do give him a lot of credit."

Bruener distinguished himself on special teams at Washington and feels as if he did so again in training camp no matter what special teams task was asked of him.

"I feel like I was able to excel at all of it," he said. "I trust my abilities. I trust what (special teams coordinator) Danny Smith kind of coaches us to do and tells us to do. That's the biggest thing, let him coach, I'll play."

That, and keep playing every day.

"It's one of those things where you're still fighting for your job every single day," Bruener said of making the team. "So it's something where I can't get complacent and be all happy and kind of start celebrating too much because as soon as you do that, then your job can get taken away from you.

"So It's something where it just continues to give me motivation day in and day out."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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Monday, August 25

Ready for Week 1: The Steelers have almost two weeks before they take on the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in the season opener, and that time is going to play in the favor of linebacker Alex Highsmith.

Highsmith said on Monday that he will play against the Jets, after missing time with a groin injury.

"I want to do more things that eliminate the soft tissue stuff," said Highsmith. "Because it is frustrating that it did happen again.

"I'm feeling great. So, just ready to get out there for Week 1."

Highsmith missed six games in 2024, so he understands the importance of being available this year. He also understands the importance of depth in the linebacker room, which is something he felt has shown while he and Nick Herbig have been dealing with injuries.

"It just shows the depth," said Highsmith. "The same thing happened last year. There were times when I was down, or times when others were down, guys stepped up. Nick came in and he did his thing last year when I went out.

"I think it just shows the depth that we have. No matter who is in there, we're going to be productive as an edge room. Having quality guys all around is just so important. I think we have a great group, specifically in edge room."

While Highsmith pointed out the area he is most familiar with, he also knows this year's defense can be special and depth is one of the key reasons.

"I think this is one of the best groups we've had since I've been here," said Highsmith. "We've got a lot of great guys, a lot of ball players on this defense. A lot of guys who have been All-Pros and who have made a lot of plays in this league.

"At every position we have depth. I feel like that's something that we haven't always had. Having that depth at every position is awesome. We have a lot of guys who are going to be able to make plays and make us a great defense."

As Highsmith said, there are players who bring a lot of experience to the defense. Two of those newcomers are cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay. Ramsey, who was acquired via a trade with the Miami Dolphins, is entering his 10th season in the league, while Slay, who signed as an unrestricted free agent following a Super Bowl winning season with the Philadelphia Eagles, is entering his 13th season in the NFL.

"They're awesome, both those guys," said Highsmith. "They're two vets who have made a lot of plays and who stamped their footprint in this league.

"Both of those guys are great players for us, and so I'm excited to see what they have for our defense."

While veterans make up the majority of the defense, the line has some young players who have already stepped into their own in No. 1 pick Derrick Harmon and fifth round pick Yahya Black. While Harmon is week-to-week with a sprained knee suffered in the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, the potential for both of them is through the roof.

"I think bringing in Derrick and Yahya in this year's draft was awesome for us," said Highsmith. "Both of those guys play great, and they had a lot of plays during the preseason. Definitely hoping that Derrick can get back as soon as possible.

"I think those guys bring a lot of versatility to our defense and they make plays. They're mature for their age. They've been learning to get better every day.

"They just put their head down and work. They don't say too much, they just come to work every single day. They're open to learning. They're open to getting better. It's been cool just getting to know those guys and building a relationship with them and watching them grow on the field."

Feeling good: The window between the Steelers last preseason game on Aug. 21 and their first regular season game on Sept. 7 seems like an eternity for fans anxiously anticipating the beginning of the season.

For safety Juan Thornhill, the extra bit of time between games is welcomed.

Thornhill, who is entering his seventh season in the NFL, didn't play against the Carolina Panthers in the preseason finale, but Coach Mike Tomlin said he was back on the field this week.

"I feel good," said Thornhill. "Right now, decreasing the load a little bit because we have a week off. But I feel pretty good. Just getting my mind right, getting my body ready for week one."

The Steelers practiced the last three days, and will still have one more practice before they go all-in on preparing for the opener against the New York Jets. But they also have an off weekend approaching and understand the value of it.

"Oh, it's great," said Thornhill. "I'm not going to lie to you, especially when you've been playing in this league a long time, it's great. You've got to take advantage of those days, taking care of your body, making sure you're ready.

"So, it's definitely great. It is more mental than physical for me right now.

"I've played a lot of football. I've seen a lot going on, and it's just easy for me. I still can get those mental reps and feel like I'm not losing a step."

The entire starting defense has yet to take the field together for a game, with Thornhill missing the Panthers game while the rest of the starting secondary was on the field.

"When you're a competitor, you want to get out there," said Thornhill. "You never want to just sit on the side and leave your teammates out there. But sometimes it's best for you, just for your body and things like that to recover."

Now, he can't wait for the opportunity for the entire unit to hit the field together.

"I'm super excited," said Thornhill. "We haven't even had everybody out there together yet. I could see little flashes of what the defense can be throughout the week of practice, but we haven't had like the live action, all 11 guys out there at the same time.

"So, I'm excited for that for week one."

Right on schedule: As the preseason draws to a close, cornerback Darius Slay is seeing what he needs to see from the Steelers.

"The team works hard, man," Slay assessed after practice today. "They come out here each and every day, grind. You can see the competitiveness in the special teams periods, in all aspects of the game.

"They're doing what we're supposed to be doing, for sure."

Slay wasn't ready to declare the Steelers a Super Bowl team just yet, mostly because it's far too early to ponder such an eventual outcome, he maintained.

Slay came to the Steelers from the Eagles, who won the Super Bowl last season. And the Eagles weren't focused on such things last August, either, far from it, in fact.

"Most likely how we did it was, we just took a day at a time, and worry about what's coming up next," Slay emphasized. "So the next game, the next practice, then the next game.

"We never jumped too far ahead until the actual Super Bowl was actually there. You gotta stay focused. You can't get ahead of the train like that."

One thing Slay is willing to envision at this early juncture is how the new-look secondary is poised to function, the threesome of Slay, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and cornerback/slot cornerback/safety Jalen Ramsey, in particular.

Ramsey, like Slay, was added to the roster in the offseason.

All three made their preseason debut in the Steelers' exhibition finale last Thursday night at Carolina.
They were on the field together for one series.

"This past week, with the preseason game, just seeing us all out there in Carolina out on the field, even though I didn't get to play for long, I was observant at the fact, us three out here (Slay, Ramsey and Porter), it looked fun," Slay said. "It was exciting. I was loving it.

"I didn't want to come out, one series. I was like, 'Coach, let's get another one in,' but he said 'nah.' We're just looking forward to a real opportunity to go out here and compete.

"It actually hurt worse on the sideline. Back gets to aching, knees get to hurting. It's more easy playing than standing, I'm telling you. That's the crazy part about it."

At 34 and entering his 13th season in the NFL, Slay is the oldest and most experienced player in the secondary.
He's more than willing to be that and fulfill whatever role that demands.

"One thing about me, they know Slay does not have an ego when it comes to that," Slay said. "My time of those days, even though I can compete at a very high level, if there's need for me to do it I could easily do it and go out here and compete, but I have no shame and no game in letting any one of those young guys be the man. My time was a long, long time ago. I've been in the league since 2013, 13 years.

"I'm just here to assist, help, and if I'm needed at that position of doing what is needed to be done I could do it, for sure."

-- Blog entry Mike Prisuta

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Sunday, August 24

Communication on point: It's a word that has been used a lot over the last few years when talking about the Steelers defense, and sometimes, that hasn't always been a positive.

Communication.

Throughout the offseason, communication is something defensive players have focused on improving, and it appears they have done just that.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. even said communication is the secondary's biggest strength right now.

"It's really grown over the past couple of weeks," said Porter. "Just being with each other in camp, and finally we're all healthy and on the field at the same time. So really just our communication and flying around.

"I feel like communication is always the key. It's always a part of any great defense. And if it's not right, then it's going to be questioned. But I feel we've really stayed on top of that this whole offseason."

On Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers in the preseason finale, the Steelers starting secondary of Porter, Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay and DeShon Elliott were all on the field together for the first time, and communication wasn't an issue.

"I feel like it worked a lot," said Porter. "Coach (Mike Tomlin) being on us from the jump and telling us what we needed to work on last offseason. Coming in with new pieces, everybody learning the new defense, well at least those two guys (Ramsey and Slay), I feel that was really the main thing for our checkoff list and that's what we did so far."

The starting unit played only one series, but Porter said they wanted one more series, simply because of their love for being on the field.

"We all were kind of itching to get back out there," said Porter. "We've been waiting to go against somebody else, and they finally got us dressed up, we're going to want to spend a little bit longer."

It's that competitive spirit, that desire to be on the field, that has Porter, Ramsey and Slay all wanting to go against the opponents No. 1 receiver. Porter knows it's a role that Ramsey, a 10-year veteran, will likely have, but he also knows others will get their shot.

"It's great. We all love to compete. We are all competitors," said Porter. "Coach already told us that we're all going to have our chance to be that guy.

"So, when your name is called, you've got to step in and make those plays. And we're willing and all prepared to."

Just being himself: Quarterback Skylar Thompson might have opened the eyes of some fans and media during the preseason, but there is one person who wasn't surprised by the success he had.

That's because he expected it.

Coach Mike Tomlin knew what Thompson, who was signed early in the 2025 offseason, could bring to the offense, and he didn't disappoint.

"He's got playing experience," said Tomlin. "This guy started games in Miami. I think that experience shows. And we're talking regular-season games."

Thomspon completed 41 passes for 498 yards and four touchdowns in three preseason games, seeing more playing time than any of the Steelers quarterbacks, especially with rookie Will Howard sidelined with a hand injury.

He took advantage of every rep, playing with an ease that comes from being in the league now for his fourth season.

"I feel like sometimes in the past, I've tried to be too perfect, and I feel like that's kind of taken away from me being myself," said Thompson. "That's the biggest thing that I've learned coming into this opportunity, I got to be myself.

"I can't be something that I'm not. I feel like when I have that approach and that mindset, I make more plays than I don't. I feel like that set me free coming into this preseason, and has allowed me to go out there and have fun playing the game again and loving playing with my guys.

"This team is awesome, and I have a good group of guys around me that has made this experience great. I think there's a lot of things that have contributed to me feeling that way. But that's my mindset, come in there and play free and let it loose and have no regrets when I walk off the field."

Thompson has soaked in all of the knowledge he has gained in training camp and the preseason working with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has helped everyone on offense grow in their own way.

"Having Aaron in the room, being able to learn from him, he's been tremendous," said Thompson. "It's all around just been a great experience. And I feel confident with what I've done."

Thompson has welcomed being in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system, but he also has picked up a lot from what Rodgers has brought with him from his past experience.

"Aaron has brought some great concepts in that he's run in his past and he has a lot of experience with," said Thompson. "Obviously he's able to explain it really well and explain his thoughts and stuff. So, I've just been trying to be a student of the game still and trying to learn as much as I can. I'm trying to get better from my past experiences in Miami and make those experiences help me be my best self when I've gotten here.

"And I feel like that's happened and makes me feel good about it."

Accepting the challenge: Veteran guard Isaac Seumalo has heard the narratives attached to the Steelers' offensive line, specifically the ones about inexperience being a potential individual and collective concern.
He's not about to argue.

"What people are saying is true, it's not like it's not true," Seumalo acknowledged after practice today. "We are young. We are inexperienced. We do have work to do. At the end of the day we have the tools at QB, at running back and the skill positions. It's going to come down to the O-line.

"It's a little weird for me sometimes because I know I'm not necessarily young and inexperienced. But I know my role, and it's to play at a Pro Bowl level and help guys where I can and lead. You know, I'm not a big speaker, anyway. But In the O-line room I know when it's appropriate to speak, and to help guys and meet them kind of at eye level, if that makes sense. It's never me or coaches domineering over players.

"It's a group effort. We're all a reflection of each other. The better we all do, the better everybody does."

Seumalo stands out up front as a 10-year veteran on a starting five that includes third-year left tackle Broderick Jones (in his first season on that side of the line) and three players entering their second NFL seasons, center Zach Frazier, guard Mason McCormick and right tackle Troy Fautanu (who missed almost all of his rookie season due to injury).
The need for leadership is apparent and it's a responsibility Seumalo is embracing.

But he intends to lead as he sees fit and as he believes he should, as opposed to trying to fill a leadership void.

"Self-awareness is the biggest thing you can have in terms of football, life, too, but really football, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, what you can work on, what you can't work on," he continued. "So I'm never going to be somebody that is unauthentic or comes off as fraudulent. Me working on speaking more, necessarily, in that regard, is not going to come off, I think, as very receptive.

"But me speaking 1-on-1 with the guys, or in the O-line room, or on the field and communicating with 'Brod' and Zach, that's always stuff that I can try to make a priority for myself. But working on stuff that would be unauthentic is not something I'm interested in."

With the exhibition schedule behind the Steelers and preparations for the regular-season opener on Sept. 7 at the New York Jets about to commence, Seumalo is pleased with the progress he's seeing this preseason.

"I can only speak for the O-line room, but look's good, a lot of improvement from last year for young guys," he assessed. "Obviously, having 'A-Rod' (quarterback Aaron Rodgers) helps a ton, a future Hall-of-Fame dude, he's locked into everything.

"Troy and 'Brod' have looked really good and Zach, Mason and 'Spence' (backup guard Spencer Anderson) have all Improved and look good, too."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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Saturday, August 23

Ready to attack rehab: As he was on a cart heading into the locker room near halftime in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, the look on No. 1 draft pick Derrick Harmon's face wasn't good.

He came off the field a little earlier in the game after getting hit in the knee, and the severity of it was something he didn't know.

"Yeah, I just got hit on the knee on a play before," said Harmon. "Played through it the next play. I felt it. Just wanted to get it checked out.

"I didn't know what it was at the time. That's why I was so in that mood, in that head space. So pretty much it."

There was good news, though.

Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Thursday night, and reiterated it on Saturday, that Harmon suffered a knee sprain and is week-to-week.

"I thought it was serious, but it wasn't that serious," said Harmon. "But still something I've got to be in the training room to get my rehab. That's my focus right now, to attack rehab and do what I have to do to get back on the field."

When Harmon came back to the field after the half, he sat on the sidelines talking with veterans Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt. The two shared some words of wisdom with him.

"Really just don't get too much in my head," said Harmon. "Injury is part of this game and at this level is part of what we do. So, they were trying to keep my hopes up and keep me mentally prepared and mentally focused.

"Once I got next to my teammates, they cheered me up. They told me get out of my head. That's what they really told me. So, that's why I was laughing like that. It just put it in good spirits, telling me you're going to be all right.

"Definitely frustrated. Last preseason game and really excited to get out there in the regular season and compete at a high level. It sucks, but it's part of the game we play, so just got to attack this rehab."

While getting back physically is the main focus, being a rookie Harmon knows he has to stay on top of the mental side as well, something he can't let slip.

"Stay in the playbook, staying up to game speed," said Harmon. "Knowing what I got to do even though I'm not going to probably be out there, but still be up to game speed and know what I've got to. Take it week-by-week and to the best of my ability attack this rehab."

Great to be back: One player Coach Mike Tomlin said was back on the field on Saturday was receiver Calvin Austin III.

Austin didn't play at all in the preseason, but was happy to get some work on Saturday.

"It felt great," said Austin. "It's always good to be in a competitive scenario in practice and actually get to compete against your teammates. So, it was good to be back."

While Austin has been working during the time he was out, he said one area that he needs to still get up to speed on is his football conditioning.

"Probably the only thing that I'm far back in, if I'm being realistic, is my conditioning," said Austin. "Besides that, everything else is pretty smoothly."

With the regular season opener against the New York Jets two weeks away, getting to the point he is now is perfect timing.

"The only way you can get better is by being out there," said Austin. "So, I'm just thankful and blessed to be healthy and be back out there."

The key factor for Austin throughout his injury was staying active, which has meant be present for everything, including meetings, film study, practice and more.

"Since this happened in camp, my process was the exact same as everybody else," said Austin. "I was in all the meetings, walkthroughs, everything. So, I really didn't miss a step mentally or anything.

"That's why I said the biggest thing was just getting that conditioning back. Even if you are conditioning, just running and stuff is always different than getting reactionary football condition."

He has also developed his relationship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While he might not have been on the field catching passes, the work was still being done and the relationship has grown.

"It hasn't been a challenge at all," said Austin. "We were in those meetings. When he communicates, he doesn't communicate with one person. He goes to all the receivers, tight ends, running backs in meetings. The only thing that I have to get up back on page with is running the routes and stuff. Besides that, we communicate, and everybody's been on the same page."

Never say never: Rookie Yahya Black did something in Thursday night's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers that he has never done before in football.

He had two sacks in a game, with back-to-back sacks in the third quarter, something he didn't do in high school or college.

"Never," said Black. "Never. I had five and a half in a career at Iowa."

After the sack, Black did a celebration where he rubbed his belly. The celebration has gone viral, and it's one he is proud of.

"It just felt right," said Black. "I mean, I've got a belly, so yeah, it works."

Black, who at 6-5, 336 pounds, is a mountain, has a knack for batting down passes, something his size helps with but there is more to it.

"It's a little bit of both," said Black. "It's skill development, how you work on it and see things go your way."

Black is already benefiting from the coaching of defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, someone who doesn't mind challenging young players to step up.

"He's got that personality where he's going to get on your back and really push you to be your best self," said Black. "So, you always want to show up for him, too."

See you in September: The release of veteran long-snapper Jake McQuaide implied the Steelers anticipate incumbent Christian Kuntz will be healthy and ready to play in the regular-season opener on Sept. 7 at the New York Jets.

Kuntz removed any doubt after practice today.

"Oh, we're playing," Kuntz insisted. "We got two weeks left, we'll be good, for sure, yeah, 100 percent. Snapped today, so we'll be good."

McQuaide replaced Kuntz in Thursday night's preseason finale at Carolina. Kuntz was injured on Aug. 16 against Tampa Bay.
First-year defensive lineman Logan Lee long-snapped in Kuntz' absence against the Buccaneers.

Kuntz has appeared in 68 consecutive regular-season games since joining the Steelers in 2021. He anticipates no restrictions associated with his injury by the time the Jets game rolls around.

Who does the punting against the Jets, and the holding for kicker Chris Boswell, has yet to be determined.

Cameron Johnston, who started last season as the punter but was lost for the season in the opener at Atlanta, and Corliss Waitman, who took over after Johnston was injured, remain in competition for those jobs.

But Kuntz is convinced the Steelers will be getting their kicks in the kicking game however the roster reduction to 53 shakes out.

"Both punters are top-tier punters in the league," Kuntz insisted. "Whoever it is is going to do a great job, and 'Boz' is "Boz.'"

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Steelers make moves: In case you missed it, on Friday the Steelers made their first wave of roster moves as they work to get to the mandatory 53-man roster by Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 4 p.m. The team released 11 players, including five on offense, five on defense, and one on special teams.

Among those released were:

Defense:
Linebacker: Kenny Willekes
Defensive Backs: Kam Alexander, Quindell Johnson, Kyler McMichael, Mikey Victor

Offense:
Offensive linemen: Doug Nester, Julian Pearl
Quarterback: Logan Woodside
Running Back: Evan Hull
Tight end: Kevin Foelsch

Special Teams:
Long snapper: Jake McQuaide

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