Steelers training camp day 1 takeaways: Aaron Rodgers’ limited reps, Drew Allar’s rough start, Joey Porter Jr. injury update
The Pittsburgh Steelers were back on the grass for the first day of training camp in Latrobe. Here are the biggest takeaways from practice No. 1 in Latrobe and the inaugural gathering under Mike McCarthy.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 training camp kicked off at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, and day 1 delivered plenty to dissect. From Aaron Rodgers taking a reduced workload to rookie quarterback Drew Allar’s rocky debut, the Steelers’ first practice of the summer set the stage for what should be a compelling few weeks in Latrobe.
A to Z Sports will be on-site starting next Monday when the pads come on. For now, here are the biggest storylines from day 1 based on available clips, video, and social media coverage.
Key Steelers training camp dates
- First practice: July 29.
- First padded practice: August 3.
- Night scrimmage: August 8 (Latrobe Memorial).
- Camp breaks: August 17.
Aaron Rodgers and the quarterback rotation
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy announced before practice that Rodgers would take only about 40 to 50 percent of the reps this week. That opened the door for quarterback Mason Rudolph, the No. 2 on the depth chart, to slot in early and often. Will Howard and Allar followed in the rotation.
Allar had a rough start. Clips circulating on social media showed the rookie throwing interceptions and misfiring on several passes as he tried to find his footing. He did finish strong, though, tossing a touchdown up the seam during the red zone drill to close out practice. That’s something worth monitoring as camp progresses.
Injuries and absences shape the secondary
The injury picture loomed large over day 1.
Joey Porter Jr. is dealing with a back issue, though how much that lingers once his new contract situation gets resolved remains to be seen. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey was present at practice but did not participate. Safety DeShon Elliott, still working back from the knee injury that cost him most of the 2025 season, watched practice mostly from the back of the field in a deep center-field role and did not do much in team periods.
With those three limited or out, new safeties Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage got to work with the first-team defense, and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. stepped into the starting lineup alongside Jamel Dean.
Offensive line holds steady, Broderick Jones returns
The offensive line looked identical to what Pittsburgh ran during OTAs and minicamp. Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick worked on the left side, Zach Frazier manned the center spot, and Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook lined up at right guard and right tackle.
The notable development was Broderick Jones. Not on the PUP list and fully cleared, Jones practiced with the second team as the starting left tackle on that unit. After the injuries and inconsistency that have defined his time in Pittsburgh, his health is a welcome sight, even if he’s working his way back into the lineup slowly.
Skill position notes
Running back Jaylen Warren took starting reps over Rico Dowdle, which shouldn’t surprise anyone. Warren is the incumbent, and Dowdle will need a massive camp to change that hierarchy.
At wide receiver, the battle for the No. 3 spot is going to be hotly contested once the pads come on. Both Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard had mental errors and miscommunication with Rodgers on day 1. Neither separated himself in the opening session, which means this competition has a long way to go.
The bottom line
Day 1 of Steelers training camp raised as many questions as it answered. Allar’s early struggles, the secondary’s health, and the wide receiver competition all bear watching over the next few weeks. The real evaluation starts Monday when Pittsburgh straps on the pads, and the intensity ratchets up. That’s when we’ll start to get a clearer picture of what this 2026 roster actually looks like.