Steelers Training Camp Day 10: UDFAs get a shot, a new connection builds
Today was the final practice of the week for the Pittsburgh Steelers, capping off their first week in pads during training camp. Most of the teams veteran starters had the day off, leading to some highly anticipated reps from backups and those at the bottom of the roster. One of those players is Steelers UDFA […]
Today was the final practice of the week for the Pittsburgh Steelers, capping off their first week in pads during training camp.
Most of the teams veteran starters had the day off, leading to some highly anticipated reps from backups and those at the bottom of the roster.
One of those players is Steelers UDFA QB Tanner Morgan, who saw his first chance to make a statement, and boy did he:
Tanner Morgan Forms Connection with Hakeem Butler:
Today was Morgan's first reps in team period, something I'm sure he's been anxiously awaiting. With an uphill climb to beat out Mason Rudolph for the QB three role, whatever opportunity he receives, he has to make the most of it.
Morgan did just that, hooking up not once, but twice with Hakeem Butler. Once on an in-cut by Butler that totaled around 15 yards, and then again on a deep shot, where Butler made a phenomenal grab over the defender.
How many reps Morgan sees with the third team is largely unknown going forward, but he made the most of them today and certainly put a little pressure on Mason Rudolph.
We Have a Punt-Off
Many of you likely remember the punter position being highlighted as one of the battles in our training camp preview series.
That's because despite using draft capital on incumbent starter Percy Harvin, there was and potentially still is a shot that free agent acquisition Braden Mann get's the job.
But much like I hypothesized, Mann seems to be there to get the most out of Harvin, who has had a good camp and was the more consistent of the two in both distance and placement, making him the obvious choice come cut time.
Minkah is Fully Back
After making his much-anticipated debut at training camp yesterday, Minkah stepped on the gas a little, taking reps in the team period and fully participating during individual periods.
Back from what he deemed a family matter, hopefully, his time on the field helps him through the process, as he is one of the more impressive sights to see at training camp.
Cody White takes the Bull by the Horns
Like many receivers not named George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, or Allen Robinson, White is battling for a roster spot and has shown capable of doing what it takes.
Garnering first-team reps today, he hooked up with Kenny Pickett for a TD in "Seven Shots" and is a name to keep an eye on as camp carries on.
Anthony McFarland is a Certified Weapon
It's been a joy to watch McFarland work out of the backfield, fully embracing his role as a pass-catching back and doing the most with it. Hopefully, he continues to gain valuable reps, as I believe he can be a contributor in a passing attack that needs the "juice" he presents.
And that's a wrap on day 10 of Steelers training camp. Tomorrow will be an off day for the players, followed by a short week before their first preseason game on Friday Night.
The days likely seem long and the rest short inside the walls of Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. But the Steelers have gotten through the roughest stretch of camp, with game week finally here for the majority of the 90-man roster.
That will be a pivotal night for many, as we see who shines the brightest when the lights finally come on.
Featured image via: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
