Today's practice was the beginning of the end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they wrap up camp in less than 48 hours. 

With the season only weeks away, and two preseason games left to earn roster spots, every rep is pivotal at this juncture. 

So with that in mind, here are the main takeaways from day 14 in Latrobe:

Joey Porter Jr. Strikes Back

Joey Porter Jr. has been terrific in camp when healthy, except when matched up against George Pickens. In his first practice since a slight tweak before last week's preseason game, Porter Jr. was limited but you couldn't tell by his play on the field. 



Peezy Jr. went head-up with George Pickens and answered the bell, forcing a pass breakup on an in-breaker from Pickett to Pickens. 



Hopefully, Porter Jr.'s participation level only increases throughout the week, and we see his debut for the Steelers come on Saturday. 

Broderick Jones Continues to Settle In

After an impressive couple of days dating back to his Friday night debut, Jones doubled down, or should I say, tripled down in practice today, going three for three against fellow rookie Nick Herbig. 



Seemingly getting more comfortable by the rep as a pass protector, Jones is still behind in the race for starting left tackle, but that may not last much longer. 

Big Nickel is Here

For the first time all camp, the Steelers' top three safeties in Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal, and Damontae Kazee were all healthy and back on the field, meaning the Steelers' debuted their version of "Big Nickel" or three safeties on the field at once. 



A wrinkle to the defense I've been excited to see, I'm hoping that the Steelers make this grouping more than just a practice feature, but rather a staple in the defensive design. 

Guards Go To Work

While there are questions about the players protecting the edge of the pocket, or snapping the ball to Kenny Pickett, one thing is certain, and it's that the guards are going to be much improved in 2023. 



In his second year in the system, James Daniels is only getting better, and on the opposite side, free agent acquisition Isaac Seumalo has fit into the system like a glove, having no issues in pass protection and mauling people in the run game. 



That's good for Kenny Pickett, but especially for Najee Harris as the Steelers look to get back to their dominant ways on the ground. 

Injury Updates

Rookies Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton were both back today after missing time this weekend. Cam Heyward was also back after being out with an illness over the weekend. 



Larry Ogunjobi was on the field today but didn't participate as he was in a walking boot. 



Hopefully, his movement is a sign that he's getting closer to a return, something the Steelers will desperately need come September. 

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It was a dominant defensive performance to start the week in Latrobe. With the offense struggling at quarterback outside of Kenny Pickett, and the defensive backs making life difficult on the pass catchers. 



But these days are good for the Steelers offense, as they will be hard-pressed to find a tougher defense in the league to go against. 



Perhaps that's one of the reasons the Steelers don't practice against other teams in camp, seeing as they have all the competition they need right in their own backyard. 

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