By admin 
The Pittsburgh Steelers are only a couple of weeks away from reporting to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. There, they will hold their first training camp with Mike McCarthy as head coach. McCarthy will become the first head coach not named Mike Tomlin to lead the team onto Chuck Noll Field in 19 years.
Read more Juan Soto Makes One Thing Clear About His Yankees Past
Not only will McCarthy’s staff be tasked with developing their position groups during the team-building phase, but they will also have to make difficult decisions in August. Those decisions will come as a result of intense competition across the roster.
The Latrobe sun won’t be the only source of heat on the practice field. Pads will pop, and players will battle to keep their NFL careers alive. While much of the focus has been on the offensive tackle, wide receiver, and backup quarterback competitions, two battles are flying under the radar. They could also be among the most compelling competitions to watch in Latrobe because so much is at stake for those involved.
Steelers have a serious RB3 competition brewing
Much of the attention has centered on how McCarthy will divide carries between running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. The two are expected to serve as the Steelers’ primary backs. However, the RB3 competition could become one of the most entertaining battles to watch throughout training camp. Kaleb Johnson and Eli Heidenreich are at the center of that competition.
The loser of this battle may not make the Steelers’ final roster, but the winner could have an opportunity to become a running back of the future. Dowdle and Warren both have two years remaining on their contracts. By 2028, Johnson or Heidenreich could emerge as Pittsburgh’s next lead back.
Read more When Will Jannik Sinner Play Next After Winning Wimbledon?
Rookie DB could push veterans for backup corner spot
There is something to be said for a rookie cornerback holding his own against a Pro Bowl-caliber starting wide receiver. It has also begun drawing attention from Steelers media. Daylen Everette carries the mentality of a Georgia Bulldog and won’t back down from the challenge.
That challenge is earning the primary backup role behind Jamel Dean or Joey Porter Jr. on the boundary. Asante Samuel Jr. and Brandin Echols will also compete with Everette for that position.
Echols brings excellent versatility, while Samuel brings the pedigree and upside of a potential long-term starting cornerback. Everette has impressed during the early stages of the offseason and will have an opportunity to show his coaches, teammates, and fans what he can do in Latrobe.
Read more One Commanders Player That Can Still Be Traded Before Week 1
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM.