The Pittsburgh Steelers reported to St. Vincent College for training camp on Wednesday. Following a run test, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media about the upcoming season. Since he was asked about a number of players, I am excited to bring back the players mentioned article to Steel Curtain Network for the 2024 season! Remember these are players where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period.

Russell Wilson & Justin Fields

Coach Tomlin was asked if anything has stood out to him that he has learned about Russell Wilson after being around him the last few months.

“He likes to work. I just think that that is a really good place to begin. He’s highly conditioned. He brings a unique approach to the weight room maybe for a guy that plays his position.There is a lot of interesting things about him in terms of his appetite for work that’s really attractive.”

In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked if Wilson still has pole position to be the starter.

“Nothing has changed.”

Next, Coach Tomlin was asked how he plans on working the reps with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

“Very carefully. You guys are going to ask me daily about the rep allocations, and no way. I’ve been on the job too long for that.”

Cam Sutton

Coach Tomlin was asked how his approach to Cam Sutton will change knowing he is suspended to start the season.

“His suspension has no bearing on his work in this environment.”

Pat Freiermuth

Coach Tomlin was asked if he could use tight end Pat Fairmouth in a wide receiver role occasionally and why it would be successful.

“I don’t know what you mean by that. In terms of splitting them out, we have done that in the past. No issues there. Most of the time in two tight end sets he’s often the one displaced with the core and acts like a wide receiver as you say.”

Najee Harris

Coach Tomlin was asked about Najee Harris giving an explanation as to why his fifth-year option was declined.

“No need for me to add any more to his answer to your question. If that’s what he was told, that’s what he was told.”

Cordarrelle Patterson

Coach Tomlin was asked about Cordarrelle Patterson being placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury List.

“You can characterize it as day to day at this juncture. We’ll see where it leads us.”

Joey Porter Jr.

Coach Tomlin was asked about how last season he waited until the second half of the season to get the rookies involved so they did not hit the rookie wall and if he will use a similar approach this season. In his response, Coach Tomlin mentioned Joey Porter.

“You know, what I do is based on individuals and it’s not just a cookie cutter approach. It’s based on the maturation and maturity and readiness of individuals, and so what may have applied to last year’s class may not apply to this year’s class. I think a lot of this year’s class are older guys than maybe last year’s class. Bunch of fifth year guys and things of that nature in this class. There might be more immediate maturity and readiness. In a nutshell, I don’t paint with a broad brush. We make decisions on an individual basis, and I don’t know if the front part of your question reflects our agenda regarding the whole class or maybe just a few individuals, like Joey Porter, Jr. is who I think you’re referring to. I don’t know if it’s indicative of the class.”

Cam Heyward & Keeanu Benton

Coach Tomlin was asked if he will have to pull back on Cam Heyward‘s reps in training camp based on him coming off of surgeries and that he’s 35. In his response, Coach Tomlin mentioned Keeanu Benton.

“I don’t know about coming off surgery. This guy has over 10,000 career snaps. Snaps in a setting like can this less important to him than for Benton. Let’s be transparent and honest.”

In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked if his expectations have gone up for Keeanu Benton in his second year.

“Absolutely.”

In another follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked what he is expecting for Keeanu Benton.

“Big things. Big things.”

In another follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked about Benton needing to finish more.

“You know, he can grow in all areas. I don’t know what you’re talking about regarding the finish. I don’t have any issue with his hustle or conditioning. But he’s a talented young guy with tremendous up side, room for growth in all areas.”

Tyler Matakevich

Coach Tomlin was asked about bringing in linebacker Tyler Matakevich and the role linebackers may play with the new kickoff rules.

“I know proven capable teamers are significant when you are faced with the unknown in the kickoff. Regardless of position, Tyler is a known commodity in that space, one we’re familiar with, one that everybody in the National Football League is familiar with. Just prudent business facing what we’re facing in terms of unknown, the impact of that play on our game.”

In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked if the new kickoff rule could impact the roster.

“It may, certainly. You know, late summer willingness to do business with guys like Tyler here is a component of it certainly.”

Mike Tomlin’s complete interview can be seen here:

Coach Tomlin speaks to the media ahead of our first #SteelersCamp practice. https://t.co/pTOF54A4Ct

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 24, 2024