After the Pittsburgh Steelers finished up a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday at Acrisure Stadium, head coach Mike Tomlin had his formal media session ahead of Saturday’s preseason game. With plenty of questions asked by those in attendance, it is once again time for a players mentioned article. Remember these are players where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period.

Nate Herbig

Coach Tomlin was asked Nate Herbig’s availability and who he anticipates starting at center.

“He’s got a training camp-like injury. We’ll wait and see his level of availability before I declare that. And that’s one of the things I was talking about in terms of the 11th hour decision, we’re going to leave the door ajar for as many as we can.”

Russell Wilson

Coach Tomlin was asked if Ruseel Wilson will start at quarterback.

“He’ll start.”

T.J. Watt

Coach Tomlin was asked if T.J. Watt had received a veterans day off on Thursday.

“Yes.”

Beanie Bishop & Ryan Watts

Coach Tomlin was asked about how important it is for Beanie Bishop and Ryan Watts to show more on special teams than on defense.

“You know, I don’t know that more is the appropriate thing. They need to show in all areas. I think the more irons they have in the fire, it helps their cause and ours. Make no mistake about it, special teams is a major component, but the things that they’re doing on defense and versatility in particular, regarding the two guys that you mentioned, is an important component of their profile. So they’ve got to multitask. They’ve got to have an upward trajectory in all areas, to be quite honest with you.”

Broderick Jones & Troy Fautanu

Coach Tomlin was asked if he expects more out of Broderick Jones after he had a good response in practice following the first preseason game.

“You know, practice is practice. Game work is game work. I’m excited about watching him and others participate in the stadium
on Saturday night.”

In a follow-up question, coach Tomlin was asked if Jones’ reps at each tackle spot might change because of Troy Fautanu‘s injury.

“I don’t know that it changes. Versatility is an asset of his. He’s played both throughout. I’d imagine that will continue, and I
don’t know that Troy’s circumstances has anything to do with him being versatile for us.”

Payton Wilson

Coach Tomlin was asked about what he thought of Payton Wilson‘s first game.

“I thought it was a really good start for him. He was highly active on defense and in teams, but I think it’s reasonable to expect him to be more detailed with that activity, with more exposure.”

Justin Fields

Coach Tomlin was asked how many series he expects Justin Fields to play.

“Again, we’re going for roughly four series with that first group, and then we’re going to play from there. I don’t have it etched in stone.”

In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked how he’s evaluated Fields decision-making.

“You know, I don’t want to diminish his natural instincts. I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve seen in that regard. I think the two minute drill and what you saw today was reflective of that. What I don’t want to do is take away a natural act. That guy’s got some natural abilities in that area. It’s our job to properly direct it and make sure that it’s an asset to him and us. That’s the mentality that we all have. It’s been good thus far. I’m not going to over-manage or micromanage it.”

Darnell Washington

Coach Tomlin was asked about what he has seen from tight end Darrnell Washington.

“I don’t know that I’m surprised by anything that he [Darnell Washington] does in the passing game. I think that component of his game has been underrated because of his stature and the things that he brings to the run game. But I think that none of that is surprising any of us. He’s an effective guy. He’s capable of creating separation at break points. He’s got an awesome catch radius for a big man. He can catch balls on his back half or down low. He’s a capable guy in that area.”

Mike Tomlin’s complete interview can be seen here:

Coach Tomlin speaks to the media ahead of our preseason game vs. the Bills. https://t.co/e2XuHEflou

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 15, 2024