After the Pittsburgh Steelers finished up practice on Thursday, 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.

Russell Wilson

Coach Tomlin was asked if Russell Wilson is still in the pole position at quarterback and if he will start on Saturday.

“Nothing’s changed in terms of the positioning of those guys. And yes, he will start.”

In a later question, Coach Tomlin was asked if he anticipates Wilson will be able to do more of the playbook this week.

“Based on what I’ve seen out here this week, I don’t think they’re going to be any restrictions schematically.”

Beanie Bishop

Coach Tomlin was asked about the status of cornerback Beanie Bishop.

“He’ll be ready tomorrow or Saturday, but we did cut some of his reps in an effort to best put him in position to be ready to perform. He deals with day to day, training camp injuries, like a lot of guys out here, but particularly when you’re talking about a young guy with the weight that’s on the in-stadium performance, we thought it’d be best to reduce his workload in an effort to see the best of him and give him an opportunity to show his best in stadium.”

In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked If Bishop has shown him enough when he was healthy.

“Absolutely not.”

Justin Fields

Coach Tomlin was asked about what he wants to see from Justin Fields in this game.

“I want to see him show some of the things that we’ve seen out here in the practice setting, much like I’ve talked about the offensive unit, we’ve had some really good days and shown a really high floor with the potential for splash plays. And so I want to see it in the stadium.”

Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth, & George Pickens

Coach Tomlin was asked about some of the veteran offensive players on rookie contracts and how they have shown leadership in the locker room. When Coach Tomlin asked specifically who they were asking about, it was Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth, and George Pickens listed by name.

“Those guys are experienced by Pittsburgh and NFL standards. You’re talking about – those three guys have played a lot of football for us, and so I expect leadership and veteran-like behavior from them, in quality of play, and that group generally gives it, certainly.”

Cam Heyward

Coach Tomlin was asked if defensive tackle Cam Heyward will play in this preseason game.

“Again, our plan is to play all healthy people.”

Payton Wilson

Coach Tomlin was asked if he had an update on Payton Wilson.

“None.”

In a later question, Coach Tomlin was asked if Wilson is still in the concussion protocol.

“I don’t know the details of it as we stand here right now. I know he had a meeting or two today, but I don’t have the updated information, so I don’t want to give you misinformation.”

Thomas Graham

Coach Tomlin was asked about his evaluation of the slot corner position and in his response he mentioned Thomas Graham.

“You know, it’s a work in progress. You go through some challenges in terms of player availability. One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. Thomas Graham [Jr.] has been given a lot of opportunity because of some misfortune of others, but we have some position flexibility within our defensive backfield, so it’s not a big concern as I stand here today. But again, we’re not in that ‘scarcity’ mindset. We’re just in an ‘opportunity’ mindset. And so it’s really about the opportunities that guys get at this juncture.”

DeShon Elliott

Coach Tomlin was asked how he likes DeShon Elliott in coverage.

“Like him a lot.”

Cordarrelle Patterson

Coach Tomlin was asked if he would like to get Cordarrelle Patterson out on returns this week.

“I don’t know that that’s necessary. I think his resume is extent as extended as anybody’s on the planet in that space, and I might be more apt to see those that I know less about. Again, that’s a component of balancing the three preseason game model with the four preseason game model.”

Cory Trice

Coach Tomlin was asked his thoughts on defensive back Cory Trice.

“You know the big thing for him, with each passing rep, I see him just be more comfortable in terms of trusting his health. When you come off a major injury like he has, that’s a component of it as well. He’s also a young guy, so he’s got some growth things, and so there’s a lot of meat on that bone, and he’s covering a lot of ground, but there’s a lot of ground to cover.”

Broderick Jones

Coach Tomlin was asked about how Broderick Jones has responded in practice this week after being criticized for his performance last weekend.

“We don’t care about criticism. That’s the world we live in.”

Mike Tomlin’s complete interview can be seen here:

Coach Tomlin speaks to the media ahead of our preseason game against the Lions. https://t.co/oee1R3vTiM

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 22, 2024