The 2024 regular season is rolling into the final week. The next week of preparation for the Steelers is underway after several days off following their loss to Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. With the typical Tomlin Tuesday moved up to Monday as they prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday night, head coach Mike Tomlin took to the podium to address in the media for our beloved Tomlin Tuesday yet on a Monday. 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.

DeShon Elliott, Donte Jackson, & Joey Porter Jr.

Coach Tomlin was asked about DeShon Elliott’s comments about correcting mistakes that he feels are more like issues to come up earlier in the season. In his response, Coach Tomlin also mentioned Donte Jackson and Joey Porter Jr.

“Oftentimes, those lapses that you mentioned are occurring because of personnel switches. DeShon [Elliott] himself has missed a block of games in recent weeks. Donte Jackson has missed some time. Joey Porter has missed some time, and so what you’ve been looking at are some of those personal changes that you suggest, and so that’s one of the reasons why I’m excited about having all the guys at our disposal in preparation this week.”

Russell Wilson

Coach Tomlin was asked about communicating with a veteran like Russell Wilson.

“Much like I was talking about my motivational tactics, it’s information. I’m information-based in my leadership. And so, we talk about the realities of what transpired and why and how we can minimize the potential of it occurring again. Not only as it pertains to his negative plays, but anyone’s negative plays or the collective’s negative plays. I’m an information guy.”

Justin Fields

Coach Tomlin was asked if he expects Justin Fields to get back working again this week.

“I do.”

Cory Trice Jr. & Jaylen Warren

Coach Tomlin was asked about the injuries for Cory Trice Jr. and Jaylen Warren.

“Just in-game wear and tear, bumps and bruises associated with play that may limit them at the early portions of the week, but not going to be significant in terms of their availability.”

Coach Tomlin was asked about Jaylen Warren’s play over the last two weeks.

“He’s a good player. He missed some time due to injury at the early portions of the season that probably slowed the overall trajectory of his game in 2024. But when he’s available, he’s significant. He’s significant in the running game. He’s significant in the flat passing game, in his space. He’s just got a nice skill set, particularly as it pertains to winning one-on-ones.”

George Pickens

Coach Tomlin was asked about George Pickens’ frustration following Wednesday’s game.

“I just saw him in the training room and he had a smile on his face. It was good to have him back. Certainly, the game didn’t unfold the way he or we would like. But as I mentioned, frustrations are a component of losing. I tend to focus my energies on constructing victory and worry less about those things. We’ve got good people, including George. We’re able to get over some of those bumps in the road that are associated with failure, and keep it moving.”

Coach Tomlin was asked if George Pickens broke off his route on the interception vs. the Chiefs.

“Not at all. George’s route running had zero to do with that interception. George was fine last weekend or last Wednesday.”

Chris Boswell

Coach Tomlin was asked if there’s a set distance he feels comfortable using Chris Boswell.

“Just in general, I feel good with ‘Bos’ [Chris Boswell]under any circumstance. But oftentimes, in-game circumstance will dictate, the outer reaches of that range and into the field. Venue, there are a myriad of variables that kind of go into the equation, but just know that I feel pretty good sending ‘Bos’ out there under any circumstance.”

Coach Tomlin was asked about what kind of guidance or coaching he gives Chris Boswell.

“You know, we’ve got a relationship, certainly, but there’s not a lot of coaching required when the success rate is what he’s got going on this year. He’s been a big-time asset to us, certainly.”

Mason McCormick & Zach Frazier

Coach Tomlin was asked how the younger offensive linemen have handled the toll of the season and a high number of snaps. In his response, Coach Tomlin mentioned Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier.

“I’ve been really pleased with their performance and their ability to grow in the midst of accumulation of a lot of snaps,but they bring a unique background. Mason McCormick has been a part of National Championships. He’s played 15 or 16 games in the college season. Zach Frazier is as experienced as a rookie can be in terms of starting and playing in a Power Five conference. And so I think that although I’ve been pleased with their ability to sustain I don’t know that I’m surprised by given what I just outlined for you, particularly regarding those two.”

Beanie Bishop, Cam Sutton, Elandon Roberts, & Payton Wilson

Coach Tomlin was asked about determining workloads between Cameron Sutton and Beanie Bishop Jr. In his response, he also mentioned Elandon Roberts and Payton Wilson.

“I think we determine division of labor week-in and week-out based on a variety of variables. It’s no different than the conversation that we have regarding Elandon Roberts and Payton Wilson, for example, or the tight ends. You could pick any component of play. We divvy the labor up, and we try to put guys in position to show what they’re capable of and things that provide the best match up for us relative to those that we compete against. And so, the nickel position is no different than the inside linebacker position or the tight end position or the wide out position where we play multiple people in certain spots, and particularly given certain circumstances.”

Mike Tomlin’s entire press conference can be seen here:

Coach Tomlin speaks to the media ahead of our Week 18 game against the Bengals. @PNCBank

📺: #CINvsPIT 1/4 at 8 PM ET on ESPN/ABC https://t.co/X68IXYYONR

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 30, 2024