As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepared to take the practice field at St. Vincent College for another practice ahead of Friday night’s first preseason game, head coach Mike Tomlin had his formal media session. 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.

Justin Fields

Coach Tomlin was asked on his plans for the playing time for Justin Fields on Friday.

“You know, I’m probably going to give that ‘first unit,’ and him included in that, a couple of series. And I think he just comes to compete every day. He’s got an awesome competitive spirit. We’ve got a competitive environment, and it seems like he’s enjoying it. He’s doing a really good job of acclimating himself to it and his teammates and letting his talent show.”

In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked about how Fields has been improving his footwork.

“Yeah, he just had a focus on his footwork in the pocket, body balance,posture in which he throws from it’s been a point of emphasis for him going into the off season, and I’ve just seen the fruit of that labor, or the attention that he’s given it.”

In a later question, Coach Tomlin was asked how much this is an audition for Fields to push for the starting job.

“I think everything is an audition. Everything that we do is an audition, not only for him, but for others.”

In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked if he would still categorize it as a quarterback competition.

“Very much is a competition. What happens in a stadium is weighted heavier than what happens in a practice setting, because it’s more game-like.”

Patrick Queen & Minkah Fitzpatrick

Coach Tomlin was asked if there are injury issues with linebacker Patrick Queen and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

“Just minor, day-to-day things. And again, sometimes, if they’re less than ideal, because they’re established players, and they need less runway to be ready for the season, they’re not just simply, minimizing them and provide opportunities for others.”

Russell Wilson

Coach Tomlin was asked at what point he becomes concerned about the lack of reps for Russell Wilson in the first team offense.

“I’m not.”

In a later question, Coach Tomlin was asked if Wilson is still in the pole position at quarterback.

“You guys I saw the depth chart that I released yesterday, and that is real.”

Zach Frazier & Troy Fautanu

Coach Tomlin was asked about the potential for rookie Zach Frazier to get some first team reps. In his response, he talked about the opportunities for Troy Fautanu.

“You know, those opportunities are coming, not only for him, but for everyone. A lot of it, the speed in which it occurs, depends on how you perform against those that you are competing against. You’ve got to see if Troy [Fautanu] has gotten some opportunities, because he’s handled some of his other opportunities, and Zach’s done a nice job, and I’m sure some one opportunities are coming his way.”

in a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked if Fautanu got any reps at guard.

“He did not.”

Beanie Bishop, Cam Sutton, & Grayland Arnold

Coach Tomlin was asked about what Beanie Bishop has done to earn the first nickel spot on the depth chart. In his response, Coach Tomlin mentioned the other nickel corners on the depth chart.

“But you said it. Like, Cam [Sutton] is not in there. ‘G. Arnold’ [Grayland Arnold] has missed some missed some time with a soft tissue injury, and so I wouldn’t over analyze his positioning in terms of the depth chart. But, to Beanie’s credit, he has done some nice things in this camp and throughout the developmental process, dating back to the spring. He’s a game young man, and I’m excited about seeing him in stadium, particularly some of the things that come along with that position on first and second down football, blitzing and so forth, excited to see him in some real action there.”

Van Jefferson & Scotty Miller

Coach Tomlin was asked about what he likes about the wide receiver room. In his reply, he mentioned the new veteran guys such as Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller.

“I just like the way that group has worked, getting to know particularly some of the new veteran guys in that group. Can’t say enough about Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller, for example. Guys that have shown really high floors in this process, and they’re really consistent in their performance, and they bring it every day. That’s kind of indicative of veteran players. I’ve been pleased with the growth in the work coming from that group.”

Broderick Jones

Coach Tomlin was asked if he wants to see Broderick Jones work at both tackle spots.

“He has been. So, it’s reasonable to expect that to continue. Yes.”

Isaac Seumalo

Coach Tomlin was asked about who would start in place of Isaac Seumalo in Friday’s game.

“We haven’t even really discussed that yet. I’m just committed to not playing Isaac. As I mentioned today, we still have a Steelers versus Steelers practice scheduled this morning, and so as we get into this afternoon, as we get off the field, we will really start to detail how we divide the labor up and specifically how much people are going to play and win.”

Mason McCormick

Coach Tomlin was asked about what he likes from rookie Mason McCormick so far.

“I like the fact that he doesn’t shrink from competition. You’ve got to acknowledge just a significant step up from FCS ball to the NFL, but he’s not shrinking in the face of that. He’s showing a strong belief in self, and I just think that that’s a good platform in which to grow from. Belief in self, running to competition, and so he’s gotten better in a hurry, and I’m going to be excited about watching that continue.”

Nate Herbig

Coach Tomlin was asked about Nate Herbig not being really familiar with the center position.

“Herbig has got experience at the position. I wouldn’t say that it’s new to him. He’s done it in the NFL. He’s got starting experience at the position on other teams in the NFL, and so I don’t know how I’d describe him as inexperienced in it.”

Pat Freiermuth & DeShon Elliott

Coach Tomlin was asked about the competitive matchups between pass catchers and defensive backs during camp. In his response, he mentioned tight end Pat Freiermuth and safety DeShon Elliott.

“I think those matchups always occur in a setting like this. The familiarity associated with Steelers versus Steelers, meaning ones on ones, twos on twos, you get high intensity matchups. I’ve liked the [Pat] Freiermuth vs. ‘D. Elliott’ [DeShon Elliott] matchup, for example, that has been on display here. And so, there’s a lot of those, and it is reflective of things in the past because I’m not looking for the feel good. I don’t go ones versus twos, twos versus ones. I want to sharpen iron on iron. And so, it gets intimate at times.”

Dan Moore Jr.

Coach Tomlin was asked about Dan Moore continuing to battle for tackle spot.

“He’s done a really nice job. He’s come in-shape and prepared. He’s professional and highly competitive daily.”

Patrick Wilson

Coach Tomlin was asked about what he has seen from rookie linebacker Payton Wilson.

“I really like his athleticism. It’s on display. You feel it, you see it. Also like his level of conditioning. I thought he’s coming to this thing prepared, and that’s allowed him to absorb additional snaps. Days like when I minimize Patrick Queen have been really good opportunities for him to get work and elevated work, and so it’s been a good process for them.”

Mike Tomlin’s complete interview can be seen here:

Coach Tomlin speaks to the media ahead of our first preseason game vs. the Texans. https://t.co/EvMLsYkR6G

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 7, 2024