The one big thing: Coach Mike Tomlin said he won’t be influenced by good days or bad days throughout training camp as he evaluates the quarterback competition among Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph. The first practice Wednesday afternoon had a mix of everything for the players vying for the job.
Trubisky didn’t start off well, missing three of his first four targets in the first team period, but he rebounded and finished practice with a flourish..
Rudolph went 4 for 4 in his first four attempts and was the most consistent performer of the trio. Among his highlights, he made a quick read and side-armed a quick screen through traffic to Calvin Austin III for a 60-yard touchdown.
Pickett, the rookie first-round pick out of Pitt, had the toughest day. He took the final rep of practice and was picked off by Carlins Platel.
“I saw good work, attentiveness and good communication,” Tomlin said. “We're crawling. I can tell you guys some things, but it's the early portion of the process, and I appreciate their attentiveness and professionalism. They'll continue to write their stories and sort themselves out.”
Our take: It’s only one practice, but Rudolph isn’t cowering after the acquisitions of Trubisky and Pickett. Rudolph was crisp and made quick decisions that resulted in completions throughout practice. He has by far the most experience in the Steelers system, and it showed on Wednesday.
Trubisky ran the first-team offense while Rudolph took the second-team reps and Pickett the third-team reps.
The coaches didn’t deviate much from their practice plans in the spring — at least not in the first practice.
“There will be a rotation,” Rudolph said. “Whatever reps I’m given, I’m going to make the most out of them.”
What’s next: The Steelers will practice without pads once again Thursday. It’s the second of four acclimation workouts before they graduate to full pads for the first time on Monday. For fans coming out, practice begins at 1:55 p.m.
Ray Fittipaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rayfitt1.
First Published: July 28, 2022, 9:30 a.m.
Updated: July 28, 2022, 3:09 p.m.
