The Pittsburgh Steelers resumed practice at Saint Vincent College on Thursday in Latrobe, PA. Today was the last training camp practice prior to the Steelers' preseason contest against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night. Several position battles are going to heat up as the team will take the field for the first time in a game setting in 2022. One of the featured competitions this weekend will be who is going to win the right to back up Najee Harris during the upcoming season.
Jordan Schofield/Steeler Nation (Twitter_JSKO Photo)
The Steelers turned back to the undrafted free agent market this past week, presumably for camp depth. The team brought in former Ohio State Buckeye standout Master Teague III. He initially backed up the Baltimore Ravens J.K. Dobbins for his first two seasons in college and impressed in relief duty. He was expected to be the starter for the Buckeyes last season, but TreVeyon Henderson consigned him to spot duty again. Teague was an undrafted free agent who initially signed with the Chicago Bears but was waived after just one three-day rookie minicamp.
When Harris was injured early in camp, the Steelers were rewarded with extended looks at Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland and the undrafted free agent Jaylen Warren. Warren has notably turned heads ever since the Steelers put on the pads. In fact, until Thursday's practice, Warren might have had the inside track for the position. But after his most recent eye-popping performance, Teague staked his claim on the position.
The Steelers signing might represent his last chance, and if Thursday was any indication, the running back does not intend to waste it. Snell was missing from Thursday’s practice and the newcomer took advantage. Teague was in beast mode and Chris Steele, another undrafted free agent from USC, found out just how seriously the running back is taking this opportunity.
While they practice special teams, I can show you some more hits from earlier 👀 #HereWeGo
— B-Wall (@BWall) August 11, 2022
Teague vs. Steele pic.twitter.com/8eSfuOR3OM
If you play the NFL video game, Madden, you are familiar with the concept of truck sticking your opponent. Teague looked more like a character in a video game, annihilating Steele and totally outclassing him. Steeler Nation’s own Brandon James Wallace pointed out that Harris was so excited, you can see him at the end of the play running out to congratulate the impressive Teague on a physical run.
Teague was not done putting on a display. He matched up with seventh-round draft pick Mark Robinson, who has been another standout rookie during camp in the Steelers staple “backs on backers” drill. Brooke Pryor from ESPN tweeted out that he was more than holding his own, and that there was some debate on who won the confrontation.
This is an energetic practice to say the very least. Master Teague and Mark Robinson just went three rounds in backs on backers. Teague won the first, Robinson won the second, and there was a big disagreement over who won the third.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 11, 2022
The question of bringing in a proven running back to provide relief for Harris has been a hot topic among Steeler fans for months. It appears that Omar Khan was well aware of what he had in his undrafted free agent Warren, and it seems that he has found another fast physical back in Teague. The pair of newcomers closely mirrors Harris' physical style. Warren impressed in team settings and did so well that his performance has demanded playing time against Seattle. He has rewarded the coaching staff with multiple big plays including a 70-yard run on Thursday and could be the current leader of the competition.
Master Teague going ⬆️ #Steelers @937theFan pic.twitter.com/F7QNU2phkp
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) August 11, 2022
Teague on the final play of the team session demonstrated he was not just a drill phenom. Tomlin gave the offense a scenario where they were expected to make four yards on the ground. The defense knew what was coming and Teague had the ball. The Ohio State rookie followed Chris Owens and ripped off a 15-yard run before he was dragged down. The scintillating display is sure to earn him an opportunity on Saturday.
The Steelers will play all three quarterbacks on top of the depth chart on Saturday night. Harris may make an appearance, although it would probably be prudent to hold him out. Snell’s status is unknown, so Warren and Teague should get extended opportunities to work as the feature back. If he performs as he did on Thursday, Saturday could be the Steelers' next appearance in a series of Masterclasses.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Are you rooting for the veterans or the undrafted free agent newcomers to take the lead for the RB2 position? Comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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