Steelers' Winners And Losers From First Week Of 2024 Training Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers will enjoy a day off on Monday before putting on the pads come Tuesday's training camp practice. The first week was highlighted by a sudden calf injury to Russell Wilson, which highlighted the play of Justin Fields. The veteran in Wilson is expected to be back for the second week and it will be interesting to see how he operates with the first-team offense. After an exciting few practices, the coaching staff is likely already getting an idea of how the 53-man roster should be formed. Things can change when the pads go on, but for now, there are some clear winners and losers.

Winners

1.) Donte Jackson - Cornerback

A lot was made of the big trade made by the Steelers that sent Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. Donte Jackson has apparently shined so far, according to SteelerNation.com's own B-Wall. Pittsburgh needed someone to step up opposite of emerging star Joey Porter Jr., and Jackson could help solidify the position. Johnson has apparently had a rough start to camp in Carolina, making Jackson's strong play without pads on even more exciting for the fan base.

2.) Pat Freiermuth - Tight End

The Steelers should have Pat Freiermuth signed to an extension before the 2024 season kicks off. After getting hit with the injury bug in 2023, he appears to not just be at 100%, but also a focal point in Arthur Smith's new offensive system. Pittsburgh might not even have to secure a definitive number two wide receiver if Freiermuth is going to work in both a tight end and wide receiver role. It's certainly possible in Smith's system and he could be in for a breakout season after getting extended.

3.) Kyle Allen - Quarterback

It'd be nearly impossible for Kyle Allen to be anything other than the third-string quarterback when the season rolls around (barring injury), but he has had a very strong camp so far and outshined Fields in the popular "seven shots" drill. He has impressed Head Coach Mike Tomlin and could have the organization believing that it has three legitimate options at quarterback. As the Steelers saw in 2023, sometimes a third-string quarterback can save a season down the stretch.

4.) Kyron Johnson - Linebacker

A big question surrounded which player might emerge as the fourth and likely final edge rusher to make the roster. The top three are clear in TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, but Kyron Johnson has turned some heads at camp. Granted, pads haven't been thrown on yet, but Johnson has looked quick and proving that he is a formidable option when it comes to filling in for any of the top three guys. Answering the question mark surrounding this role before the season would be comforting.

5.) Cameron Johnston - Punter

The Pressley Harvin III days are over, which has the Steelers hoping Cameron Johnston can bring long-term stability to the position. The veteran punter has been booting the ball so far in camp.

More than one individual paying attention at camp has noticed his prowess at the punting position. If he is able to step up in a big way, it could be a complete game-changer for the Steelers.

Harvin has had fans worried about the position since 2021, but Johnston has the talent and leg to bring a significant amount of consistency for the team. His play could be the determining factor in a win or a less in 2024.

Losers

1. Justin Fields - Quarterback

Allen has seemed to perform better than Fields while Wilson has sat out the beginning of camp. The first couple days of seven shots, which is a crucial drill to determine red zone potential, were rough for Fields. Allen, on the other hand, has excelled and proving that he brings the experience that he has. Fields has been overthrowing many receivers and his accuracy hasn't been up to par. This is something he must be better with if he ever wants to unseat Wilson as the starter. Keep in mind, Allen hasn't faced the likes of Watt, Highsmith, and the rest of the Steelers' elite defensive starters like Fields has throughout camp. However, this is Fields' chance to shine and prove to the coaching staff that he can be a legitimate QB1 -- it just hasn't been very convincing thus far.

2.) Isaiahh Loudermilk - Defensive Line

Pittsburgh needs individuals to step up on the offensive line and unfortunately for Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal seems to be that guy so far after four practices during training camp.

One of them could find themselves on a new team once September arrives. There was original speculation that Leal could find himself on the trade block, but that could end up being Loudermilk if Leal continues his strong play once pads come on. Leal is also an honorable mention of a winner on this list. He will need to prove himself when the pads come on, but it is a make-or-break season for the third-year player and strong play could be the end of Loudermilk in the Steel City.

3.) Mark Robinson - Linebacker

The signing of Tyler Matakevich could have significantly hurt Mark Robinson's chances of making the team for the third straight season. Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts and Payton Wilson are all healthy and showing out. If Cole Holcomb is healthier sooner than expected, Matakevich could land on the 53-man roster as the fifth linebacker due to experience and special teams capabilities. That could leave Robinson on the outside looking in.

4.) Cordarrelle Patterson - Special Teams/Running Back

Starting training camp on the Non-Football Injury list is not an ideal situation for Cordarrelle Patterson and the Steelers. The kick return specialist was brought on board to take advantage of the 2024 kick return rules, but his absence from practices already has Pittsburgh playing behind other teams focusing on kick return strategies. His job won't be lost, but a hamstring ailment could make things even more complicated throughout camp and the preseason.

Steelers Will Learn Much More Once The Pads Go On

Football is a physical sport and it's hard to fully evaluate players when contact is pretty much kept out of the equation. Tuesday's practice will see hard-hitting for the first time in months and Tomlin and his staff will learn plenty about their team. There are going to be several areas to keep an eye on as the first preseason game rapidly approaches.

Who are your winners and losers from the first week of training camp? Let us know in the comments below!

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