Steelers 2021 Training Camp Recap, Day 4: Pat Freiermuth turning heads in early portions of camp

It isn’t Saint Vincent College, but it hasn’t been Latrobe, PA since 2019. The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking in their 2021 Training Camp between Heinz Field and their UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the Southside of Pittsburgh.

What went down during the latest training camp practice? That is where this article comes in. Check out all that was said, as well as photos and videos from the day’s workouts.

Here we go...

The 2021 NFL Draft class for the Steelers has been talked about a lot in the early portions of camp, but one player has gotten the majority of talk. It just so happens that player isn’t Najee Harris, but second round pick Pat Freiermuth.

The former Penn State tight end has been turning heads from both the local and national media during the Steelers’ ramp up period of training camp.

This from Mark Kaboly of The Athletic:

This from Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated:

Speaking of Sunday’s practice, there was one play which caught the eye of media, and it was a nifty toe-tapping touchdown grab in the back of the end zone.

I mean, just look at this grab caught by the Steelers official photographer:

Freiermuth is turning heads, but the real test awaits when the Steelers don pads for the first time. This will take place Wednesday, and will be the next challenge for Freiermuth. Everyone knows his ridiculous catch percentage in the red-zone. Everyone knows he is athletic and physical with the football. But can he block at the NFL level?

Only time will tell, but as for right now Freiermuth is putting his best foot forward.

Now time to get into the rest of the news which took place during the latest practice session...

Ben’s still got the arm

Remember in 2020 when everyone was critical of Ben Roethlisberger’s ability to throw the deep ball? It didn’t matter he had a complete elbow reconstruction the previous season and no preseason. He lost his deep ball. Well, when Teryl Austin met with media Sunday he was asked about Roethlisberger’s deep passes, his response was telling.

Sutton staying outside, for now

Speaking of Austin’s media session, he was asked about how they plan to deploy Cam Sutton. Keep him on the outside, or allow someone else to play outside and move Sutton back to the interior of the nickel and dime sub packages? As of right now, the plan is to keep Sutton on the outside, but that isn’t etched in stone.

Injury Update

The Steelers were without J.C. Hassenauer Sunday, but B.J. Finney and Kendrick Green were all at practice and contributing.

The only other injury which took place was Antoine Brooks Jr. who left practice with something labeled as minor by head coach Mike Tomlin. Zach Banner, who hasn’t dressed yet this training camp, is expected to return to the team this week as he continues his road back from ACL surgery last season.

Be aggressive

Trai Turner wasn’t in Pittsburgh last season. He didn’t play for Randy Fichtner. He has nothing to compare this training camp to, but he likes one thing about Matt Canada and Adrian Klemm’s mindset — aggressive.

A new era along the offensive line

Turner, who met with media Sunday, talked about replacing David DeCastro, and he showed a tremendous amount of respect to the All-Pro guard, while also making his statement clear. He is here to help the Steelers win football games and help catapult him to his next contract. He isn’t there to replace DeCastro, he is there to play football. His style of football. The Steelers hope he returns to the form he showed when in Carolina.

Nothing but respect

Most may not know this, but Turner came from LSU, and he knows all about another Bayou Bengal who is getting enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. That would be none other than former Steelers guard Alan Faneca. Faneca was in the NFL well before Turner reached LSU, but Turner knew all about Faneca and hopes he can meet him at a Steelers game sometime this season.

Creativity on offense coming up

Maybe it was just one play, or maybe this is just one of the wrinkles Matt Canada is developing in his new offense. The never used Derek Watt was sent on a wheel route during practice Sunday, something which never would have happened under Fichtner. The play wasn’t completed, but the fact they are using Watt in unique ways is not just a sign of what’s to come, but a positive sign.

Part 1 complete, pads coming up

The Steelers’ ramp up period is officially over, and now the team prepares for practice on Tuesday at Heinz Field after a day off Monday. Wednesday is the first practice with pads, and is the first live practice for fans at Heinz Field. Part 1 complete, with real football upcoming.

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