Steelers 2021 Training Camp Recap, Day 15: Ben Roethlisberger’s struggles on display Saturday

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...

After the Steelers’ 24-16 win over the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday night, Mike Tomlin was asked if he planned on playing Ben Roethlisberger vs. the Detroit Lions in the team’s third preseason game at Heinz Field.

He said he did.

With that being public, Ben Roethlisberger took the field during training camp knowing he would be playing this week, even if just a few plays. Let’s just say Saturday’s practice, for Roethlisberger, left a lot to be desired. In other words, it looked more like the final game he played at Heinz Field compared to what has been, thus far, a very stellar training camp.

Before going any further, just take a look at some of the live coverage from the media who were at Heinz Field for Saturday’s workout:

Yeah, not the best day for Roethlisberger. No, one poor practice doesn’t mean Dwayne Haskins or Mason Rudolph should be considered QB1 on the team’ depth chart, but it is worth noting. It also should be noted there was a camp when Roethlisberger approached training camp trying to never throw an interception, and while the result was good in camp, the result wasn’t as good when the games actually counted.

Just a pretty lousy day for the team’s offensive captain, but I’m sure the coming days will be different.

Now time for the other news and notes surrounding the Steelers’ Saturday practice...

Back where he belongs

It may just be for one practice, but Saturday Kevin Dotson was back with the starting lineup. Mike Tomlin said after practice he gave some players off, but the way Dotson played vs. the Eagles on Thursday night, he should at least get the next shot at starting at left guard.

No pads, light schedule upcoming

The Steelers didn’t have the pads on Saturday, and Mike Tomlin seems to be taking it easy on his team to start the week. In fact, Tomlin said after practice the plan is to have a regular season-like week as the team prepares for the Detroit Lions preseason game Saturday at Heinz Field.

7 Shots Update

Just your regular training camp update on the ‘7 Shots’ drill. The drill where the ball is placed at the two-yard line, and 7 plays are run. Saturday it was another dominating performance for the defense.

Personal Responsibility

Diontae Johnson had a dropped pass during camp practice Saturday, and took it upon himself to do push-ups afterwards as a personal punishment. Let’s see if that helps the ball stay off the ground more in the regular season.

Minkah Magic

Ben Roethlisberger might have thrown a pick during the 11-on-11 session, but the interception was also a diving pick by Minkah Fitzpatrick. Sometimes you tip your hat to the defender for a great play.

Right place, right time Justin Layne

Justin Layne found himself on the receiving end of an interception Saturday, this coming off his pick during Philadelphia Thursday. Sometimes the ball just finds you, and it typically is a situation where it is being in the right place at the right time.

2 Minute Drill

Let’s just say the two-minute drill was not very good for both the starting offense, and the backups.

No Green

When you saw the starting offensive line listed above, you probably noticed the No. 53 omitted from the list. That would be the number of rookie center Kendrick Green. Green was not at practice Saturday, but was excused by Mike Tomlin. This is the second time this camp Green has been excused from camp for personal reasons.

New Player, New Digits

In case you were thinking about heading out to and buying a Joe Schobert jersey, he will wear No. 45 for the black and gold. However, that could certainly change after cuts are made, so you might want to wait for the regular season before you click “Buy Now”.

Heinz Field in midseason form

The Heinz Field turf is often considered one of the worst in the NFL. It has been better in recent years since they stopped using the hybrid surface and just putting down new sod about three times a season. Nonetheless, it was noted by several reporters the players who were slipping around the turf Saturday.

Mike Tomlin on Joe Schobert

Tomlin spoke glowingly of Joe Schobert after practice, now that he can talk about the trade which took place between the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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