Updating Steelers’ training camp battles after the Lions preseason game

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a roster which is set at several positions, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have several position battles which are unfolding before our very eyes. Before the start of training camp, myself and Dave Schofield outlined several camp battles which will be worth watching. After the Detroit Lions preseason game in Week 2, the team now prepares for the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. With that said, it is time to take a look at where these battles stand.

Let’s get to it...

Center

Kendrick Green vs. B.J. Finney vs. J.C. Hassenauer

Take a look at the pre-camp article below:

This camp battle is done, but the backup center position is still an unknown. At this point it seems like Hassenauer is the guy, but that is based off Finney not getting any reps this preseason at center. Could this depth chart be solidified already, and Hassenauer being the next man up behind Green? Looks like it is shaping up to be just that...

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Cornerback

James Pierre vs. Justin Layne

Take a look at the pre-camp article below:

While the center battle is done, this battle to be the CB3 on the roster rages on. Layne has been the one to make splash plays this preseason, but Pierre is a player who is getting all the hype. It will be interesting to see if Pierre could do something to separate himself on Friday night. I think it’s safe they both make the roster, but the Steelers could benefit from one of these two players stepping up in a big way.

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Running Back

Kalen Ballage vs. Anthony McFarland vs. Jaylen Samuels vs. Benny Snell

Take a look at the pre-camp article below:

As much as I want to write this camp battle is over, with Benny Snell returning to the lineup Friday night it will be interesting to see how that impacts the way the team views players like Ballage and Samuels. I feel Samuels is all but gone, but the battle for RB3 on the depth chart is anything but solidified. Friday night will be telling at the running back position.

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Punter

Pressley Harvin III vs. Jordan Berry

Take a look at the pre-camp article below:

In my opinion, this camp battle is all but over. All it takes is Pressley Harvin to have another consistent outing both punting and holding. He did that vs. the Lions last week, and while I expect Jordan Berry to get more repetitions, Harvin has been outstanding this preseason. If Harvin can continue to show consistency, there is no doubt he wins the job.

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Tight End

Zach Gentry vs. Kevin Rader

Take a look at the pre-camp article below:

Zach Gentry used to be a punch line, but now has become a legitimate contender to make the 53-man roster as a viable backup tight end. Kevin Rader is a good blocker, but it looks like this is Gentry’s job to lose in a lot of ways. First, he was drafted, and second he seems to have more of an upside as a receiver. Will they keep four tight ends? I doubt it, but maybe Rader can find a home on the practice squad.

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Defensive Line

Isaiah Buggs vs. Isaiahh Loudermilk vs. Henry Mondeaux vs. Carlos Davis

Take a look at the pre-camp article below:

This battle is going to be another one which will go down to the wire. I’ve been extremely impressed with Loudermilk’s progress, and Davis looks like he is vastly improved heading into his second season. I once thought the battle will be between Buggs and Mondeaux for a final spot along the defensive line, but Geoffrey Benedict convinced me Mondeaux is a lock to make the roster. That would leave Buggs as the odd man out...

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Quarterback

Mason Rudolph vs. Dwayne Haskins vs. Joshua Dobbs

Take a look at the pre-camp article below:

We know the trio who will make the roster, but how they fall on the hierarchy isn’t decided just yet. Unlike some, I am not sold on Mason Rudolph’s QB2 spot being in jeopardy. But there are some who believe a quality Dwayne Haskins game vs. Carolina could have him at QB2 this season. It would take one heck of a performance, and that alone is enough to have me engaged in the game.

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What do you think of all these training camp battles? Who is winning, and who will be the odd man out? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the 2021 regular season.