This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.
Following the typical training camp cycle, Saturday is a relatively slow news day. We still have a few news and notes to work through, but this will be a relatively short edition of our training camp series.
Training Camp Storyline
Steelers Passing Attack
The Steelers aren't projected to be an elite passing attack, but their situation this summer is interesting from the perspective that they have a quarterback vacancy for the first time since 2004. Mitch Trubisky is considered the favorite to take over under center, but Kenny Pickett, the team's first-round pick, could also factor into the equation. For now, Pickett remains third on Pittsburgh's depth chart, but one of his primary draws as a prospect was his pro-readiness. He probably will start at some point during the 2022 campaign.
If Trubisky or Pickett proves a viable NFL quarterback, a lot of Pittsburgh pass-catchers are capable of being productive. Diontae Johnson is back to practicing fully after a hold-in and subsequent contract extension. George Pickens has been the talk of training camp and could be the next wideout to break out in the Steel City. Chase Claypool remains sidelined by a shoulder injury, but assuming he returns, there is a strong three-receiver set for unnamed quarterback.
Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth will also command a significant number of targets, which could hamper the upside of either Claypool or Pickens. This is where the context of the offense as a whole comes into play. The Steelers will rely upon either a quarterback who has looked subpar early in his career (Trubisky) or an unproven rookie signal-caller (Pickett), so the team is likely to rely on the run game and defense to win games. That's likely to limit the volume of the passing attack.
Injuries/Job Battles
- There was lots of news at Browns camp Saturday. Kareem Hunt is conducting a hold-in, as he has not participated in team drills the last two days. It's unclear when or how the situation may be resolved, but the chances of Hunt getting a substantial extension seem small after the team agreed to a deal to retain D'Ernest Johnson this offseason and selected Jerome Ford in the draft.
- Sticking in Cleveland, Anthony Schwartz and David Bell both returned to practice Saturday. Bell is a natural fit to immediately start in the slot, whereas Schwartz should challenge Donovan Peoples-Jones for the second outside receiver role. None of the Browns' pass catchers are likely to reach their ceiling with Deshaun Watson out, but they could emerge in the second half of the season.
- The Bears' already subpar receiver corps took a series of hits Saturday. Rookie Velus Jones missed his second consecutive day of practice, Byron Pringle suffered what appears to be a serious quad injury and N'Keal Harry is also dealing with a leg injury. That leaves Darnell Mooney and Equanimeous St. Brown as the top receivers and leaves Justin Fields with a limited supporting cast.
