The Pittsburgh Steelers attempted to take the practice field at St. Vincent College for training camp on Tuesday but were ultimately sent indoors due to storms. Following practice, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media about their fifth day of practice, albeit indoors. Since he was asked about a number of players, I am excited to bring back the players mentioned article to Steel Curtain Network for the 2025 season! Remember these are players where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period.

Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, & Donte Kent

Coach Tomlin was asked about Aaron Rogers being a regular participant in practice and if there is a plan for him or if it’s day to day. In his response, Coach Tomlin mentioned Will Howard, Jalen Ramsey (who will have his own section later), and Donte Kent.

“Keep watching. We have a plan. You know, my goal is to always give these guys what they need to be ready, depending on the guy that may change. When I minimize certain guys based on their experience, all it does is provide an avenue for more reps for someone else. Any days I might give Aaron off, or reps that I might give him off, it an opportunity for a guy like Will Howard to get additional work and aid his developmental process. That’s the lens through which I see all of it. You can apply that to another position and other veteran players. I’m going to give Jalen Ramsey a day or two off in this process, and it’s going to be great work for a guy like Donte Kent, for example.”

Broderick Jones

Coach Tomlin was asked if there is any update to Broderick and the outlook for him to return to practice.

“He should be out there tomorrow.”

Jalen Ramsey & Joey Porter Jr.

Coach Tomlin was asked what he is learning about Jale Ramsey as a person and how his personality traits are meshing with the collective. In his response, Coach Tomlin mentioned Joey Porter Jr.

“I think it’s a little early for that. I know that he’s a football lover. He’s highly engaged. He’s doing a really good job learning multiple spots. He’s a good communicator. I like to develop a relationship between him and Joey Porter Jr. for example. He’s a guy that’s been through a lot in this game, and he appears willing to share it.”

Robert Woods

Coach Tomlin was asked how Robert Woods fits in with the receivers and what has he brought to this group.

“Again, it’s a little early for that, but I like his approach to business. He’s a professional. His resume speaks for itself. He’s a hard worker, a diligent worker. I’m excited to see what he brings.”

Isaac Seumalo

Coach Tomlin was asked if he has a timetable for Isaac Seumalo.

“I don’t. You can still characterize it as day to day.”

Darius Slay

Coach Tomlin was asked about veterans Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey and if he has noticed anything in terms of leadership.

“They’re certainly sharing their experience of wisdom. I think that those things reveal themselves as you get further in the journey and you get faced with the natural adversity that the game presents. I think that’s when it gets an opportunity to show and show legitimately.”

Coach Tomlin was asked if he has seen anything so far about the way Darius Slay works and the way he conducts his business that he can provide some insight into.

“No, I haven’t. But again, these are great questions. It’s just really early in the process. We just came out of acclamation, and we lost our first pad of practice. So, many of these discussions are very much in development.”

Roman Wilson & Calvin Austin III

Coach Tomlin was asked about Roman Wilson, who seems like a very focused individual, if he is like that behind closed doors or is that just with the media. In his response, Coach Tomlin also mentioned Calvin Austin.

“He is with me, and so he might be giving you guys the same treatment he gives me, but it’s appropriate. This is a big camp and a big process for Roman. Going into year two and not having much participation in year one, but the standards of expectation and improvement being the same. Again, as I mentioned several times he’s not in uncharted waters. Calvin Austin III walked that same journey very recently, missing a lot of time from his rookie year, and it hadn’t slowed the trajectory of his progress and career to this point.”

Coach Tomlin was asked where Wilson could fit in on special teams.

“That’s to be determined. He’s certainly a willing worker. He’s caught kicks and punts in pre practice and so forth. His contributions are not going to be exclusive to that area. He’s working with gunners on the punt team. He’s a very willing guy in that area, but how he performs will determine those things.”

Coach Tomlin was asked if he would prefer Calvin Austin III not return punts if he takes on a bigger role.

“No, I like him there. He’s got a desire to be the best in the world. He’s made some dramatic improvements. He was moving in that direction over the course of the last season. He’s excited about taking another step in that area.”

Kenneth Gainwell, Jaylen Warren, & Kaleb Johnson

Coach Tomlin was asked if he considers kick returner a pretty open competition. In his response, Coach Tomlin mentioned Kenneth Gainwell, Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, and the aforementioned Roman Wilson.

“I do, but we’re not devoid of candidates. Really, really excited about Kenny Gainwell in that area. Certainly, Jaylen Warren’s got some experience in that area. We’re looking at Kaleb Johnson. We’re looking at Roman Wilson. We’re not devoid of candidates. I’m pretty comfortable with the pool of candidates, but there’s still some work to sort out.”

Payton Wilson

Coach Tomlin was asked about Payton Wilson saying he sees himself as the best coverage linebacker in the world, and if he agrees with that.

“I appreciate his mindset. He’ll be given an opportunity to prove that.”

Mike Tomlin’s complete interview can be seen on the Steelers YouTube Channel HERE