As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepared to take the practice field at Acrisure Stadium for a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of Saturday night’s preseason game, head coach Mike Tomlin had his formal media session. With plenty of questions asked by those in attendance, it is once again time for a players mentioned article. Remember these are players where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period.

Cam Heyward

Coach Tomlin was asked about Cam Heyward participating in individual period and if he anticipates him joining in team period.

“He also participated in teamwork as well.”

Coach Tomlin was asked if Heyward doing team periods means anything has changed with his situation.

“You’d have to ask him.”

Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, & Jalen Ramsey

Coach Tomlin was asked he is eager to see the secondary together, or if  he needs to see them together.

“Both. There’s a fine line between eager and need. There’s a collective component, a communication component, a coordination component, to what they do. If you get an opportunity to get some snaps versus some really capable people in the stadium, man, we’d appreciate it.”

Coach Tomlin was asked about his thoughts on the cornerback room.

“We have a good and deep group, a group that works hard, that communicates well. I just think that’s reflective of the leadership. I can’t say enough about Jalen [Ramsey] and [Darius] Slay, in terms of what they bring. Not only their talents and experience, but their approach to business, their relationship with the game. It’s just a really good environment.”

Mike Tomlin’s complete interview can be seen here:

Coach Tomlin speaks to the media ahead of our preseason game against the Panthers. https://t.co/2U6iKZ7vW9

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 19, 2025