Steelers camp preview: Adeniyi keeps moving up; backup QBs to take over
Each day of Steelers training camp, the Trib rounds up some things to pay attention to during practice at Saint Vincent:
WHAT TO WATCH
Ola-mania: One player that has emerged as an early darling has been outside linebacker Ola Adeniyi. He starred in the “Backs-on-‘Backers” drill that highlighted the first day of practice in pads, and Adeniyi moved into the first-team rotation at left outside linebacker after an unspecified injury sidelined Anthony Chickillo on Wednesday. The longer that T.J. Watt remains on the PUP list and Chickillo remains out will give Adeniyi, an undrafted free agent in 2018 from Toledo, more chances to boost his stock.
Backing it up: If the Steelers stay on the schedule they have used in recent seasons for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, he will get his customary day of rest Thursday. In that event, the first-team snaps likely will be delegated to Joshua Dobbs and Mason Rudolph as they continue to compete for the backup job.
Check out our coverage on Dobbs trying to maintain a grip on the No. 2 job that he held last season.
Situational football: When the Steelers returned from their first off day of camp, coach Mike Tomlin had his players working on specific situations. The offense worked on some no-huddle and also when it was backed up inside its 5-yard line. Expect some hurry-up, two-minute situations and other drills that involve preset down-and-distance obstacles to come soon.
Practice time: 2:55-5 p.m., Chuck Noll Field
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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