Steelers HC Mike Tomlin reveals his most anticipated training camp matchup
Following Sunday's practices at training camp, Tomlin shared which matchup he's looking forward to the most next week when pads come on — and it's the meeting of RB Kenneth Gainwell and LB Payton Wilson.
"I like Kenny G versus Payton Wilson in routes," Tomlin told reporters. "Kenny G has shown a really good aptitude, from a route-running standpoint out of the backfield. Payton Wilson, in his second year, is a guy that's working to be dominant in that area. It's just one of those matchups that has my attention."
Wilson was drafted with the 98th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft — and make a strong impression during his rookie year with the Steelers.
Gainwell, who spent the past four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, signed with Pittsburgh this offseason — a fantastic fit in a completely restructured Steelers running back room.
All eyes will be on these two Steelers when training camp returns on Tuesday, July 29 — a showdown that clearly has the full attention of the longest-tenured NFL head coach.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
39 minutes ago
- USA Today
Steelers' Darnell Washington defeats T.J. Watt, three other defenders in backs-on-backers
Backs-on-backers, an iconic Steelers training camp tradition where the pass-blocking skills of running backs and tight ends are put to the test — and Darnell Washington just passed with flying colors. At Friday Night Lights Practice, there was arguably no greater performance during the backs-on-backers drill than Washington, who reportedly defeated Jack Sawyer, DeMarvin Leal, Alex Highsmith, and the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, T.J. Watt. Coming out of college, Washington was billed as the best pass-blocking tight end of the 2023 NFL Draft class — and the Steelers didn't think twice when he dropped all the way to the third round. Many predicted a Year 3 breakout for the huge Steelers tight end — but the acquisition of Pro Bowl TE Jonnu Smith put a damper on expectations. Clearly, Washington is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead — set out to prove that Smith and Pat Freiermuth aren't the only tight ends opposing defenses should worry about this season. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Keenan Allen visiting with Chargers as rumors of possible reunion swirl
It looks like Keenan Allen and the Chargers could be headed toward a reunion. Allen, 33, will be visiting his former home on Friday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. There is also 'mutual interest' between Los Angeles and the six-time Pro Bowler, per Pelissero. Allen, who was drafted by the Chargers in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, spent his first 11 seasons with the club before being dealt to the Bears ahead of last season. During his tenure with the Chargers, Allen racked up 904 receptions and 59 touchdowns with a total of 10,530 receiving yards. The California alum also won the Comeback Player of the Year award for the 2017 season after missing the majority of the previous season with a torn ACL. Allen is looking to come back from a down season with the Bears, where the receiver put up just 744 receiving yards on 70 receptions, his lowest for his entire career in a full season. The rumors between the potential homecoming accelerated following the abrupt retirement of Chargers receiver Mike Williams in July. Williams — who was just 30 years old when he announced his retirement — spent his first seven seasons with the Chargers before signing a one-year contract with the Jets before the 2024 season. The Clemson alum's tenure with the Jets was unimpressive, putting up just 166 receiving yards in nine games before being dealt to the Steelers midway through last season. Williams previously signed with the Chargers in March, where he was then put on the team's Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list ahead of training camp. Following the news of Williams' retirement, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was supportive of the wideout, saying that he wanted to 'be there for him.' 'I want what's best for Mike. He's always been there for us and we're going to be there for him,' Herbert told reporters then. 'It's obviously a tough situation, I've got so much respect for him as a teammate, as a friend, as a receiver, as a player and the man that he is. 'We're going to be there for him however we can help,' Herbert added. 'Football at the end of the day is a game and there's more to life than just football. I'm just hoping for the best for him.'
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Steelers' Mike Tomlin gives injury updates on Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice, Calvin Anderson
CB Cory Trice sustained a hamstring injury and OL Calvin Anderson had a lower body injury in tonight's practice, Tomlin Porter Jr. is day-to-day with an unspecified ailment. Steelers HC Mike Tomlin has provided some injury updates following the Friday Night Lights practice in Latrobe. Following the annual tradition at Latrobe Memorial Stadium, Tomlin addressed three Steelers dealing with injuries — CB Joey Porter Jr., CB Cory Trice, and OL Calvin Anderson. According to the long-time Steelers head coach, Porter is dealing with an undisclosed injury but is day-to-day, Anderson's lower body is being evaluated after slipping, and Trice sustained a hamstring injury. Porter didn't participate in practice and was spotted by spectators and reporters alike wearing sweats — while both Anderson and Trice were hurt at Friday Night Lights. Anderson serves as the top backup offensive tackle, while Trice may need to compete for a roster spot in a loaded CB room — which makes the timing of his hamstring injury even more unfortunate. We at Steelers Wire will keep you all updated on the condition of these three Steelers, which will likely be cleared up in the next couple of training camp practices — hopefully with a positive injury update. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
