Steelers Exploring Joint Practice With NFC Team After New Invite

The Pittsburgh Steelers got their official schedule for the 2025 NFL season, as did the rest of the 31 NFL teams. The Steelers will play their third and final preseason game on the road against the Carolina Panthers ahead of the 2025 season. While preseason matchups don’t count in the standings, they often offer key insights into roster battles, position depth, and new scheme implementations.

Typically with the teams you see in the preseason, there is always the possibility of a joint practice. The Steelers held one with the Buffalo Bills ahead of the 2024 season, which helped both teams prepare for game action in a more controlled setting. These joint sessions offer valuable reps between starters and can provide more intensity than a traditional training camp practice without the risks of a full game.

On Thursday, it was revealed by Panthers insider Joe Person that the Panthers have reached out to the Steelers about holding a joint practice. According to Carolina Head Coach Dave Canales, discussions have taken place and the idea is on the table. If agreed upon, it would mark another opportunity for the Steelers to fine-tune their roster and build chemistry in the lead-up to what they hope will be a successful 2025 campaign.

"Dave Canales says Panthers have reached out to Texans and Steelers to gauge their interest in having a joint practice or two before Carolina plays each in the preseason," Person wrote. "Panthers and Browns already set for a joint practice in CLT."

The Panthers already have a joint practice scheduled with the Cleveland Browns and are now aiming to set up another one with either the Steelers or the Houston Texans. Joint practices offer teams a valuable chance to scrimmage against NFL opponents before their preseason games and the regular season begins.

These sessions provide extra reps and more opportunities for coaches to evaluate players, giving teams a potential edge when it comes to preparation. However, joint practices can also raise concerns about increased intensity leading to animosity or even injuries, as players bring added motivation and competitiveness to these matchups.

Still, despite those risks, teams rarely shy away from joint practices because the benefits usually outweigh the drawbacks. It’s a unique way to fine-tune strategies and get real-game experience without the stakes of an official game.

The Steelers have a history of participating in joint practices and held one in 2024. It’s likely they’ll seriously consider the Panthers’ offer and potentially schedule a joint practice with them ahead of the 2025 season. Steelers fans are especially eager to see who will emerge as the team’s starting quarterback this year.

Steelers Still Waiting On Aaron Rodgers To Give Big Update

All eyes remain on Aaron Rodgers and the timing of his decision on whether he’ll join the Steelers. That storyline continues to dominate the conversation as the season draws near, making it the biggest topic for Steelers fans to follow in the coming months. The Steelers have operated all 2025 as if Rodgers is going to be their quarterback. If he doesn't end up coming, they will have to pivot to Mason Rudolph.

The Steelers have shown strong confidence in Rudolph’s ability after he stepped in at the end of the 2023 season and effectively turned things around. Rudolph took control and guided Pittsburgh from playoff elimination back into contention. Following that impressive run, he signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. 

Now he’s back in Pittsburgh with a real opportunity to start if Rodgers decides not to join the team. The Steelers drafted quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Howard will also have a chance to earn quality reps during the offseason and preseason. Howard has already impressed the coaching staff with his leadership and command of the offense. 

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