Fans who attended training camp in Latrobe, PA on Saturday to witness the Pittsburgh Steelers in action were likely very impressed. The players returned to wearing helmets after a day of much lighter conditioning, and the intensity picked up just enough to notice a significant difference from what was seen a day prior.
Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (8), Mason Rudolph (2) and Will Howard (18) during the first week of 2026 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Below are just a few things that fans should absolutely know about Day 4 at Saint Vincent College, as the Steelers continue to work their way up to preseason game No. 1 in 2026 against the Green Bay Packers. SteelerNation.com was once again on site for the action.
1. Robert Spears-Jennings Has Rough Day As A Starter
The Steelers drafted Robert Spears-Jennings in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He's projected to make the 53-man roster as a core special teamer who can also play safety. He's never really been praised for his pass coverage, and that was seemingly evident again on Saturday. He spent most of the practice with the first-team defense, playing alongside Jaquan Brisker in the secondary. For fans, this was another sign that new head coach Mike McCarthy and new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham are likely continuing to see which player lineups look best. It's also an opportunity for the new coaching staff to learn each player for themselves, and not rely on tape or past evaluations. Unfortunately for Spears-Jennings, he didn't make the most of his opportunity.
First-team D! Spears-Jennings across from Brisker at safety. 🤔
— B-Wall (@BWall) August 1, 2026
Fautanu had a false start on the first play, so Cook replaced him and Iheanachor came in at RT. #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/FP0sqOmMbG
Spears-Jennings was beat deep on Day 1 by Max Hurleman on a big play up the seam while playing with mostly backups. On Saturday, that continued on a few different plays. The first play came when star wide receiver DK Metcalf got behind the defense, including Spears-Jennings, on a nicely thrown ball from Aaron Rodgers. Metcalf unfortunately dropped the ball, but the seventh-rounder not even being in position to make a play on the ball was noticeable.
7v7.
— B-Wall (@BWall) August 1, 2026
First play is a deep shot to DK from Rodgers. He gets behind Dean and Spears-Jennings, but can’t hang onto the ball smh. Should’ve caught it.
A few plays later, Rudolph tries to hit Heidenreich over the middle, but it’s broken up by Payton Wilson. #HereWeGo
The second play came on another deep shot from Rodgers; this time to wide receiver Ben Skowronek. Luckily for Spears-Jennings, the ball was overthrown. If it was caught however, the rookie would've been beat.
Rodgers back in. Finds Dowdle, then Muth for back to back modest gains. Next play, Rodgers tries a deep shot to Skowronek, but it’s over thrown. Samuel and Spears-Jennings in coverage.
— B-Wall (@BWall) August 1, 2026
Rudolph in and finds DK on a short crosser. Dean in coverage. #HereWeGo
Fans should expect Spears-Jennings to excel more so in the run game, as well as getting downfield on special teams. There's a clear need for improvement in pass coverage, however.
2. Don't Be Too High Or Too Low On Drew Allar
Rookie quarterback Drew Allar is right where he should be at this point in training camp. Fans may have already seen videos of him at practice making some beautiful throws. That shouldn't go unnoticed. However, what many aren't seeing who have missed camp so far are the throws that make people realize he's just a rookie. Whether it's been inaccurate passes, throws where he and his receiver aren't on the same page, or simply throwing a dud in walkthroughs, Allar has shown plenty of reason to pump the brakes on feeling like he's already ready to start in Year 1. With that said, he's clearly got the arm strength and potential to continue to improve. He's had some big plays this past week as well, and plenty to build off of moving forward.
Allar finally in and hits Burgess and Perry on back to back plays. Next play is thrown behind Perry for an incomplete pass. Looked like he could’ve led him more.
— B-Wall (@BWall) August 1, 2026
Next play, Jamin Davis comes unblocked off the edge and forces another bad pass. Pass falls incomplete and the wide…
Allar ended practice running the two-minute drill with the other rookies and backups.
Next play is a deep shot to Perry for a huge gain! Everette in coverage. Might’ve been a small push off. Great throw though by Allar.
— B-Wall (@BWall) August 1, 2026
A few plays later near the goal line, Allar overthrows Burgess in the back of the end zone. Next play, he rolls out and tries to hit Perry…
Steelers Continue Mixing Up RB Rotation
On Friday, fans were able to get a look at running back Kaleb Johnson work in with the first-team offense. On Saturday, Lew Nichols saw similar reps to end the day. He immediately caught a pass out of the backfield and was also active picking up blitzes.
Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Lew Nichols (35) during the 2026 offseason.
This should also be a sign that the coaching staff is continuing to see what each player can do when given a bigger role.
Overall, there was more blitzing from the secondary again (particularly Brisker and Brandin Echols), Metcalf was very active, Will Howard continued to impress, and the edge rusher room started to make its presence felt just a touch more. All of that should continue next week when the pads come on.
Thoughts on Day 4? Follow @BWall on X for more live tweeting, and be sure to subscribe to YouTube.com/@BWallToTheBurgh for more updates!
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