The Pittsburgh Steelers are now two weeks into 2026 training camp, as the next few practices will involve preparing for their first preseason game of the year. There have been quite a few standouts that seem to be ready to move up on the depth chart and get more reps, but these games will decide if they are truly ready or not. Even with veterans on the team all over the place, there are plenty of spots up for grabs if one of these supposed unknown names can impress in training camp.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
New Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham works with the defense as the team practices during an Organized Team Activities (OTAs) workout in Pittsburgh, PA.
Throughout these two weeks, there has been one player labeled as a camp body who has done nothing but prove that he deserves to be on the 53-man roster. While reporting from training camp, Nick Farabaugh explained another play that this "sleeper" made.
Doneiko Slaughter with great coverage on a corner route by Germie Bernard in one on ones.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 8, 2026
If you want to find the sleeper of camp standout out so far, there’s no question it’s Slaughter. Heck of a rep.
Slot corner Doneiko Slaughter has gotten the chance to step up due to injuries at the position. Jalen Ramsey was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list before camp started. Meanwhile, Brandin Echols suffered a lower body injury recently and has since been seen wearing a boot. Those two were expected to take almost 100% of the snaps throughout the season at that position, but now, neither of them are.
Every team says the same thing: next man up. For Slaughter, he has more than embodied that message. The fans didn't know who he was before training camp started, but every day, analysts have been taking note of the former undrafted free agent. Even Head Coach Mike McCarthy addressed how well he has progressed in a recent press conference. When the offensive-minded coach takes notice, he's doing something right.
Derrick Harmon keeps making plays in the backfield. He knifed through the offensive line for another tackle for loss during team work before a later run was also stopped behind the line by Doneiko Slaughter. #Steelers
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) August 6, 2026
The Steelers claimed that Ramsey's injury is not serious, and they have not announced the severity of Echols' new issue. Even if both are back healthy and ready for Week 1, it's going to be very hard for the team brass to justify leaving Slaughter off the roster. When someone is lighting everything up like he has, the coaches have to find a way to include him in the gameplan whether they intended to or not.
© Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey celebrates with Brandin Echols after forcing a turnover during the playoffs.
Ramsey is expected to be a positionless player anyways, so Echols may need a backup, even if both are healthy. Even then, Slaughter was a versatile defensive back all throughout college, so he can fill in at safety if needed, especially with all the injuries there as well. He could become a force on special teams as well. Either way, Pittsburgh can't just let a talent like this walk.
Steelers Have Had Success With Players Like Slaughter
Typically, the Steelers don't just go out and look for a certified slot corner. They find players that did well as defensive backs in college but maybe didn't fit the mold of a NFL safety or cornerback. That's how the team ended up with guys like Mike Hilton becoming key contributors to the defense, as well as Cameron Sutton in his first stint in Pittsburgh.
Even though the Steelers have a new coaching staff, the philosophy seems to be the same. Slaughter was never a pure slot corner, but now, this transition could be exactly what he needs to not only make an NFL roster, but also thrive on the field. He seems to have a natural sense for being wherever the football is. That is a common skillset of high-quality players in the middle of the field, including in the slot.
What do you think of Slaughter's impressive training camp so far? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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