After an eventful Friday Night Lights practice, the Steelers were back to their normal setting Saturday. Practicing under the sun at Saint Vincent College, things are only ramping up just a week away from the team’s first preseason game. Speaking to the media after practice, Mike Tomlin mentioned a few players who caught his eye. The first was Kenneth Gainwell.
“He’s good inside the backfield, he’s good out of the backfield,” Tomlin said. “He’s a good route runner, he’s a good outside zone runner, he’s got a well-rounded game. That’s one of the reasons we’re excited about acquiring him.”
This offense is full of Swiss Army knives. Most notable has been Jonnu Smith, but Gainwell could be just as much of a weapon himself. He’s made himself into quite a versatile back, one who can pick up yards on the ground, yet also line up wide as a receiver and run routes.
Gainwell could see more opportunities with the Steelers’ lack of wide receiver depth. It’s even got Pittsburgh trying out some four-tight end sets, a sign that Arthur Smith is willing to get creative. Gainwell prides himself as a route runner and does it better than most backs in the league. With both Kaleb Johnson and Jaylen Warren able to handle a substantial workload, expect Gainwell to be used as a gadget player.
Two more players, a little less proven than Gainwell, also received some praise from Mike Tomlin Saturday. That includes Scotty Miller and James Pierre, each of whom is seeing work on special teams as well as offense and defense.
“I think that’s kind of reflective of who they are,” Tomlin said. “You know, football players first. Whatever we ask you to do, the more you can do, you add value to your cause and ours. And so I’m excited about those contributions.”
Miller was released toward the end of the 2024 season and re-signed with the Steelers in free agency. He’s making big plays in camp, which is only helping his cause to make the 53-man roster.
As for Pierre, things are more complicated. As a cornerback, he’s at a position with possibly the most depth on the roster. Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. are all roster locks. Brandin Echols likely makes it as a new addition this offseason.
Then there’s Cory Trice Jr. and Beanie Bishop Jr., two young players the Steelers may want to keep around. There’s also rookie seventh-round pick Donte Kent. It’s a crowded room, to say the least.
That’s not stopping Pierre from trying to prove himself. On Friday, he had an interception during the two-minute drill, and he grabbed two more today.
Pierre has a lot of people to compete with as he tries to earn a roster spot. However, he’s certainly making his presence felt in camp, and it’s catching the eye of Mike Tomlin. If he can continue that success through the preseason, it’s going to be hard for the Steelers to leave him off their 53-man roster.
