Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Day 2: Health Concerns, Key Absences, and Depth Chart Implications
As the Pittsburgh Steelers progress through the early stages of their 2025 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the team finds itself dealing with the usual rigors that come with preparing for an NFL season. On the second official day of camp, under hot and humid weather conditions and with an incoming storm threatening to disrupt the schedule, the Steelers remained mostly intact from a health perspective. However, the absences of two important offensive players, Cordarrelle Patterson and Jonnu Smith, have already begun to raise some questions about depth, player roles, and how the team will adjust in their absence.
Key Absences Clouding Offensive Plans
Although most of the roster was present and fully participating in drills and positional work, two veterans were noticeably absent for the second consecutive day. Running back Cordarrelle Patterson and tight end Jonnu Smith, both expected to play significant roles for the team this season, did not fully practice with the group.
Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media following Day 2, noting that Patterson and Smith are still considered “day-to-day.” While the specifics surrounding their injuries remain undisclosed, Tomlin didn’t appear overly concerned at this early stage. However, the continued absence of these players does pose early challenges for the coaching staff and potentially opens the door for others to step up.
Cordarrelle Patterson’s Absence: A Setback in a Crowded Backfield?
Cordarrelle Patterson, a versatile veteran who’s played both running back and wide receiver in his NFL career, hasn’t made an appearance on the practice field since the start of camp. This absence raises eyebrows, particularly as Patterson enters his second season with the team and faces competition for a roster spot in a loaded backfield.
With Najee Harris entrenched as the starting running back and Jaylen Warren continuing to develop, Patterson’s primary competition seems to be against Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon. Each of these players brings different strengths to the table—Gainwell offers speed and pass-catching ability, while Sermon provides power and inside running depth.
Patterson, known for his ability as a return specialist and gadget player, was expected to carve out a niche role similar to what he had with the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots in recent years. But with each missed practice, the opportunity for him to impress coaches dwindles. While it’s still early, missing valuable reps during installation periods can significantly affect a player’s standing in a positional battle.
Patterson’s track record certainly gives him an edge. A four-time All-Pro selection as a returner and a multi-purpose threat on offense, he brings an experience level few others on the roster can match. However, the NFL is an unforgiving league, and availability is often the best ability. If Patterson continues to be sidelined, he risks falling behind others who are taking advantage of these practice reps.
Jonnu Smith’s Role in the Offense and the Price of Acquisition
Unlike Patterson, Jonnu Smith has been present during both days of practice, though in a limited capacity. He has only participated in stretching routines and light individual work. He has yet to fully engage in team drills, which makes it difficult to assess how he fits within the offensive scheme the Steelers are building.
The Steelers traded for Smith just before the start of training camp, a deal that sent Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins. That same transaction also brought cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh. While Smith was not the headline of the trade, he is undoubtedly an integral part of the Steelers’ plans moving forward. Trading away a player like Fitzpatrick suggests the team had strong convictions about the value they were receiving in return.
Smith comes off a productive season in Miami, where he was selected to the Pro Bowl and functioned as an important red-zone threat and intermediate route runner in Mike McDaniel’s offense. Now with the Steelers, Smith is expected to pair with Pat Freiermuth to form one of the most dynamic tight end duos in the league.
But Smith’s value goes beyond traditional tight end responsibilities. According to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith—who coached Jonnu during their time together in Tennessee—the Steelers plan to use him in multiple ways. He could see snaps at wide receiver, especially in slot alignments, and even line up as a fullback in certain packages.
His athleticism, blocking skills, and versatility are exactly what Pittsburgh needs as they continue to transition into a more balanced and creative offense. But if Smith is dealing with an injury, no matter how minor, it delays the coaching staff’s ability to integrate him into the offense. It also limits quarterback reps and chemistry-building opportunities that are crucial at this stage of the preseason.
Impact on Positional Competitions and Play Design
Pittsburgh is entering the 2025 season with a new-look offense that emphasizes versatility, motion, and quick decision-making. The addition of Smith and the retention of players like Patterson were supposed to help inject unpredictability into the offense. With both of them missing crucial early practices, however, offensive installations may need to be adjusted or delayed.
Pat Freiermuth remains the team’s top tight end, but the Steelers had hoped to use more 12-personnel formations (two tight ends) to exploit mismatches against smaller defensive back groups. Without Smith’s presence, this part of the offense may remain on the shelf until he’s back at full health.
Similarly, special teams coordinator Danny Smith is likely watching Patterson’s situation with concern. Patterson was a key contributor as a kickoff returner in 2024 and remains one of the most dangerous return men in NFL history. If he is unable to go, the team may have to consider alternatives like Gainwell, rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington, or even safety Miles Killebrew, who has experience in kick coverage and returns.
The Steelers pride themselves on competition at every position, and camp injuries can create unexpected opportunities for fringe players. Tight end Darnell Washington, a 2023 draft pick who showed flashes of potential last season, has been taking increased reps in Smith’s absence. Similarly, running backs on the roster bubble have an additional incentive to shine while Patterson is unavailable.
Weather Conditions and Early Camp Rhythm
The weather played a role in Tuesday’s session. With a storm forecasted to hit the region, the team practiced under the threat of rain and lightning, though ultimately the session was completed safely. Despite the oppressive heat, the Steelers completed their second consecutive day of practice without significant interruptions.
The team remains in the “ramp-up” period, a phase in which players work in helmets and shorts while gradually increasing the physical intensity of practices. Full contact won’t begin until padded practices are scheduled to start on Tuesday, July 29. That date is marked on the calendar by both coaches and players as the true beginning of training camp battles.
Padded practices offer the first real opportunity to evaluate physicality, blocking, and tackling—areas where players like Patterson and Smith are expected to shine. Their continued absence could have ripple effects that impact roster decisions, playbook development, and team chemistry.
Mike Tomlin’s Steady Hand and Player Recovery
Throughout his tenure in Pittsburgh, head coach Mike Tomlin has maintained a no-nonsense but player-friendly approach when it comes to injuries and training camp workloads. He often emphasizes the importance of the “next man up” mentality while also ensuring veterans have adequate time to recover.
Speaking with reporters after practice, Tomlin didn’t appear rattled by the absences of Patterson and Smith. He reiterated that both are considered day-to-day and that their injuries are not deemed long-term at this point. While that is reassuring on the surface, the vagueness also leaves room for speculation.
In a sport where physical conditioning and mental preparation go hand-in-hand, being sidelined can put even the most seasoned veteran at a disadvantage. The Steelers will continue to monitor both players closely, likely reevaluating their participation level daily and adjusting plans accordingly.
Looking Ahead: Camp Battles and Roster Cuts
As training camp progresses, each missed practice becomes more significant, particularly for veterans competing for roles. NFL teams are allowed 90 players during the offseason, but must cut down to 53 before the regular season begins. That means over a third of the current roster won’t make it to Week 1.
Players like Patterson and Smith are not in immediate danger of being cut, but they also can’t afford to be absent for extended periods if others around them are making a case for inclusion. The Steelers have a history of rewarding performance and effort in training camp, and surprise cuts are not uncommon.
Offensive players such as Calvin Austin III, tight end Rodney Williams, and rookie running back Ray Davis could see elevated snaps and increased evaluation opportunities in upcoming practices. Their performances could influence how secure Patterson and Smith are in their respective roles.
Additionally, the Steelers will soon begin inter-squad scrimmages and preseason matchups, further highlighting the urgency of returning to the field. Game reps, even in preseason, are valuable tools for evaluating depth, playbook retention, and player cohesion.
Conclusion: A Crucial Camp Stretch Approaches
With two days of Steelers training camp in the books, the team has managed to avoid serious injury concerns overall, but the early absences of Cordarrelle Patterson and Jonnu Smith cast a shadow over what has otherwise been a smooth start. Both players bring unique and vital skills to the offense and special teams, and their presence will be key to the Steelers executing the vision they have for the 2025 season.
The coming days—and especially the start of padded practices on July 29—will offer a more accurate view of where the team stands. Whether Patterson and Smith are able to return by then remains to be seen, but each day on the sidelines opens the door for someone else to emerge and forces the team to consider contingency plans.
Pittsburgh has its eyes on playoff contention and is counting on depth and versatility to carry them through a challenging AFC North schedule. Getting all hands on deck sooner rather than later will be essential, and all eyes will be on how quickly Patterson and Smith rejoin full participation.
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