The 5: Steelers to watch in preseason game with Bills
After a training camp practice with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, the Steelers will suit up in their second NFL preseason game of 2024 on Saturday, August 17 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have made some personnel moves ahead of the game, but nothing with a major impact, leaving the door open for the team to give as many snaps to players they’re evaluating on Saturday. After scouring injury reports and camp notes, we have five Steelers fans should keep an eye on this weekend against the Bills.
Russell Wilson
It’s no longer a wait-and-see situation for the veteran quarterback. Healthy at camp and taking snaps with the first team offense was a glimpse of how much Wilson had recovered from a non-serious leg injury. Wilson, the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year, will get the start against Buffalo on Saturday.
“It’s been a good week. (Russ has) been a full participant. He’s had a couple really good days… and so we look forward to him participating in this home venue.” – head coach Mike Tomlin
The plan, per Tomlin, is that the first team offense will move from the two series they played in the Steelers’ first preseason game to four, based on what the coaching staff see on the field.
Russell Wilson speaks to the media after #SteelersCamp practice on Wednesday, August 14. @MillerLite pic.twitter.com/bBY26XGq9X
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) August 14, 2024
For most Steelers fans, Saturday will be their first experience to see Wilson donning the black and gold live, so there’s an excitement level that has raised in just a few days. If he performs well in the game, that level may rise even higher.
Scotty Miller
For many fans, the top two receivers on the depth chart are George Pickens and Van Jefferson. Both had decent performances in the Steelers’ first preseason action, even if their snaps were limited. Miller, however, kept popping up after making some nice catches.
As Joe Kuzma recently analyzed, “Miller simply gets open, almost so consistently with ease that it makes you wonder how this guy wasn’t already on another NFL roster beyond the free agency period. He’s a sleeper to make the team, but having played for new OC Arthur Smith in Atlanta last season likely gives him the edge.”
Cory Trice
Outside of Joey Porter, Jr and Donte Jackson, there are still questions to answer at cornerback. Trice dealt with injury but looks to be on track to get more snaps on Saturday. An edge over Anthony Averett stems from a poor performance by the fellow corner against the Houston Texans.
With cornerback Grayland Arnold placed on I/R and Kiondre Thomas tecently signed, it’s clear the corner position has yet to be fully ironed out. Averett, Beanie Bishop, Darius Rush, Zyon Gilbert, Kyler McMichael, and Ryan Watts are all vying for snaps that improve their stock as well. If Trice has a good game, he could bump himself higher on a long list and secure a long-term spot.
Zach Frazier
After the disappointing performance in the first preseason game from Nate Herbig (listed as a guard) as the center – mishandling snaps with quarterback Justin Fields – Frazier looks to get the start a his natural position: center.
The rookie offensive line has been asked to meet a high level of expectation from Steelers coaches. Frazier didn’t fold under pressure against the Texans and, if he plays well against the Bills, may just remain at the position moving forward.
Justin Fields
Fields was bitten by misfortune in his first in-game action with Pittsburgh against the Texans. Wilson won’t play the entire game on Saturday, which means Fields could turn his second preseason game into a much better illustration of his capabilities in Arthur Smith’s offensive scheme.
Fans have high hopes for Fields to elevate this team. Redemption through solid, mistake-free play would do a lot to elevate his position. If he were to have another poor performance, Kyle Allen could creep up into the QB2 spot.
Justin Fields and Zach Frazier speak to the media following the Steelers-Bills joint practice on Thursday, August 15. @MillerLite pic.twitter.com/MEEgYVJFjz
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) August 15, 2024
