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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 08.02.21
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Brian Batko
11:03
Hi everyone, we’ve got a real (kind of) Steelers game Thursday night! Fire away
21-58-66
11:04
Brian - Will any of the nicked up O lineman be ready to participate Thursday night?  Thanks.
Brian Batko
11:05
Hard to say. Mike Tomlin has been mum on exactly what's ailing Chuks Okorafor and Kevin Dotson. We know Zach Banner's still trying to get back from that ACL surgery, so I'd certainly rule him out. Should have a better idea in about 3 hours when the Steelers get going at practice. But my early interpretation is that the backups have been getting so much work because they'll be doing most of it in Canton.
Steelers fan
11:06
What percent of the Steelers are now vaccinated? Near 100%? Any count?
Brian Batko
11:06
Last I saw, they're over 90. Which would equate to more than 80 guys on the roster at this moment.
11:07
Over 90%, I mean.
Chimmy Chonga
11:08
How do you like Buddy the Texas A&M ILB?
Brian Batko
11:08
Haven't met him yet but he seems nice.
Jay Daven
11:08
Who will play the most at QB?
Brian Batko
11:08
Thursday night or this season?
Daniel
11:08
Good Morning, Do you think the Steelers can have Aaron Rodgers as the starting QB in 2022?
Brian Batko
11:10
I think there's a path to making that happen, but that no fewer than, what, 25 other teams can say the same right now? So, I wouldn't bet on it. But CAN they if they really want to? Sure, they could make it happen. But I'm assuming it would take mortgaging the future in a major way to win some sort of bidding war. In other words, don't count on it.
RJT
11:10
Who is winning the punting battle?
Brian Batko
11:13
Ray Fittipaldo had a good story online yesterday about the various camp battles that are in the early stages https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2021/08/01/Steelers-train...

But he didn't touch on the punters. Mike Tomlin hasn't been asked or said much about it yet, except for calling a couple punts by rookie Pressley Harvin III "Ray Guy" worthy. So I'll put my money on the draft pick.
Utah Jim
11:14
Have the rules for practice squad size and eligibility been finalized?
Brian Batko
11:14
Yes, they are carrying over the rules from last year: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31869693/nfl-carry-flexible-roster....
James
11:15
Is Ben changing up his habits in camp after seeing the SI article about his heel?
Brian Batko
11:18
To an extent. It was noticeable that he was running sprints Saturday during off periods for him.
Guest
11:18
How has Dwayne Haskins looked thus far? The QB after Ben?
Brian Batko
11:20
I'm not ready to go that far, because it's been two weeks for him versus three years for Mason Rudolph. But, in my humble opinion, Haskins has played better so far in training camp, especially lately. I still think that's a competition that will play out "in-stadium" as Tomlin would say, and I'm going to give the more experienced Rudolph the edge in that setting.
kevin in Punxsy
11:21
Hi Brian.  Looks like the Steelers might have found a good OLB in J Jones, who has been knocking offensive players backwards.  What have you seen of him?  Thanks.
Brian Batko
11:21
Jamir Jones from Notre Dame has been solid, but it'll take a lot to overtake a veteran like Cassius Marsh or sixth-round pick like Quincy Roche. He'll need to have an Ola Adeniyi-like preseason performance, I'd say.
Jay Daven
11:22
In the HOF game.
Brian Batko
11:22
I'll say Haskins gets the most snaps in that one, with Rudolph not far behind.
Guest
11:22
Which QBs will we see in action, and how long can we expect each to play?
Brian Batko
11:24
Rudolph, Haskins, Dobbs all figure to play, but based on practice reps, it'll be the first two who get the longest look. So maybe five possessions for each, then a couple at the end for Dobbs?
Guest
11:26
Brian why do most writers think Ballage won’t make the team I think he is an upgrade to snell and if Harris went down should get the reps. What is your take from watching practice?
Brian Batko
11:28
I'm not as much on the Kalen Ballage train as some others, I think. He's been on four teams already in his four-year career and he's been "Just A Guy" on the first three. Why would that change now? Well, maybe if the Steelers RB depth chart is lacking talent, that could be one reason. Or maybe Ballage is coming into his own after being a 4th-round pick in 2018. He looks like a solid pass-catcher and has an impressive NFL body, no doubt. But I'm still on the fence about him making the team over Benny Snell and/or Jaylen Samuels.
David
11:29
What do you think is the reasons for struggles by offense so far? New offense/scheme or new personnel, etc.?
Brian Batko
11:30
All of that, plus depleted personnel on the OL, and a defense that's still pretty nasty even without TJ Watt, Stephon Tuitt and a 100% Devin Bush (who's been limited but has seen more snaps than the other two).
11:31
Also, I feel like training camp kind of lends itself to the defense "winning" more often given that the practices aren't officiated like real games would be.
Steeltree
11:32
Brian thanks for the chat.  
observation - I’ve been to training camp at Latrobe and Friday took in steeler camp at Heinz Field.  Put me down as someone who hopes it stays at Heinz in the future.  Easy to get to, bathrooms and food concessions, and relatively comfortable seating.  I did miss the player access though.
Brian Batko
11:34
Yeah, I was just saying that to Ray the other day while we were kicking our feet up (literally) and lounging in the mustard-colored seats while taking in practice. Logistically, practically, it's an upgrade for anyone watching, be it fans or media. But there's still a certain je ne sais quoi about Latrobe and Saint Vincent. Mayhaps the Steelers can do some sort of split schedule for future camps.
Ryan
11:35
Good afternoon Brian how has Lamont wade looked and how has Jamir Jones looked so far in camp go Steelers
Brian Batko
11:36
Hi, Ryan. Thanks for stopping by again. Wade hasn't stood out to me much, honestly. But it's early. He's the third-string strong safety and hasn't gotten much of a look in the slot. Jones has flashed here and there, probably unexpectedly given that he was mostly out of football last year. I'm guessing those are two long shot-type guys who will play a lot Thusday night and the rest of the preseason.
Boogie James
11:37
Do you see the team retaining all the QBs on the roster in some manner at the start of the season?
Brian Batko
11:37
Yes, with the expanded practice squad rules continuing, they should be able to sneak the fourth-stringer onto the practice squad. Assuming that's what you mean. I've been a proponent in the past of just carrying two QBs on the active roster, but that's not ever their M.O.
Jeff
11:38
Why all the Haskins ove Rudolph hype of late? Seems Rudolph is loved to be hated. I often question why. Haskins hasn't done anything that means something yet. Unless you count tipping strippers during Covid.
Brian Batko
11:39
I do think there's an inherent negativity toward Rudolph given the way his 2019 season spiraled in Cleveland and Cincinnati. You're right that Haskins stringing together a few nice practices isn't going to jump him ahead on the depth chart. And just because we're in a pandemic doesn't mean you shouldn't tip for good service.
Thedudeabides
11:40
Has much been said about Banner and his lack of participation in camp? It has to be a little concerning considering he’s coming off ACL surgery.
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