Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 07.29.26
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Ray Fittipaldo
9:58
Good morning. Let's get the chat started.
OHIO412FAN
9:59
Philosophically speaking, what are the biggest differences between McCarthy and Tomlin and what’s different with training camp now under McCarthy?
Ray Fittipaldo
9:59
The main thing is no live tackling. But McCarthy likes to practice in the morning rather than the afternoons. It's definitely different, but like TJ Watt said, at the end of the day it's still football.
FC
10:00
GM Ray, and thanks for the chats! I was surprised yesterday when Mike said Rudolph was the #2 QB on the depth chart, were you?  I thought after OTA's, he said Howard was.  Did you hear anything on why that changed?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:01
I was surprised. We didn't get an explanation as to why. Maybe we'll get one on that today. Perhaps it's as simple as Howard got those opportunities in the spring and Mason is getting them now.
Fletch
10:01
Good morning, Ray. Thanks for the time and chat. I've read comments from McCarthy and reports indicating this camp will not have live tackling like the previous 19 have had. Do you see this as a beneficial change? Do you know if this will mean there will be more emphasis on conditioning and speed and are we going to see this translate to a less physical style of play?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:03
Most NFL teams don't have live tackling in camp. Tomlin was one of the few coaches who did it. He thought it was important. I do understand why teams have stopped doing it. The contracts keep getting more expensive and there is more guaranteed money than ever. Why put your best players and most-prized assets in harm's way in practices. The other side of the equation is players kind of get thrown into the fire when the regular season begins without much acclimation to hitting. Injuries can happen as a result of that as well.
Fletch
10:04
Hi Ray. Welcome to the 2026 season. Read that Rudolph is starting camp at QB2, leaving Howard and Allar to fight for reps at QB3. Doesn't sound like positive news for Howard since they already know what Rudolph can do. Do you see this as a signal that he's likely going to be cut? Don't see them putting Allar on IR and don't think it would make sense to put Howard on IR again.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:05
Way too early for that kind of speculation. Let's see how all the QBs do this summer first before we attempt to take a stab at the 53-man roster. These practices up here and the preseason games are the most important aspects of the evaluation. The spring was for installation of the offense. Now the real football begins.
Punxy Dave
10:06
Instead of obsessing over the PUP list or whether Broderick Jones looks like a starter yet, I have a different question. Service academy grads are able to pursue pro sports if they make a team. Does it matter if, in the NFL, for example, it’s the 53-man or practice squad?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:07
It does not matter. The service academies allow them to pursue these opportunities until they decide they don't want to play any longer, at which point they begin their five-year commitment.
Ryan
10:07
Ray with practice starting today will you be keeping a eye on the battle at guard i think Spencer Anderson wins the battle
Ray Fittipaldo
10:08
Right guard, eight tackle, backup QB, No. 3 WR, yes all of those battles will be worth watching. Anderson took the reps with the 1s in the spring. We'll see what happens up here starting today.
Mr Rooney
10:08
I know he's a 7th round pick and is listed as a RB hybrid position. But Heidenrich stood out as a WR at Navy. So I was a little disappointed he wasn't a part of the back to nature 4 day offensive confab that Rodgers & Metcalf led over the offseason. What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:09
I do not think any of the rookies were involved in that.
Fletch
10:09
Good to hear B. Jones was cleared. Is the initial depth chart going to be Fautanu, McCormick, Frazier, Anderson, Jones from left to right or from right to left?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:10
Jones hasn't played or practiced football since November. It's going to take some time for him to get back into the swing of things. Also, there is a new coaching staff. Everyone has to prove themselves.
Takoma Tom
10:10
If Rodgers gets hurt who’s the real #2 that will play?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:10
That's to be determined.
RAM
10:10
Mornin’Ray! So is Joey Porter Physically Unable to Preform or is he Physically Unwilling to Perform?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:11
We haven't had the opportunity to interview Porter yet so that is a gray area for now.
STXSteelersfan
10:11
The Steelers were 21st in punt returns last year. How much can improved defense and better returns by Wetjen help the offense?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:12
It's an important aspect of the special teams, but half the punts in this league are fair caught. The best returners might get one or two opportunities a game to return one.
Stairway to seventh seed
10:13
Ray: I enjoyed your article about the hold-in loophole in the CBA.  Obviously joining the PUP list changes the expected "hold-in" by Porter.  My question though is when does that loophole end?  At what point can a team force a healthy player to practice?  Is it the Tuesday before the regular season starts or when they "break camp" or some other time?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:14
Technically it's the first game of the season. TJ Watt did not practice at all, signed on a Friday and played two days later in Buffalo. But Watt is an outlier. Most players don't have his leverage.
Brian Batkos Best Fan
10:15
Whats mason rudolphs current trade value? Will the steelers trade him? theres no chance mccarthy thinks he has anything more than below average backup
Ray Fittipaldo
10:15
Late round pick at best is my current estimation.
OHIO412FAN
10:16
Do you see Steelers adding anymore pieces via free agency or trade market? Adding another S, ILB, WR? Names like Elandon Roberts, Curtis Samuel, Jordan Whitehead?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:17
Maybe but probably not until later in camp. They went through the offseason with this 90-man roster. I think they want to see these players perform in camp for a while before they start looking for their replacements. Injuries can dictate moves like those as well.
BeaverFallsKid
10:17
Hi Ray. At first I was concerned about HCMM’s no live tackling strategy at camp. But the more I’ve heard him and the media explain it, it makes sense. According to the PPG, the Steelers were one of the worst missed tackles teams in the league under HCMT.  So, backs on backers and live goal line sessions are exciting for fans but do nothing to teach proper tackling technique. I am intrigued by HCMM’s “pace practices.” Doing things quickly places a premium on mental preparation, quick decision making and the communication that comes with them — both things need to be more rote with this defense.  Practicing at pace with attention to detail might just be what these guys need to move become a top ten defense.  And the offense needs it as well to match AR’s mastery of the playbook. Could this be a redux of 1992, where the same players under a legendary respond to a new head coach positively and the team achieves 11-12 wins and a division title?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:18
Well not exactly though I get what you mean. The Steelers didn't make the playoffs in 1991 in Chuck Noll's final season. The Steelers won 10 games and won the AFC North division title last season.
Takoma Tom
10:18
If the Steelers have a losing record at the trading deadline do you think they’ll trade some vets for draft picks?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:19
That's hard to predict because they've so infrequently been in that position. It's not in their DNA but anything is possible. More likely, they might part with a problem child such as they did when they traded former second-round pick Chase Claypool a few years ago.
Uncle P
10:20
Ray, I heard Coach's comments about no live tackling. Then I thought he said there would be tackling drills. Does that mean just using the bags and tackling drones? What is your take on this?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:21
There will be thud periods, which is basically tackling without tackling to the ground. If you've been to a football practice of any kind (high school, college or the NFL) you will hear coaches screaming for players to stay on their feet. Most injuries occur when players fall to the ground. That's how you see a lot rolled ankle, knee injuries and other types of injuries. When players are able to stay on their feet it eliminates that and reduces risk.
Daniel
10:22
With reps unlikely to come a lot during the season, how vital is training camp to Allar just to his general development?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:23
Very important. It's his first NFL season. There is a lot of growth that comes during rookie seasons.
Fletch
10:23
I still think they need to add a quality WR3. With some of the names still available, do you see them adding any of them? Also, how far has Diontae Johnson fallen that he's not on a roster. Do you ever see them kicking the tires on him again or is he still a headcase and that's why he's not signed? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:24
They traded up for Germie Bernard. He is the future. I think it would be a disappointment if he doesn't grow into the No. 3 role at some point this season. Not saying it has to be in September, but why trade for someone and take away reps from a rookie who is trying to learn.?
TVC15
10:25
Glad to hear he is practicing so..... is there a chance that Broderick Jones blossoms this year?  If so would Fautanu move back to right tackle or would they put Jones there?
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