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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.02.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
ThingsOfThatNature
12:07
Hi Ray, thank you for the chat. What is it really going to take for Mason to win the starting job? Him actually out performing Mitch? Or Mitch playing poorly and losing the spot?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
I would say Trubisky losing the job in camp.
Rocky
12:07
Hi Ray, glad you're back.  I believe a good punting game is key to having a great defense.  Is Coach Tomlin having 2 or 3 punters competing this year for the job?  If so, who are they?  Thanks!!!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
Harvin is the punter. There is another punter here, but I don't know how much of a competition it is. Harvin would have to be bad to lose the job.
DJ
12:09
Hi Ray - sounds like Devin bush continues to struggle.  What are the chances the Steelers cut him outright at some point before the season?  Would definitely send a message.  Would there be any financial advantages or disadvantages to doing so?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
No financial advantages to cutting him, and they won't. Look, Artie Burns was on the roster all season and basically all he did was play special teams.
ThingsOfThatNature
12:10
Has Bush looked as bad as it has been coming across in the media at camp?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
He was not impressive in the backs on backers drill. No explosiveness whatsoever. I'll have to watch him more in team drills to make a true evaluation, but his performance in backs on backers stuck out like a sore thumb to me.
ThingsOfThatNature
12:11
Has Chris Oladokun had any reps of note so far? I'm not saying he should ... just seems to be out-of-sight, out-of-mind for a draft pick.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
I've been here every day, and he has yet to take a rep in team periods. I'm sure that will change at some point, but he's basically doing a lot of standing around and watching.
Yancey
12:12
Best guess when Johnson practices? Week 1? It seems highly unlikely he's getting paid here, his best option is to have the type of year that gets him paid elsewhere.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
Depends on when Steelers management wants him out there. I think they'll negotiate with his agent for a while. If they can't agree to terms then they'll tell Johnson it's over until after the season ends and they'll make it known they want him out there. But I don't get the sense that's going to happen anytime soon.
Steelers lover
12:13
If we are to believe Mike Tomlin that QB1 is to be won by the best QB this off season, why did Mason Rudolph get pushed to 3rd on the depth chart after clearly being the best qb last week?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
I think they had the reps predetermined. And as Tomlin said after practice yesterday, don't read too much into it.
George in OKC
12:14
Morning Ray!! Was listening to the local sports morning show here in OKC a few mornings back. This is cowboy country. One of the show hosts seemed to be really excited about Dallas adding James Washington. He said his problem in Pittsburgh was that he had Big Ben throwing him the ball!! All I could do was laugh!! He obviously didn’t watch him play much!! What say you Ray?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
James was an OK No. 4 WR. Disappointing for a second-round pick for sure, but he was a good teammate and had some moments. Since you're in Oklahoma State country, Jaylen Warren is having a nice camp so far.
Larry O
12:16
Ray - how serious is Larry O's lis franc injury.  I always heard it was worse than an ACL which has a recovery period of up to a year.  Given his injury occurred in January, is it realistic to expect him to start the first game of the season?  Have you heard any independent medical opinions on this type of injury?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
Since the Steelers signed him to a one-year deal I am guessing they knew he'd be ready for the season. Omar Khan just said a little while ago he's progressing nicely and should be able to practice soon.
Steeler in Virginia
12:18
I know it's very early, but do you see any chance for a surprise starter on the OL - like a Leglue or maybe even a FA pickup?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
Nope. Only question is left guard -- Dotson or Green.
Tampa too
12:18
Ray. Which player can the Steelers least afford to lose this year due to injury?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
TJ Watt for any length of time.
Bill
12:18
Ray - Can Gunner Olszewski, who doesn't do much other than return kicks, possibly be cut from the team if Anthony Miller and others prove capable or returning punts and kick offs?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
Yes. I think they signed him for a reason, but if another returner is better then you are correct that Gunner offers very little else.
Gene
12:19
Hi Ray if Spillane has a great camp do you see him starting over Bush?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
They like Spillane. I think he'll play. Not sure if he'll start Week 1, but they won't be afraid to use him. They did it last season.
Yogi in Yonkers
12:20
So how are the third year vets dealing with the old fashioned training camp setting after a couple of years of pampering back on the South Side? Any griping?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
I'm sure there are gripes behind closed doors, but a lot of guys like the energy the fans provide. Myles Jacks spoke on that subject yesterday.
DRL
12:21
What would you consider in a trade for Diontae Johnson this year? Arm twisted....
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
I don't think they'll trade him unless he refused to play or something like that. And I'd ask for a first-round pick. If he balked, let him do the Le'Veon Bell thing. I don't think he will. He's smarter than that, but why accept anything less than a first-rounder for a really good WR?
Alan from Indy
12:22
Ray, lots of hype over D Johnson semi hold out. Didn’t the organization create the problem by pretty much condoning TJ Watt’s actions last year? I know we’re comparing apples and oranges but what about future situations with marquee players?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
You're right. Watt set the precedent last year. And I don't know they condoned the situation. They dealt with it.
ev
12:24
Ray, I enjoyed your article today. It was disappointing to read that Bush looks tentative (still) as perhaps his knee has not healed.  It also sounds like Myles Jack might have some tenacity that was missing inside.  You also  wrote, "..Robinson is still learning the position, but he could push Buddy Johnson and Marcus Allen for a roster spot.." Couldn't he (they) push Devon Bush for one as well?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
Nah. As I said earlier, Bush is on the roster. Can't see them cutting him.
Yogi in Yonkers
12:25
Any chance of both D. Watt and Little Head making the team this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
Yes I think both can make the 53-man roster. It would just mean Heyward is the No. 3 TE and someone like Rader and/or Sternberger goes to the practice squad.
Nate from Fort Wayne
12:25
Hey Ray. Who has a better chance at a better year than 2021. Chase Claypool or Devin Bush.?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
Hmmm, I'll go with Claypool, though not convincingly.
Alex B
12:26
Kendrick Green came out and said he didn’t like playing center and feels better at guard. How did the Steelers miss so bad and what did they see after only 4 starts in college that made the organization think he could transition to center.
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