Pittsburgh Steelers biggest takeaways from 2nd padded practice of camp

Mike Moraitis

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Pittsburgh Steelers biggest takeaways from 2nd padded practice of camp image

The Pittsburgh Steelers were back on the practice field for what was their second padded session of training camp on Wednesday and there were some fireworks.

A fight broke out after one play when linebacker Elandon Roberts hit quarterback Justin Fields, sending him to the ground. The Steelers' offense immediately responded to protect their quarterback and a skirmish ensued.

Thankfully, it didn't really get out of hand, and the players got together to patch things up after it was over.

"We got a little bit less than professional and chippy today," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said of the fight. "It's an opportunity to teach and learn. As part of this process as much as we hate it, we'll learn and grow from that. We got some form of lessons to learn."

“It was just a little tap, but the offense did what they supposed to do," Roberts said. "You’re always supposed to protect your quarterback."

Now, a look at the biggest takeaways from the Steelers' Wednesday practice.

Steelers training camp takeaways

Notable veterans get a break

Per Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, edge rusher T.J. Watt and guard Isaac Seumalo all had a rest day.

Another light day for Russell Wilson

Justin Fields, offense win seven shots

According to Aaron Becker of Yardbarker, Fields had "yet another good showing" on Wednesday.

A good day for the rookie O-linemen

According to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, rookie offensive linemen Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu all stood out on Wednesday.

After watching the first two days of one-on-ones between the offensive linemen and the defensive linemen, it looks like assistant general manager Andy Weidl and his scouting staff knew what they were doing when they selected Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick with three of their first five picks in the draft.

For the second consecutive day, they shined going up against the defensive line and outside linebackers. One day after winning two of three against T.J. Watt, Fautanu, the No. 20 overall pick in the draft, won all three reps against second-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig.

Fautanu is still working with the second-team offense, but he’s quickly turning heads among his teammates.

Here's more on Frazier and McCormick, also per Fittipaldo:

Frazier and McCormick were excellent again in the pass-rush drill on Wednesday. Frazier won three consecutive reps against Breiden Fehoko. And McCormick once again had no problem with veteran Isaiahh Loudermilk.

Nate Herbig off to a good start

It wasn't all perfect for Frazier, though, as Steelers Depot's Alex Kozora noted he had some issues during one-on-ones. Koroza also pointed out that his competition for center, Nate Herbig, is having himself a fine camp.

Grayland Arnold with another pick

Bob Labriola, Steelers.com: "CB Grayland Arnold continues to make plays during his opportunities as a slot cornerback. He intercepted a John Rhys Plumlee pass on a play where he came off the man he initially was covering and slid into the throwing lane to make a diving catch."

Beanie Bishop, Payton Wilson shine

Van Jefferson with the one-hander

Injury updates

TE Rodney Williams, who missed Sunday and Tuesday with an AC injury, is back in pads today.

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) July 31, 2024

"Had a few injuries to analyze today," head coach Mike Tomlin said. "OLB David Perales got a knee injury that's being evaluated. OLB Kyron Johnson had a hamstring get a little tight. We had to pull him out.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.