Overview
- Mike McCarthy confirmed on Monday that the Steelers will not name season-long captains and will instead select captains weekly to reshape leadership and reward short-term performance.
- McCarthy said the roster is healthy ahead of the opener and that coaches are planning as if all players will be available for game planning.
- The right tackle job remains unsettled but is trending toward veteran Dylan Cook after first-round rookie Max Iheanachor missed significant camp and preseason reps with an injury.
- Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. remains in a contract dispute that has produced trade speculation, though he took part in regular-season practice and his status could affect Pittsburgh’s defensive ceiling.
- Analysts project a modestly winning season for the Steelers, roughly 9–11 wins, with the team scheduled to open at Acrisure Stadium against the Atlanta Falcons on September 13 and Aaron Rodgers expected to be the short-term centerpiece of the roster.