Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern.

Has the hype for Steelers sixth-round pick Will Howard gotten a bit out of control? How valid are the comparisons between his game and that of Ben Roethlisberger? And what are proper expectations for him in a quarterback room with Mason Rudolph and — possibly — Aaron Rodgers?

Paul tackles those questions and more. What should we make of the Steelers' Week 4 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, now announced as their Ireland game? Is Don Kelly making a difference as manager for the Pirates or is his impact overstated? And what should Penguins fans be learning from the NHL playoffs?

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Mark Bergin of the Bleav podcast network to preview the NFL schedule release and what it might hold for the team. What should we make of the already-announced Ireland matchup vs. the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 28? How many primetime games will Mike Tomlin's team play? And which teams will they draw in their season and/or home openers?

Our duo tackles those questions. Then Brian gets Mark's thoughts on the ongoing Aaron Rodgers pursuit saga; Kenny Pickett's move to the Cleveland Browns and their crowded QB room that includes Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel; plus T.J. Watt's contract extension drama.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern.

What should we make of George Pickens appearing to call the Steelers a "cheap organization" in the comments of an Instagram post — and his subsequent attempts to walk it back? Is there some validity to his statements? Or is this just another example of why general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin were willing to trade him to the Dallas Cowboys last week?

Paul answers those questions; gives thoughts on what we saw from names like Derrick Harmon, Kaleb Johnson, Jack Sawyer and Will Howard at rookie minicamp; and weighs in on the Pirates' weekend series against the Atlanta Braves, in which new manager Don Kelly guided to them to a pair of victories.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles previews the club's series against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Can Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Bailey Falter build on the series win against the Atlanta Braves and stifle a powerful Mets lineup that includes names like Pete Alonso, Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor? And how will Andrew McCutchen, Ke'Bryan Hayes and the offense handle a Mets pitching staff that's been better than expected? Especially if Oneil Cruz misses more time? Noah tackles those questions and more.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to GM Omar Khan's comments about his receivers at rookie minicamp over the weekend.

Does he really believe in the group as constituted, following the trade of George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys? Could Roman Wilson, Robert Woods and Calvin Austin really provide the necessary production behind DK Metcalf? Is Khan sending more smokescreens with an eye toward free agents like Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper?

Our duo tackles those questions and more from rookie camp. What should we make of Will Howard's impressive practice performance? Can he push Mason Rudolph and possibly Aaron Rodgers come training camp? Or be a starter for this team in the future? And what difference will Trey Sermon make in the backfield next to names including Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren?

Steelers GM Omar Khan speaks with reporters in conjunction with the team's rookie minicamp at its South Side facility. He explains why the team decided to trade George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys this week; why he likes his depth at WR behind DK Metcalf with names like Roman Wilson, Robert Woods and Calvin Austin III; and why he didn't make a move with Pickens before the NFL draft.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap the first day of rookie minicamp for NFL draft selections and undrafted free agents at the team's South Side facility.

Why did QB Will Howard look and sound impressive as he looks to find his way alongside Mason Rudolph and -- possibly -- Aaron Rodgers? What did Derrick Harmon have to say about navigating the joy of being drafted alongside the grief of losing his mother soon after? How is he connecting with new teammates including Cam Heyward and Keenau Benton? How did fifth-round pick Yahya Black look alongside him? How is RB Kaleb Johnson progressing? And is Carson Bruener showing signs that he can contribute on special teams? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko analyze the team's numerous trades to send former top draft picks away in recent years. Including the deals that have sent George Pickens and Kenny Pickett elsewhere the past two years.

Were Pickens, Pickett and others including Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson bad NFL draft picks? Or did GM Omar Khan do well to move them in exchange for premium draft capital to build the team's future? Our duo tackles those questions, then previews rookie minicamp for incoming prospects including Derrick Harmon, Kaleb Johnson, Jack Sawyer, Yahya Black, Will Howard, Carson Bruener and Donte Kent.

Then in the third segment, Chris welcomes undrafted free agent DJ Thomas-Jones to discuss his bid to make the team as a fullback out of South Alabama.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern.

Should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin consider dealing star pass rusher T.J. Watt following the George Pickens trade to the Dallas Cowboys?

Does it make sense to continue bolstering their NFL draft capital with an eye toward selecting from the loaded 2026 QB class that includes Arch Manning, Drew Allar, Nico Iamaleava and LaNorris Sellers?

Or is Watt still worth extending into his 30s as a leader of a team that hopes to be competing for playoff wins?

Paul tackles those topics, then weighs in on the Pirates after they announced Thursday that they’d fired manager Derek Shelton and replaced him with bench coach Don Kelly.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles and sports columnist Jason Mackey react to the breaking news that manager Derek Shelton was fired Thursday. Why was Shelton relieved of his duties now, and what led up to it? What does this mean for the team going forward under Don Kelly, who was named manager in Shelton's stead? Is Kelly the long-term choice in the dugout? Is general manager Ben Cherington also on the hot seat? And why could Shelton never get the Pirates over the hump? Our duo answers those questions and more.