The Steel City Insider: With Jim Wexell & Jeremy Hritz

Mike McCarthy spoke after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ ugly 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots, and we’re breaking down the biggest updates coming out of his press conference. From Joey Porter Jr. and Michael Pittman Jr. to the offensive line, DK Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers and a huge AFC North matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, there’s a LOT for Steelers Nation to unpack.

On this episode of Steel City Insider, Jeremy Hritz and Jim Wexell react to McCarthy’s latest comments and ask the biggest question facing Pittsburgh: Was the Patriots loss just one terrible performance, or did it expose problems that could follow this team all season?

We break down why a handful of crucial plays completely changed the New England game, whether the Steelers offensive line was really as bad as it looked, Pittsburgh’s lack of offensive playmakers, Metcalf’s struggles, and why getting Pittman back could be so important for Aaron Rodgers and this offense.

We also discuss the latest surrounding Porter’s back injury, what his potential return would mean against Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and why Pittsburgh’s upcoming home game against Cincinnati already feels like a significant early-season AFC North matchup.

IN THIS VIDEO:

• Mike McCarthy’s latest comments following the Patriots loss
• Joey Porter Jr. and Michael Pittman Jr. injury updates
• Why the Steelers’ 20-3 loss may not have been quite as disastrous as it looked
• DK Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers and Pittsburgh’s lack of offensive playmakers
• Whether the Steelers offensive line deserves all the criticism it’s receiving
• The biggest concerns heading into Steelers vs. Bengals
• Why Pittsburgh desperately needs playmakers to emerge on both sides of the football

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QUESTION FOR STEELERS NATION:

After hearing Mike McCarthy’s latest updates, what concerns you MORE heading into the Bengals game: the Steelers offensive line or the lack of offensive playmakers?

And if Michael Pittman Jr. and Joey Porter Jr. both return, how much does that change your confidence in Pittsburgh against Cincinnati?

👇 DROP YOUR TAKE IN THE COMMENTS.

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Joey Porter Jr.‘s situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers just took another troubling turn after the cornerback left practice and his back injury designation returned amid his unresolved contract situation. Jim Wexell and Jeremy Hritz break down what is happening with Porter, why the Le’Veon Bell comparison is suddenly being discussed, and what it could mean for Pittsburgh moving forward.

Could this simply be another setback with Porter’s back, or is the Steelers’ contract standoff becoming a much bigger problem?

Jim takes us inside the discussion surrounding the Steelers and examines the growing uncertainty around Porter, including the guaranteed-money question, Pittsburgh’s longstanding approach to in-season contract negotiations, the significance of Porter’s renewed back designation, and why Jalen Ramsey’s 2019 Jacksonville situation has entered the conversation.

IMPORTANT: Any discussion connecting Porter’s injury to his contract situation or comparing it to Ramsey’s Jacksonville departure is speculation and analysis discussed during the podcast — not an established fact about Porter’s injury.

Then we turn to football.

The Steelers travel to Foxborough to face Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in Week 2. With A.J. Brown unavailable, can Pittsburgh’s defense take advantage? We break down the Patriots passing attack, Jalen Ramsey’s potential role, DK Metcalf and the Steelers offense, Pittsburgh’s offensive-line concerns, and the matchups that could decide the game.

IN THIS VIDEO:

• The latest Joey Porter Jr. injury and contract developments
• Why the situation is drawing comparisons to Le’Veon Bell
• The Jalen Ramsey angle and why his Jacksonville history enters the discussion
• What guaranteed money could mean for Porter’s Steelers future
• Pittsburgh’s cornerback depth with Asante Samuel Jr., Brandin Echols and Daylen Everette
• Steelers vs. Patriots Week 2 matchup analysis
• Jim Wexell’s prediction for Pittsburgh at New England

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STEELERS NATION: At what point does the Joey Porter Jr. situation become a legitimate long-term problem for Pittsburgh — and do you still expect him to remain a Steeler?

👇 DROP YOUR TAKE IN THE COMMENTS.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-0 after beating the Atlanta Falcons 20-13, and T.J. Watt delivered the defining performance of Week 1 with two sacks and a spectacular pick-six. But while the Steelers defense gave fans plenty to celebrate, Mike McCarthy’s offense still has some serious questions that Pittsburgh has to answer quickly.  

On this Victory Monday edition of Steel City Insider, Jeremy Hritz and Jim Wexell break down everything that stood out from Pittsburgh’s season-opening win.

T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith created pressure off the edges, Pittsburgh showed off some intriguing defensive personnel packages involving Nick Herbig, Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson, and the defense delivered despite Joey Porter Jr. not being on the field.

But offensively?

There is work to do.

Jeremy and Jim discuss Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, the Steelers’ receiver problem, Pittsburgh’s struggling running game and why this offense needs time to come together.

They also look ahead to Week 2 against the New England Patriots and discuss why the Steelers have a legitimate opportunity to leave Foxborough 2-0. Pittsburgh officially travels to New England for a 1 p.m. Week 2 matchup.  

IN THIS VIDEO

• T.J. Watt’s monster Week 1 performance and game-changing pick-six
• Why Alex Highsmith and Pittsburgh’s outside linebacker rotation could become a major weapon
• What Mike McCarthy’s new defensive packages tell us about the Steelers defense
• Joey Porter Jr.’s status and what his return could mean for the secondary
• Why DK Metcalf and the Steelers wide receivers remain a concern
• Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles and what has to improve
• Why the Steelers have a real chance to start 2-0 against New England

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Was this simply an ugly Week 1 win, or did T.J. Watt and this Steelers defense show you something that makes you believe Pittsburgh can be a legitimate contender this season?

👇 DROP YOUR TAKE IN THE COMMENTS.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons just got a lot more interesting after Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury, opening the door for Cooper Rush to potentially start against Pittsburgh. For Steelers fans, that puts even more pressure on T.J. Watt and this defense to make a statement while Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy unveil Pittsburgh’s new offense.

Steel City Insider publisher Jim Wexell joins Jeremy Hritz for the final Steelers vs. Falcons Week 1 preview as we break down the biggest matchups, players to watch, predictions and questions surrounding the beginning of the Mike McCarthy era in Pittsburgh.

Can Atlanta protect its quarterback from T.J. Watt? How will the Steelers contain Bijan Robinson? Will Mike McCarthy immediately unleash Aaron Rodgers and the passing game? And could Pat Freiermuth or Nick Herbig become one of the breakout performers of Week 1?

We also discuss Joey Porter Jr., Asante Samuel Jr., Dylan Cook, Alex Highsmith, DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. and the new Patrick Graham defense as Pittsburgh prepares to finally kick off the 2026 regular season.

IN THIS VIDEO:

• How Tua Tagovailoa’s injury could change Steelers vs. Falcons
• What Cooper Rush potentially starting would mean for Pittsburgh’s defense
• Why T.J. Watt could be positioned for a huge Week 1 performance
• The challenge of stopping Falcons star Bijan Robinson
• What to expect from Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy’s new Steelers offense
• Why Pat Freiermuth and Nick Herbig are two Steelers to watch closely
• Our Steelers vs. Falcons Week 1 predictions

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STEELERS NATION: If Cooper Rush starts for Atlanta, does Pittsburgh have ANY excuse for losing this game — or are Bijan Robinson and the Falcons still dangerous enough to pull the upset?

👇 DROP YOUR TAKE IN THE COMMENTS.

The Steelers are finally here — but as Pittsburgh gets ready for Sunday’s season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, there are suddenly a LOT more questions than there were a few months ago. Jim Wexell joins Jeremy Hritz to break down what he saw around the Steelers as Mike McCarthy’s team began preparations for Week 1.

The optimism of the offseason is starting to meet reality.

The Steelers still have major questions at right tackle, with Dylan Cook appearing to be in line to start while first-round pick Max Iheanachor continues to catch up. Joey Porter Jr.‘s contract situation remains unresolved, the rookie offensive linemen are still learning, and there are questions about whether Pittsburgh’s revamped wide receiver room is actually ready to make the jump.

On defense, the Steelers are entering the season with a new scheme and plenty of new faces — and Sunday’s matchup against Bijan Robinson and the Falcons could tell us a lot about whether this unit is ready.

Jim Wexell also explains why his confidence in the Steelers has started to waver as Week 1 approaches.

IN THIS VIDEO:

• Why Dylan Cook could start at right tackle against Atlanta
• What the Steelers are seeing from Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker
• The latest on Joey Porter Jr.‘s contract situation
• Why the rookie skill players could have an immediate role
• Questions surrounding Pittsburgh’s revamped wide receiver group
• Why the new defensive scheme could be tested immediately against Bijan Robinson
• Why Jim Wexell’s confidence has shifted heading into Week 1

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👇 DROP YOUR TAKE IN THE COMMENTS:

Are the Steelers actually ready for Week 1, or are the offensive line, new defensive scheme and Joey Porter Jr. situation legitimate reasons for concern?

And most importantly: What worries you most about the Steelers heading into Sunday’s matchup with Atlanta?

The Pittsburgh Steelers roster cuts are officially in, and the decisions made by Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan reveal plenty about what this team could look like when the regular season begins. From the Broderick Jones and Kaleb Johnson trades to keeping four quarterbacks, Pittsburgh still has some major questions to answer.

Jim Wexell joins Jeremy Hritz on the Steel City Insider Podcast to break down the Steelers’ initial 53-man roster, the biggest surprises, the players who were released or waived, and the moves Pittsburgh could make next.

The Steelers kept all 10 of their 2026 draft picks on the initial roster, while also making two significant trades before the deadline. Broderick Jones was sent to Dallas, Kaleb Johnson was sent to Green Bay, and Pittsburgh now has four quarterbacks on the roster: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar.  

But the roster isn’t finished.

With DeShon Elliott headed to injured reserve and Joey Porter Jr. returning from the PUP list, the Steelers’ safety situation becomes one of the biggest areas to watch. Offensive tackle also remains a major question after the departure of Broderick Jones.

And then there’s the quarterback situation.

What can Mike McCarthy do with Will Howard and Drew Allar? Can the Steelers develop one — or both — into their next franchise quarterback? And what happens next as Pittsburgh searches the waiver wire and considers potential additions?

IN THIS VIDEO:

• 🔥 Steelers’ initial 53-man roster breakdown
• 🏈 Why the Broderick Jones trade was such a surprise
• 🚨 Why Pittsburgh traded Kaleb Johnson to Green Bay
• 👀 The decision to keep four quarterbacks
• ⭐ What Will Howard and Drew Allar mean for the future
• 🛡️ Why safety may be the Steelers’ biggest weakness
• 💪 Joey Porter Jr.’s return and what it means for the secondary
• 📋 Which released and waived players Pittsburgh could potentially bring back

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Do the Steelers have a bigger problem at safety or offensive tackle after these roster moves — and which position should Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan address first?

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Joey Porter Jr.’s contract situation is one of the biggest unresolved storylines surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers, and longtime Steelers reporter Jim Wexell has a clear message for both Porter and the organization. With Pittsburgh having created additional salary-cap room, Wexell explains why he believes there is still a path to getting Joey Porter Jr. paid and keeping him in Pittsburgh.

The Steel City Insider Podcast breaks down the latest Steelers roster questions following Pittsburgh’s 28-27 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills as the team prepares for the regular season.

Jim Wexell brings decades of experience covering the Steelers to the conversation, giving his perspective on the Joey Porter Jr. contract situation, the 53-man roster, the quarterback room, rookie development, offensive line battles, special teams and the players whose roster spots may be in jeopardy.

In this episode:

• Jim Wexell explains why he believes the Steelers have enough cap flexibility to get a Joey Porter Jr. extension done.

• Why Wexell believes Porter Jr. should report, practice and put the pressure back on the Steelers to make the deal happen.

• Why Joey Porter Jr.’s man-coverage ability makes him such an important piece of Pittsburgh’s defense.

• Will Howard vs. Drew Allar — who has the higher floor, who has the higher ceiling and what the Steelers should expect from their young quarterbacks.

• The latest Steelers 53-man roster battles, including Broderick Jones, Max Iheanachor, Gennings Dunker, Germie Bernard, Robert Spears-Jennings, Lew Nichols and Gabriel Rubio.

• Why special teams could determine several of the Steelers’ final roster decisions.

• Jim Wexell’s thoughts on Kaleb Johnson, Lake McRee, Ben Skowronek and the players fighting for their NFL futures.

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Should Joey Porter Jr. report, practice and let the Steelers take the next step — or should Pittsburgh be the team making the first major move to get this contract finished?

#Steelers #PittsburghSteelers #SteelersNation #JoeyPorterJr #JimWexell #SteelersNews #NFL #SteelCityInsider

Jim Wexell just revealed some surprise cuts for the Steelers 53-man roster — and some of his decisions are going to spark serious debate. From four quarterbacks to Broderick Jones potentially being left off the roster, Pittsburgh has some fascinating decisions ahead of Thursday’s preseason finale against Buffalo.

This conversation goes well beyond the box score from the Jets game. Wexell explains why Steelers fans shouldn’t overreact to the offense scoring zero points, why he believes the team could keep four quarterbacks, and what Will Howard and Drew Allar have shown in their first preseason action.

We also get into the biggest unanswered questions on the roster — including the battle for the No. 3 wide receiver spot, Roman Wilson’s struggles, Germie Bernard’s opportunity, and what Max Iheanachor’s return to practice could mean for the right tackle position.

And then there’s Broderick Jones.

Wexell doesn’t hold back on his evaluation of the former first-round pick, explaining why Jones won't make his initial 53-man roster projection. Thursday’s game against Buffalo could provide another critical data point in one of the most surprising roster discussions of Steelers camp.

There’s also a major development involving Joey Porter Jr.’s contract negotiations. Wexell provides his perspective on the reported impasse, why the Steelers may be holding firm, and how Pittsburgh has historically handled contract situations involving important players.

Plus: Jalen Ramsey is back at practice, Max Iheanachor received first-team reps, the quarterback competition continues to develop, and the Steelers are running out of opportunities to evaluate players before roster decisions become real.

This is the kind of Steelers conversation you get when you combine current reporting, firsthand camp observations, roster evaluation and decades of understanding how this organization operates.

Subscribe for Steelers insider reporting, training camp coverage, practice observations, player evaluations, roster battles, game analysis and the latest developments from inside Pittsburgh football.

Who makes the biggest impact Thursday against Buffalo — Will Howard, Drew Allar, Broderick Jones, Max Iheanachor, Kaleb Johnson or someone else?

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Jim Wexell believes the Steelers are preparing to keep four quarterbacks, a position he has maintained since the spring. The reasoning goes beyond Friday night: Pittsburgh is trying to win another division championship while simultaneously developing two young quarterbacks behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.

The roster implications get even more interesting when you look at the offensive line, where Gennings Dunker’s injury could create another difficult decision — and potentially impact how Pittsburgh makes room for four quarterbacks.

And what about Joey Porter Jr.?

Wexell offers a very different perspective on the contract situation — including why the Steelers may already have their number in mind and may simply be willing to wait. There’s also Asante Samuel Jr., who continues to put together solid practices. And the larger question of how Pittsburgh balances developing young players with trying to win right now.

That’s what makes this Steelers roster so fascinating heading into the second preseason contest against the Jets.

The Steelers aren’t simply evaluating players.

They’re trying to build a roster capable of defending the AFC North while developing the next generation of the team at the same time.

The full conversation goes much deeper into what Jim Wexell is seeing around the team, why the four-quarterback plan makes sense, what Pittsburgh may sacrifice to keep four QBs, and which roster battles could become critical before the August 30 cutdown deadline.

Subscribe for boots-on-the-ground Steelers coverage, insider reporting, practice observations, player evaluations, roster battles, coaching decisions, and analysis you won’t get from generic Steelers news coverage.

Steelers Nation — which roster battle are YOU watching most closely heading into Friday’s preseason game against the Jets?

#Steelers #PittsburghSteelers #SteelersNation #NFL #NFLNews #SteelersNews #SteelersFootball #SteelersPodcast #SteelersInsider #SteelersTrainingCamp #SteelersPractice #SteelersQB #WillHoward #MasonRudolph #JoeyPorterJr

Jim Wexell was boots on the ground at Steelers camp — and what he saw from Pittsburgh’s young quarterbacks, roster hopefuls and developing depth tells a much bigger story than the preseason box score. Will Howard showed composure in the two-minute drill. Drew Allar appears to be making progress with his mechanics. And Mike McCarthy’s comments to the beat writers offered some revealing clues about how the Steelers are developing their young quarterbacks. But that’s only part of what stood out. Jim Wexell, Jeremy Hritz, and Bo Marchionte break down what they saw inside Steelers camp and around the team, including: • Why Will Howard may have shown enough to secure his place in Pittsburgh’s quarterback room • What McCarthy’s decision-making during Howard’s fourth-down throw could reveal • Drew Allar’s developing footwork, deep ball and short-area accuracy • The intriguing Tony Romo comparison for Howard — and why it’s worth watching • Why Lew Nichols continues to make his case, including an important pass-protection rep • Germie Bernard’s physicality and his Deebo Samuel/Hines Ward-style potential • Why Jim Wexell believes Robert Spears-Jennings is a legitimate seventh-round find • What the Steelers’ offensive tackle struggles could mean for Broderick Jones and Dylan Cook • Why Kaleb Johnson’s limited preseason workload deserves attention • Keeanu Benton’s new contract and where he could fit on the future defensive line • What Elandon Roberts brings to a linebacker room featuring Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson • The deeper meaning behind Mike McCarthy’s comments about eliminating mental errors And there’s an important distinction here: these aren’t observations from a box score or a generic Steelers news feed. These are people who were actually there. Wexell has been covering the Steelers for years, and the conversation goes beyond who caught a pass or who gained the most yards. It gets into the little things reporters see at practice, what coaches emphasize, how players are being deployed, and which developments could actually matter when the roster gets cut down. The Steelers still have plenty to figure out before the regular season. The quarterback room is developing, the offensive line has questions, the running back depth chart remains unsettled, and several young players are trying to force their way onto the roster. Who stood out to you most from this Steelers preseason and camp — Will Howard, Drew Allar, Lew Nichols, Robert Spears-Jennings, or someone else? Subscribe for Steelers insider reporting, training camp observations, player evaluations, roster developments, game analysis and firsthand coverage from inside Steelers football. #Steelers #PittsburghSteelers #SteelersNation #NFL #NFLNews #SteelersNews #SteelersFootball #SteelersTalk #SteelersPodcast #SteelersInsider #SteelersTrainingCamp #SteelersPractice #JimWexell #WillHoward #DrewAllar