The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to kick off their second preseason game Friday night. Mason Rudolph will join Aaron Rodgers for a veteran day off, meaning the team’s young quarterbacks will get the entire game to give head coach Mike McCarthy a closer look. However, they won’t be the only players to watch in this game.
Pittsburgh has a few key players to watch in its second preseason game. Whether it’s because of a rough first preseason game, heightened expectations or an opportunity to take a step forward, there’s plenty to watch for in preseason game No. 2.
Will Howard
Troy Fautanu/Dylan Cook
Fautanu and Cook had some rough moments last week. There’s no doubt Fautanu can bounce back, but the Steelers might feel better if he shows it sooner rather than later. Switching sides isn’t an easy transition to make.
Both tackles are going to find themselves in plenty of isolation situations. These reps are important as they continue ramping up for the regular season.
Kaden Wetjen
The biggest play last Thursday night was Wetjen’s 74-yard catch and run. While McCarthy was pleased to see the big play, he made it clear he expected Wetjen to score. He wants to see Wetjen continue to make strides.
Wetjen also could use some bigger returns after the Steelers’ special teams units had an underwhelming week. With some work under their belts, they should be able to show more cohesion in preseason game No. 2.
Brock Hoffman/Spencer Anderson
This has suddenly become a potential battle on the Steelers’ hands. Hoffman got some first-team reps in practice this week, while Anderson has held down the right guard spot to this point.
Can Hoffman make this competition interesting?
