Pittsburgh's first-team look after one preseason tilt sparks a major offensive reshuffle, with the 53-man projection leaning into a deeper, more dynamic pass-and-run mix. The quarterback room features Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, signaling a campMore-Than-Match competition rather than a single clear starter, while Connor Heyward anchors a run game and short-yardage package that could tilt early-season snaps toward a versatile fullback role. Warren’s lead-back status remains intact, backed by Kaleb Johnson’s rookie push and Kenneth Gainwell’s veteran presence, forming a multi-headed backfield that could complicate backfield allocations in fantasy drafts. The wideout corps remains crowded, including DK Metcalf, Robert Woods, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, and Max Hurleman, implying a rotation rather than a single focal target. Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth pair with Darnell Washington to form a top-tier tight end grouping, potentially raising the ceiling for two-TE alignments. The line is built around Broderick Jones and a cohesive interior group, with Zach Frazier and Ryan McCollum at center, aimed at sustaining a balanced attack. Cameron Heyward and Isaiahh Loudermilk anchor the interior, Keeanu Benton and a rookie nose tackle will plug gaps, while T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith prime the edge with pressure. On defense, the depth at inside linebacker (Queen, Wilson, Holcomb, Harrison) and the five-man corner/safety mix could keep weekly production steady, while the kicking game and punting plan rely on Boswell and Johnston to stabilize special teams. Fantasy takeaway: monitor how Rodgers’ presence, the three-QB rotation and a reimagined offense shape early-season usage and target distribution, and which pass-catchers emerge from the depth chart in the weeks leading to the opener.

The Pittsburgh Steelers head into training camp with key players eager to prove their worth. Fullback-tight end hybrid Connor Heyward faces stiff competition with the arrival of Jonnu Smith and rookie DJ Thomas-Jones, putting his spot on the 53-man roster in jeopardy. Meanwhile, wide receiver Roman Wilson is set to challenge the narrative that the Steelers lack a reliable WR2, aiming to fill the void and elevate his status within the team. Lastly, veteran quarterback and potential Hall of Famer, Kenny Pickett, approaches this season determined to make a significant impact, potentially in his last year as a starter.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines after the 2023 NFL Draft by signing DJ Thomas-Jones, a tight end from South Alabama, to a rookie deal complete with a substantial $30,000 signing bonus. This bonus marks the highest ever allocated by the Steelers to a non-quarterback undrafted free agent, highlighting their urgent need for depth at the tight end position. Thomas-Jones was not particularly prolific in college, with a maximum of 30 receptions and 250 yards in a single season, but his blocking skills could give him a competitive edge.

Despite the promising signing bonus, Thomas-Jones faces stiff competition to make the Steelers’ final roster. The team's tight end depth chart already features established players like Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, with Connor Heyward flexing between tight end and fullback. For Thomas-Jones to secure a place on the 53-man roster, he will likely need to exhibit the same versatility and skill set that Heyward has shown, proving he can be an asset both in blocking schemes and potentially in the passing game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen is set to become the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars after a whirlwind of events that saw him initially decline the opportunity. Following the dismissal of general manager Trent Baalke, Coen reconsidered his position and accepted the Jaguars’ offer. The Jaguars are hoping Coen will bring stability to a franchise that has struggled to find consistent leadership, having cycled through four head coaches in six years.

Coen, who has a background under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams, is credited with significantly improving offensive performance. His tenure with the Buccaneers saw them achieve a remarkable balance between passing and rushing, a vital aspect the Jaguars need to address. With Coen's expertise, there are high expectations for him to rejuvenate quarterback Trevor Lawrence's play and enhance the Jaguars' struggling run game.

The Cincinnati Bengals secured a crucial 19-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, keeping their playoff hopes alive with a fifth consecutive win. Despite controlling the game for most of the night, missed opportunities forced Cincinnati to protect a narrow lead in the fourth quarter. With a record of 9-8, the Bengals now await the outcomes of other games to see if they clinch the final playoff spot in the AFC.

The Steelers, already playoff-bound with a 10-7 record, ended the regular season on a disappointing four-game losing streak. Coach Mike Tomlin's team struggled offensively, failing to capitalize on key opportunities. Their playoff journey begins under a cloud of uncertainty and concern over their recent form.