The Steelers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 16 at 7:00 PM EST for Week 2 of the 2025 preseason, a game that doubles as Pittsburgh’s QB and depth-chart audition. Skylar Thompson headlines four must-watch Steelers, after a strong opener that could force the team to weigh QB options and even consider stashing rookie Will Howard on IR to unlock roster space.

Pittsburgh’s defense enters a window of heightened expectation. Mike Tomlin’s bold optimism underscores a unit rebuilt to stop the run and sharpen back-end communication after a troublesome finish to 2024. The influx includes Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark and Brandin Echols, joining a defensive core led by T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward with Patrick Queen in the mix. Ramsey’s role as a multifaceted striker at free safety has already yielded an early highlight, and Metcalf’s praise of the defense adds a level of respect from a firsthand rival. Aging stars on the Steelers, including Heyward at 36, add a caveat about longevity, even as Harmon, Black and Sawyer push to prove themselves. Tomlin’s history of dominant defenses, from his Buccaneers stint to Pittsburgh’s early-season excellence, provides a blueprint, but skepticism remains about the 30-plus group’s ability to sustain a historic run. The potential payoff is a defense that could redefine Pittsburgh’s ceiling, possibly even sparking a long-awaited playoff breakthrough if the scheme and communication click under pressure.

Pittsburgh closed Week 1 of the preseason with a win and a passing-driven vibe, but the real story is the competition brewing behind the top starters. Kaleb Johnson flashed resilience behind a leaky run block, drawing a line between the tape and the box score, as the line’s woes watered down his true impact. Max Hurleman and Roc Taylor both pressed for a late-roster berth, turning exhibitions into auditioning grounds for the last WR spots. On the O-line, Troy Fautanu stood as a reliable anchor on run plays and pass protection, a small but meaningful win for the depth. Yahya Black flashed lateral agility in limited work and earned a bigger leash, while Jack Sawyer and DeMarvin Leal faced the need to raise their confidence and reps. Juan Thornhill assumed a vocal, steadying presence at free safety, and Chuck Clark’s opportunities to prove his value persisted, even as the defense navigated evolving roles. The undercurrent is clear: this roster battle isn’t decided on Week 1, but the path to the final cut line is narrowing by the day.

Fantasy managers should monitor Hurleman and Taylor as potential sleepers who could climb the depth chart if their quarterback chemistry holds. Johnson’s productivity is tethered to the line’s improvement, but his vision and patience suggest upside if Pittsburgh can fix the front. Fautanu’s performance argues for a steadier plug-and-play option on the edge of the starting unit, while Thornhill’s leadership could stabilize a secondary retooling. Leal still needs a breakout moment to shed the tweener label, and Clark’s veteran presence could stabilize the back end as the Steelers experiment with combinations. In short, the week’s performances hint at a few overnight roster movements and several players who could pay off as potential fantasy upside if and when the depth chart locks in.

Bottom line: a strong start for the passing game, but the Steelers still need to firm up the trenches and finish drives. The week’s standouts signal which names could push for real snaps when the bullets fly, while the rest will be concentrated into the practice-field chess match that leads to September.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking decisive steps to enhance their run defense as they progress through the NFL Draft. General Manager Omar Khan made it clear with key selections aimed at reinforcing the team's defensive line. The first round saw the acquisition of defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, followed by the selection of Yahya Black in the fifth round from Iowa. Black brings notable stats, including 117 tackles and 5.5 sacks over five seasons, showcasing his prowess in halting the run game.

Black's role is anticipated to be multifaceted. With Keeanu Benton already holding down the nose tackle spot, Black is set to play as a four-technique lineman. His own words define him as a "run stopper guy," emphasizing his commitment to tackling and stopping plays directly at the line. This strategic shift aims to bolster the Steelers' defensive capabilities against the run, an area that has been a point of improvement for the squad. The Steelers are not just drafting talent; they are building a formidable defensive identity.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed former Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end Yahya Black to a four-year contract as rookie minicamps commence. Black, drafted as a fifth-round pick in 2025, had a solid college career, starting all 14 games in 2023 with 51 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. His 2024 season saw slight regression with 34 tackles and one sack over 13 games but still demonstrated his potential.

Steelers' defensive line coach Karl Dunbar expressed enthusiasm, stating Black brings physicality to the team’s defensive line, aligning with the team's strategy to cultivate youth for a more dominant front. Black's impressions of Pittsburgh highlight the city's beauty and the comparable toughness reminiscent of his Iowa days.