After a super hot start but a loss in the wild-card round of the playoffs in 2020, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a crucial training camp coming up if they want to get over the hump. When does it start, where will it be held, and are fans allowed to attend?
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With phase 3 of the 2021 NFL offseason set to wrap up on June 18th, teams are already looking forward to training camp. It is by far the most grueling and pivotal part of a team’s preparations.
Training camps often include busy days for players and coaches, sometimes with 2 practices a day, weight training, team meetings, and film sessions.
Per the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), no contact is permitted during the first 3 days of camp. Days 4 and 5 will see players at full speed in light equipment called “spiders and shells”, day 6 is a mandatory day off, and finally fully-padded practices start on the 7th day.
Along with the strenuous schedule, full-speed practices mean that both contact and non-contact injuries are very common. Regardless, training camp is mandatory for all players unlike OTAs which are voluntary. If a player doesn’t show up, they risk getting cut by their team.
When Does Training Camp Start for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
For the first time in NFL history, there will be a unified start for training camp. 29 franchises, including the Steelers, will kick off their training camps on Tuesday, July 27th.
The Cowboys and Steelers, who will play in the preseason Hall of Fame game, are allowed to begin training camp as early as July 21st. The Buccaneers will also be allowed to start training camp 3 days earlier on the 24th, as they play the season opener against Dallas on a Thursday night.
For the first time, the NFL will have a unified start to training camp, with 29 teams set to report Tuesday, July 27 — 47 days before the Sunday of Week 1, as allowed by the CBA — and plans for league-wide practices and fan events Saturday, July 31.
Midsummer Madness, anyone?
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 25, 2021
The #Cowboys and #Steelers can report as early as July 21 because of the hall of fame game. The #Bucs can report July 24 because of a Thursday opener. Players from the other 29 teams are required to report July 27, per the CBA.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 25, 2021
Where is the Steelers Training Camp Being Held?
Normally, NFL teams are permitted to hold training camp at outside facilities to improve accessibility for fans, However last year, due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID pandemic, teams were instructed to conduct camp at their own training facilities.
With the situation looking a little more optimistic, the league has informed teams they can return to outside facilities, should they choose to do so.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be back at St. Vincent’s College this summer for training camp.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Roster: Key Position Battles to Watch
As usual, teams will start camp with 90-man rosters. They must cut down to 85 players by August 17th and to 80 by August 24th, before settling on a final 53-man roster by August 31st.
The Steelers have a loaded roster that is potentially in its last year of playoff contention. This might be QB Ben Roethlisberger’s last year in the Pro’s and the Steelers will hope to cross the hump once again in 2021.
The Backup QB spot will be one to look out for. Mason Rudolph has had the job for the last 2 seasons. But 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins joined the team this summer, and will definitely push Rudolph for the job. The Backup job is especially important because whichever guy gets the job has a solid chance to play this season if there Ben Roethlisberger suffers an injury or sits late in the season.
Blessed to be here. 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/CdDj2YwmsX
— Dwayne Haskins, Jr (@dh_simba7) June 1, 2021
The inside linebacker job will also be up for grabs. Devin Bush will definitely occupy one spot. But the Steelers have several guys including Robert Spillane, Marcus Allen, and rookie Buddy Johnson, all of which could challenge for the starting job.
Will Fans Be Allowed to Attend Steelers Training Camp?
The NFL is planning to have fans at all training camps, with fan events scheduled to start on July 31st. This summer, fans will be able to gather back at St. Vincent’s College to watch their favorite Steelers take to Chuck Noll Field.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp will also see the return of “Friday Night Lights” at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. A highlight of the Steelers training camp for years, fans will be able to enjoy a day full of fun and activites.
Also Read: Baltimore Ravens Training Camp 2021: Start Date, Location, Roster Battles, and Fan Policy
