Chuks Okorafor making most of chance to win starting RT job with Steelers

When Chuks Okorafor reported for his third training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he wanted to work on the positioning of his hands.

The goal was to improve his technique on the offensive line. As a byproduct, his hands could help him grab the right tackle spot away from good friend Zach Banner.

Okorafor and Banner are competing for the job vacated when the Steelers moved Matt Feiler to left guard. They have rotated snaps at the position for much of training camp.

Okorafor said Monday in a video conference call he watched film of his play last year when he started against the Los Angeles Rams and didn’t like his hands placement.

“I had my hands out,” he said. “I’m trying to have it tighter. With that, every day (practicing) with the ones or twos, it doesn’t matter. I have to go in there every day and work.”

The Steelers will pick a winner without the benefit of preseason games, which isn’t an ideal situation for Okorafor or Banner to state a case.

“There’s nothing better than games,” Okorafor said. “It’s obviously different not having games. Every day you have to have the mindset to fix something. If it’s your hands, feet or eyes or something. You have to have the mindset to fix something.”

Although he missed practice Monday with a groin injury, Okorafor is healthier than the 2019 training camp when he was recovering from labrum surgery that was performed after his rookie season.

“I don’t want to make an excuse for last year in terms of it being a problem, but there was little pain last year during camp,” Okorafor said. “It was tough, for sure, but now I feel great.”

One drawback for Okorafor is he still hasn’t gotten to take snaps next to All-Pro right guard David DeCastro, who practiced in pads Monday for the first time after missing a week of workouts.

Tomlin said how Banner and Okorafor adjust to DeCastro or replacement right guards won’t be much of a consideration in determining a starter.

“They have to stand on their own two (feet),” he said. “DeCastro is a seasoned veteran and communicator, and there’s an understanding he brings. They don’t always have control over who they play beside. I’m more concerned about the quality of their play at the position.”

Although the competition at right tackle is serious, Okorafor said it won’t impact his relationship with Banner, one of his closest friends on the team.

“When we’re here, it’s all business,” Okorafor said. “You have to go in every day and do your job whether it’s me and Zach watching film or the whole team watching film. Nothing has changed, really.”