First Call: Steelers checking out FB, DL depth; ex-Steelers DB gets a look from NFC South club

In advance of training camp, the Steelers appear to be checking out depth along the defensive line and at fullback. An ex-Steeler is getting a look from the Carolina Panthers. A former Pitt Panther is putting himself in a tough spot with his new team. And we examine Tuesday’s Pirates-Cardinals pitching matchup.

All that in Tuesday’s “First Call.”

Same way as DJ?

Former Steeler Diontae Johnson is hoping for greener pastures with the Panthers after his offseason trade to Carolina.

Now another ex-Steeler is looking to do the same. It’s safety Trenton Thompson. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 television is reporting that Thompson had a workout with the club.

#Panthers worked out Henry Black, Feleipe Franks, Kyler McMichael, Wyatt Ray, Derick Roberson, Kiondre Thomas, Trenton Thompson

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 22, 2024

In 2023, Thompson flashed at times despite dealing with injuries. Given the uncertainty in Pittsburgh’s secondary, it was a bit of a surprise when he was waived in June.

In six games last year, Thompson totaled 22 tackles, three pass deflections and one interception. His roster spot may eventually be absorbed by sixth-round draft choice Ryan Watts.

Taking a look

Wilson had a couple of notes about Steelers tryouts as well. He reports that the local club is taking a look at fullback Tory Carter and defensive lineman Marquiss Spencer

#Steelers worked out Tory Carter and Marquiss Spencer

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 22, 2024

Carter is 6-foot-3 inches tall out of LSU. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans in 2021, joining the practice squad after training camp. Since then, he has 17 NFL games under his belt, with five starts.

Over 119 snaps on offense, Carter has yet to touch the ball. He has also registered 266 special teams snaps. He was waived by the Titans on Dec. 6, 2022.

As for Spencer, he is 6-3, 301 pounds. Selected in the seventh round of the 2021 draft, the Mississippi State product began his career with the Denver Broncos, joining the practice squad out of training camp. He saw some action in one game that season. That was his only appearance in the NFL. He has been an on-and-off member of the New York Jets’ practice squad since 2022.

Related

• Nick Gonzales drives in winning run in 8th inning as Pirates edge Cardinals
• Steelers A to Z: As training camp approaches, Russell Wilson remains in pole position at QB
• 5 players on hot seat as Steelers get ready to open training camp

Not happy

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his displeasure with wide receiver Jordan Addison Wednesday. The former Pitt Panther and USC Trojan was arrested on suspicion of DUI last week.

“We’re disappointed in Jordan,” O’Connell said via ProFootballTalk.com. “We care about these players, we really do. We want to make sure we’re doing our part for the development on the field. The other aspect of that is the off-the-field, the life skills, and the development of decision making and learning how important it is within our culture — which we’re very proud of — that our players understand personal responsibility and accountability.”

Addison could face league discipline as a result of the incident. He was also cited for reckless driving last year.

The 22-year-old was pulled over just six days after rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson died in a car crash earlier this month. He was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit by another car trying to switch lanes at a high speed. Police believe alcohol was a factor in that fatal collision.

Second time around

The pitchers in Tuesday’s Pirates-Cardinals game at PNC Park are coming off of different experiences against their respective opponents from earlier in the season.

Pittsburgh rookie phenom Paul Skenes had one of the best outings of his young career against the Cards on June 11 in St. Louis. He totaled eight strikeouts while allowing no runs or walks over 6 ⅓ innings in what ended up being a 2-1 Pirates win.

Skenes left that game to a standing ovation at Busch Stadium.

Cardinals fans give Paul Skenes an ovation as he exits in the seventh inning pic.twitter.com/UV4TiWeYwx

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 12, 2024

The former No. 1 overall pick is now 6-0 with a 1.90 ERA.

As for Cards’ starter Lance Lynn, the 37-year-old only finished 4 ⅓ innings on June 13, yielding three earned runs and seven baserunners. But the Cardinals still ended up winning 4-3 over the Bucs thanks to 4 ⅔ innings of scoreless relief.

In his career against the Pirates, Lynn is 7-8 with a 5.34 ERA. He’s 3-5 with a 5.97 ERA at PNC Park.