Steelers inside the ropes: Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson ILB duo not leaving the field for subpackage play

While the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks have made throws that some would refer to as “dimes” during the first four practices of training camp, the first-team defense has not yet shown its dime.

That’s because the Steelers are electing to keep both of their starting inside linebackers on the field for virtually every situation, at least, so far in the early portions of this year’s camp at Saint Vincent.

While in a practice setting it is impossible to draw any firm conclusions — first-, second- and third-teamers shuffle in and out, sometimes at random, for example — it is notable that Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson have remained on the field at seemingly all times. The Steelers have deployed their base “okie” 3-4 defense and a nickel package with the starting group.

They have not yet shown a dime, a personnel grouping of six defensive backs that would force either Queen or Wilson off the field.

In his first season with the Steelers in 2024, Queen played every defensive snap of the regular season. Wilson, then a rookie third-round pick, made just four starts and played 45.1% of the defensive snaps. That just edged veteran Elandon Roberts, who made 14 starts but played 43.8% of the snaps.

Roberts was allowed to walk in free agency, in part, because the Steelers believe Wilson is ready to take the next step. He’s an unquestioned starter in 2025, and among his strengths is in coverage.

What will be interesting to see is whom the Steelers choose between Wilson and Queen if and when they show a dime package. The dime, in theory, could play to the Steelers’ strengths in that they have four starting-caliber cornerbacks (Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Brandin Echols) and three starting-caliber safeties (DeShon Elliott, Chuck Clark, Juan Thornhill).

• A day after the first mild skirmish of camp, a more significant post-whistle brouhaha broke out between backup center Ryan McCollum and reserve veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb. McCollum’s helmet was ripped off as the duo twisted to the ground. Outside linebacker Nick Herbig and reserve offensive lineman Calvin Anderson joined in as peacemakers de-escalating the situation. Coach Mike Tomlin looked on close by, smiling slightly. He did bellow out some words to the group at large soon thereafter.

• The defense won four of seven reps in the “seven shots” 2-point conversion simulation that opens the team-drill portion of practice daily. The first-teamers split four reps, with Aaron Rodgers hitting tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth for scores and Thornhill and Elliott breaking up passes (intended for DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson, respectively). The offense failed to score on either snap engineered by Mason Rudolph, albeit one was a drop by rookie Max Hurleman while Slay was in coverage. Echols intercepted a Rudolph pass into the end zone intended for Darnell Washington. Rookie Will Howard hit running back Trey Sermon with a flip at the right pylon for a score.

• Rookie defensive lineman Yahya Black twice during practice batted down passes thrown by Rudolph.

• Rudolph’s best throw of the day was a precision connection with rookie Roc Taylor, who was hit in stride while running through traffic over the middle in an 11-on-11 drill. He also connected with Lance McCutcheon on a long gain but misfired high on a throw to Ke’Shawn Williams.

• Howard’s best completion was a nice outside throw to fellow rookie JJ Galbreath.

• Rodgers continues to show improvisational skills, repeatedly flipping/pitching passes forward or using sidearm delivery.

• The 41-year-old Rodgers, at one point, took off for a short gain toward the sidelines after finding no open receivers. After the run, he playfully confronted defenders Porter and Queen, and they had fun gesturing back. Rodgers bounced a ball off of Queen’s shoulder pads back to himself.

• A slightly more serious display of animosity seemed to come after Freiermuth was blocking Ramsey behind the play as Jaylen Warren finished off a long run after a catch on a Rodgers screen. Ramsey did not seem to like it, though there perhaps was a level of humor intended. Payton Wilson, though, also seemed to express displeasure at Freiermuth.

• Outside linebacker Eku Leota, at one point in 11-on-11, beat tackle Steven Jones clean on a rush from the right side. He clearly would have sacked Howard in live play.