Steelers return to afternoon workouts as temps reach 90s for initial training camp session

After a one-year switch to the Pittsburgh Steelers conducting training camp practices in the morning on weekdays, coach Mike Tomlin moved all sessions this summer back to an afternoon start time.

All practices, except for the annual night workout at Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium, will begin at 1:55 p.m.

Or, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers put it, the “hottest time of the day.”

The temperature reached 91 degrees Thursday afternoon for the initial workout of the team’s three-week stay at Saint Vincent.

“I love it,” Rodgers said, “just because it’s a stressor, and you see how guys respond to adversity.”

The Steelers were scheduled to practice until 4 p.m., but Tomlin cut the workout a half-hour short, perhaps as a concession to the temperature. It was the first day of the team’s heat acclimation period that will last until Tuesday when players can wear pads for the first time.

Tomlin didn’t attempt to combat the heat with any cool-weather attire. He wore a long-sleeved black shirt.

“I think everybody who’s a real competitor appreciates it because you can’t run from it,” he said. “You have to run to it. When you have a good mindset, it’s a good asset to you when you’re in hot environments.”

Tomlin said the Steelers dealt with a “couple” heat-related illnesses in the opening workout. New tight end Jonnu Smith did not take part in team drills despite wearing his practice attire to the field. Running back Cordarrelle Patterson also did not practice.

Tomlin, though, said neither player’s absence was directly related to the conditions, but he didn’t provide a specific reason for them sitting out.

In 2024, the Steelers practiced in the morning on weekdays and returned to an afternoon routine on the weekends when the crowds were larger.

The shift to the afternoon didn’t bother inside linebacker Patrick Queen, who is entering his second season with the team after spending his first four seasons in Baltimore.

“I’m from Louisiana. I don’t care,” Queen said. “It’s been 110 degrees every single day, so I’m used to it. I’m working out in a hot suit in 110 degrees. I went to LSU. I’m from Louisiana. The heat is my thing. I’m not worried.”

Odd couple

When deciding on roommate pairings for the team’s stay in the Saint Vincent dorms, Tomlin decided to place 41-year-old Rodgers with 27-year-old wide receiver DK Metcalf.

Rodgers and Metcalf worked out in California prior to the Steelers signing the quarterback to a one-year contract. They also worked out again after the conclusion of minicamp.

“That seems appropriate, doesn’t it?” Tomlin said of the camp union.

How the Steelers’ offense fares will depend largely on how quickly Rodgers and Metcalf, the team’s clear No. 1 wide receiver, develop chemistry on the field, not just away from it.

Rodgers wasn’t sure he was getting a roommate, and he had some trepidation when he checked in Tuesday night and saw a suitcase in the adjacent room.

“I was secretly hoping it wasn’t a big lineman and someone who cared about their hygiene a little bit,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers was happy to find out the suitcase belonged to Metcalf.

As for Metcalf, he was slower to embrace the idea of having a roomie. He hadn’t stayed in a college dorm since, well, college.

“He said, ‘I was hoping it was you,’ ” Metcalf said. “I did not think I was going to have a roommate, but I’m glad to see you, too. It was a good experience to see his face and know we could continue conversations outside the meeting room.”

The 14-year age gap was evident, Metcalf said, when Rodgers walked into the wide receiver’s room Wednesday night. Metcalf was engrossed in a video game he was playing.

“He said, ‘Oh, you’re gaming,’ ” Metcalf said. “I said yeah, and he just walked out.”

Content with his role

Cameron Heyward has served as the team’s union representative for several years, he’s been active in the NFLPA since 2014 and he was voted onto the group’s executive committee in 2024 where he serves as a vice president.

Heyward was caught off guard when NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. abruptly resigned last week amid several scandals, one of which involved Howell submitting expenses for trips to strip clubs. Union president J.C. Tretter also resigned after holding his position for nearly five years.

“It’s been whirlwind,” Heyward said of the NFLPA shakeup. “I’ve been on a lot of calls, gathering information. I know not everything is put together like it should. Players have been working hard to remedy the situation and move forward so we can have a union that thrives through chaos.”

The NFLPA is looking to hire an interim executive director.

Heyward is 36 and entering his 15th season with the Steelers. He doesn’t envision taking an increased role in the union’s stewardship anytime soon.

“You think I’ve got time for that?” Heyward said, laughing. “I’m on borrowed time as it is. I’m happy with my role. I try to provide every player on my team with information. I pride myself in being an open book, especially when it comes to this and making sure our younger guys are well informed.”