Pittsburgh Steelers confront roster battles and early warning as Mike McCarthy starts his first season

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2026‑27 preseason with new head coach Mike McCarthy, who succeeded Mike Tomlin. The team received an early warning about the challenges ahead before playing its first game.

Key position battles emerged during rookie minicamp. At left tackle, veteran Broderick Jones, returning from a neck injury, competed with first‑round pick Max Iheanachor for the starting role. In the backfield, running back Jaylen Warren faced competition from newly signed free agent Rico Dowdle, with the workload expected to be split based on the offense’s balance. Cornerback Jamel Dean, who posted an 80.6 PFF grade in 2025, was under scrutiny as age could affect his performance. The secondary, bolstered by significant free‑agent spending and draft capital, was highlighted as a critical area for the team’s success.

These roster contests are seen as pivotal for the Steelers’ playoff aspirations in 2026, with the coaching staff needing above‑average production across multiple positions to meet expectations.