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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Omar Khan at training camp on Aug. 1, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their first depth chart of the 2026 season, and while much of it mimics what’s been happening on the field during the first week of training camp at St. Vincent College, there are some surprises, as well — include a formal position change for a long-time starter.
Let’s dive in:
At quarterback, the order that we’ve seen on the field throughout the 2026 season is the same as on paper, with Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar following Aaron Rodgers in that order.
Jaylen Warren is ahead of Rico Dowdle in the pecking order at running back, though how much that will matter is still very much up in the air. The two will almost certainly have a significant time share.
Seventh-round rookie Eli Heidenreich is the last of the six running backs listed, which is not a good sign for him making it to the 53-man roster at this point.
Roman Wilson continues to hold off Germie Bernard, with the second-round rookie actually listed behind Michael Pittman Jr. as the backup flanker, and not behind Wilson in the slot.
Broderick Jones is at left tackle, Max Iheanachor right tackle and Gennings Dunker at left guard with the second unit. That’s where Jones and Iheanachor have been playing, while Dunker has mostly worked with the third unit in training camp.Â
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackles Yahya Black and Keeanu Benton at practice on Jan. 8, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
In perhaps the biggest news, Keeanu Benton, who has been the team’s starting nose tackle the last three seasons and has lined up there at least some of the time this year, is instead the backup to Cam Heyward at defensive tackle, with Yahya Black listed as the starter at nose tackle between Heyward and Derrick Harmon.
Gabriel Rubio is currently the sixth defensive lineman, slotting in well ahead of veteran Dean Lowry, and also Esezi Otomewo and the currently injured Logan Lee.
Second-year linebacker Carson Bruener has passed veteran Malik Harrison at inside linebacker, which matches what has been taking place on the field.
Rookie Robert-Spears Jennings is ahead of second-year former UDFA Sebastian Castro for one backup safety job. Former practice squad member Jack Henderson and UDFA Devan Boykin are both ahead of just-signed veteran Rayshawn Jenkins for the other. The Steelers did not differentiate between free and strong safety for their depth chart.
Kaden Wetjen, the backup to Wilson at slot receiver, is listed as the top kick and punt returner.
Mentioned In This Article: Keeanu Benton Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers Steelers Depth Chart Yahya Black