{"id":258348,"date":"2025-08-03T10:57:17","date_gmt":"2025-08-03T10:57:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/258348\/"},"modified":"2025-08-03T10:57:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-03T10:57:17","slug":"mike-tomlin-praises-three-players-who-stood-out-saturday-during-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/258348\/","title":{"rendered":"Mike Tomlin Praises Three Players Who Stood Out Saturday During Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"

After an eventful Friday Night Lights practice, the Steelers were back to their normal setting Saturday. Practicing under the sun at Saint Vincent College, things are only ramping up just a week away from the team\u2019s first preseason game. Speaking to the media<\/a> after practice, Mike Tomlin mentioned a few players who caught his eye. The first was Kenneth Gainwell.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s good inside the backfield, he\u2019s good out of the backfield,\u201d Tomlin said. \u201cHe\u2019s a good route runner, he\u2019s a good outside zone runner, he\u2019s got a well-rounded game. That\u2019s one of the reasons we\u2019re excited about acquiring him.\u201d<\/p>\n

This offense is full of Swiss Army knives. Most notable has been Jonnu Smith, but Gainwell could be just as much of a weapon himself. He\u2019s made himself into quite a versatile back, one who can pick up yards on the ground, yet also line up wide as a receiver and run routes.<\/p>\n

Gainwell could see more opportunities with the Steelers\u2019 lack of wide receiver depth. It\u2019s even got Pittsburgh trying out some four-tight end sets,<\/a> a sign that Arthur Smith is willing to get creative. Gainwell prides himself as a route runner and does it better than most backs in the league. With both Kaleb Johnson and Jaylen Warren able to handle a substantial workload, expect Gainwell to be used as a gadget player.<\/p>\n

Two more players, a little less proven than Gainwell, also received some praise from Mike Tomlin Saturday. That includes Scotty Miller and James Pierre, each of whom is seeing work on special teams as well as offense and defense.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s kind of reflective of who they are,\u201d Tomlin said. \u201cYou know, football players first. Whatever we ask you to do, the more you can do, you add value to your cause and ours. And so I\u2019m excited about those contributions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miller was released<\/a> toward the end of the 2024 season and re-signed with the Steelers in free agency. He\u2019s making big plays in camp, which is only helping his cause to make the 53-man roster.<\/p>\n

No tackling so hard to say who might be stopped in team period but Scotty Miller took short pass and turned on the jets for a 74 yard TD from Mason Rudolph. #Steelers<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) August 2, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

As for Pierre, things are more complicated. As a cornerback, he\u2019s at a position with possibly the most depth on the roster. Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. are all roster locks. Brandin Echols likely makes it as a new addition this offseason.<\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s Cory Trice Jr. and Beanie Bishop Jr., two young players the Steelers may want to keep around. There\u2019s also rookie seventh-round pick Donte Kent. It\u2019s a crowded room<\/a>, to say the least.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not stopping Pierre from trying to prove himself. On Friday, he had an interception during the two-minute drill, and he grabbed two more today.<\/p>\n

Make that 2 INTs for Pierre. Ran Robert Woods slant for him. Jalen Ramsey celebrates with him.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) August 2, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Pierre has a lot of people to compete with as he tries to earn a roster spot. However, he\u2019s certainly making his presence felt in camp, and it\u2019s catching the eye of Mike Tomlin. If he can continue that success through the preseason, it\u2019s going to be hard for the Steelers to leave him off their 53-man roster.<\/p>\n