For a team trying to reset its offensive identity, the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t off to the best start. The offense? Still clunky. The Aaron Rodgers–DK Metcalf connection? Still sputtering. At one point in the camp, the team saw them drop six of seven reps in the seven shots drill—and it wasn’t pretty. Timing looked off, rhythm was missing, and frankly, Rodgers hasn’t looked sharp.
Adding to the concern, Steeler Nation’s Christopher Barbre explained: “There are a few bugs in the system—mainly a lack of deep shots and a whole-lot of check-downs. Yes, the same cautionary tale we’ve seen in the late chapters of Rodgers’ NFL career is once again creeping in.” At 41, Rodgers isn’t the deep-threat magician he once was. His numbers from last season were alarmingly close to Russell Wilson’s, and that’s not a stat line anyone wants to copy.
“And the highly anticipated Rodgers-to-DK Metcalf connection? Not exactly lighting up the practice field. The chemistry just isn’t there yet, and the pecking order behind Metcalf is still a mystery,” Barbre said. Despite this situation, Metcalf’s attitude toward Aaron Rodgers remains nothing but admiration.
“I think it just comes naturally. I mean, he sees how much I love the game, I see how much he loves the game and, you know, how much football he’s been through,” DK Metcalf explained on NFL on CBS. “And just, you know, pouring all of that knowledge into the younger guys, into myself, I think he’s been great. You know, him, and Art are collaborating on some great ideas.” That mutual respect is a solid foundation, even if the on-field results didn’t match the vibes.
But then DK went deeper. His words felt personal: “You know, I look up to him, you know, just in the football aspect, but, you know, just what he’s been through in life, you know, just for me to learn from his experiences and whatnot. But, yeah, I mean, I think he’s just a great addition, you know, to my life and my career, just having him, you know, at this point in my journey.” That’s not just a teammate talking — that’s a guy genuinely inspired.
“I look up to him … he’s just a great addition to my life and my career.”
DK Metcalf on his blossoming relationship with Aaron Rodgers. pic.twitter.com/JMZo1158q0
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) August 6, 2025
Meanwhile, Steelers HC Mike Tomlin had news of his own. He confirmed rookie QB Will Howard broke a finger on his throwing hand, and it’s his right pinky. On Wednesday, Howard was seen on the sidelines wearing a splint, just watching practice. The injury happened the day before, either during a snap from center or while handing the ball off to Evan Hull. Tomlin said it doesn’t look like it’ll need surgery, but Howard’s still checking out his options. Not the start the sixth-rounder was hoping for.
Anyway, quarterback Will Howard is out “week-to-week.” He’s ruled out for Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Jaguars. While early reports feared he’d miss all of preseason, the good news? No surgery needed. Skylar Thompson is now holding down the QB3 spot. But while injury updates might worry the Steeler Nation, in the end, they got what they wanted.
Aaron Rodgers & DK Metcalf connection finally shines at Steelers camp
Finally, some good news out of Steel City. After a rocky start to training camp, the Steelers’ offense showed real life in the seven-shot drill. And it was the Aaron Rodgers—DK Metcalf duo that led the way. As PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh reported, the offense edged out the defense 4-3, “thanks in large part to the Aaron Rodgers–DK Metcalf connection.” That’s the spark Yinzers have been waiting for.
To kick things off, Rodgers hit Metcalf on a quick slant, giving the offense a 1-0 lead. But the rhythm took a hit right after. Rodgers missed his next end zone target, and rookie DL Yahya Black got his hands up to deflect the third attempt meant for Metcalf, flipping the score 2-1 in favor of the defense. Even in victory, the offense had to grind for every inch.
Then came Mason Rudolph’s turn. He opened with an incompletion, thanks to a slick pass breakup by Beanie Bishop. But he bounced back, hitting Robert Woods off play-action to close the gap. RB Lew Nichols followed it up with a rushing TD, tying the score at 3-3 — and suddenly, it all came down to one last play.
So in came the big guns. Rodgers rolled out, spotted Metcalf, and zipped it in for the game-winner. The camp had its moment. On the final play, Rodgers and Metcalf connected, giving the offense a 4-3 win during the seven-shot drill. Just like that, all that talk about the defense carrying camp? Gone in one play!
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