What Is Steelers’ Biggest Need Heading Into Training Camp? Offense Or Defense?

The Pittsburgh Steelers will hold their first training camp practice in two weeks. Exactly what the roster looks like when the team takes the field at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. remains a work in progress.

Fourteen days is an eternity for general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin to shuffle the roster. So where should they start?

According to CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, the Steelers’ biggest need heading into camp is on the defensive side of the ball. Specifically at safety.

“Pittsburgh recently acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, but lost safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the process,” Edwards wrote Wednesday. “The Steelers signed veteran Juan Thornhill who was not playing his best football in Cleveland, and DeShon Elliott.

“If they had identified Fitzpatrick as a problem area for them last season, then the loss is probably not as significant as it may outwardly appear,” Edwards continued.

But wait, there’s more. Edwards also acknowledged a problem spot on offense, and it’s a glaring one considering the team is all-in on 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

“The offensive line suffered significant injury last season and Dan Moore Jr. is no longer there to bail them out at left tackle, so that could develop into a problem,” Edwards concluded.

Protecting Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, is top priority on offense, especially if the team wants to make best use of newly-acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf.

However the Steelers won’t be the only team looking for help on the offensive line. ESPN reported Wednesday Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs is expected to miss the start of the season with a knee injury which required surgery.

According to the report, Wirfs is expected to start the season on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he would miss at least the first four games.

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