Fan 6-pack of what to watch for during Steelers-Bills

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – After Thursday night, the records count. Here is a six-pack of stories to watch for as the Steelers close out the preseason at the Bills on KDKA-TV at 7pm.

Will Will bounce back

There were good things despite the interceptions by second-year quarterback Will Howard, but those picks obviously cloud the good throws. Thursday Howard could be playing for many things from a spot on the 53-man roster, to practice squad with the Steelers or looking for a fresh start with someone else just over a year after being drafted in the sixth round.

Mike McCarthy has hinted to keeping four quarterbacks, but it was never clarified if those QBs would all be on the active roster.

Max Iheanachor debut?

Injured during the first full week of training camp with a still unclear neck or shoulder issue, Max Iheanachor practiced full Monday and Tuesday during full contact, full padded workouts. McCarthy wouldn’t commit to him playing, but would like to see him in a game. Barring any setbacks, Iheanachor will play at some point against the Bills. The 2026 first-round pick really showed off smooth and quick feet during practice, something to watch against Buffalo is how that translates against a new opponent.

Nothing is set in stone regarding the Steelers opening day offensive line on the right side.

2 Navy tailbacks

It’s a really incredible story of a pair of Western PA kids living a dream right now. Alex Tecza joined Eli Heidenreich as Steelers running backs during practice this week. Each attended Mt. Lebanon High School, the US Naval Academy and now Tecza is looking to join Heidenreich getting snaps in a Steelers uniform during a preseason game. He’s not sure if he will get that chance admitting he’s having to pick up the system quickly.

How much will starters play?

McCarthy likes to keep decisions in house as much as possible, so he wouldn’t say publicly how he would distribute reps for the preseason finale. He did say on Monday that the third preseason game is usually a game where you build your depth. That would likely mean few starters on the field, especially those with longer tenure in the NFL. Offensive line could be an exception with the amount of youth in that group. We also don’t know how he will use the quarterbacks, although it’s expected only Howard and Drew Allar will play.

Kaleb Johnson

Howard and Donte Kent (7^th round cornerback currently on PUP) aren’t the only players from last year’s draft class with a tenuous roster spot, third-round pick, running back Kaleb Johnson might be a long-shot at this point to be on the 53-man roster. Johnson was the leading rusher against the Jets (10-39 yards).

McCarthy said often during camp he wants players who can play all four downs. He’s looking for someone who can contribute on offense, but also on special teams for that third running back spot. Johnson hasn’t played a snap on kick coverage units this camp, although special teams coach Danny Crossman said they were going to use him last week if they would have had more than one kickoff.

Kaden Wetjen

This applies to the four-down discussion. Wetjen’s primary job is on fourth down as a punt returner or as a kickoff returner. It appeared he opened eyes in the first preseason game with a 74-yard catch and run as a receiver, but it was pointed out by McCarthy that he needs to finish and score on that play. There have also been concerns about his route running. As for him as a returner?

“I think he's doing some really good things,” Crossman said. “Again, ball security is right now. He made some really good decisions in Week 1. (Friday) maybe not as many good decisions, but the most important aspect is coming away every possession with the football. We were loose on one, one came out on the sideline. We’ve just got to make sure we're getting that nailed down, so that that can't ever be an issue.”

Even though he was a fourth-round pick this year, could Wetjen be in trouble especially if they are looking for a roster spot to keep a fourth quarterback?

Bob Pompeani, Charlie Batch and Missi Matthews have the call of Steelers-Bills at Buffalo’s new stadium Thursday night at 7p on KDKA-TV.