PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It’s the first preseason game, we know at least seven won’t play and many other veterans will get limited snaps Friday night as the Steelers host the Texans at Acrisure Stadium at 7p on KDKA-TV.
Of those likely to get an expanded look, here are five to keep your eyes on in the opener.
Beanie Bishop
The undrafted free agent from West Virginia, defensive back Beanie Bishop seemed to have a good understanding during OTAs and mini-camp. With the eight-game suspension to Cam Sutton, Bishop got reps early and often in training camp. He continues to earn more and more opportunities.
Listed as the starter in the first depth chart of the season, Bishop needs to prove that what he’s shown in a practice setting can carry over to games.
“I’m just working every day and competing,” Bishop said. “Everybody is coming out and competing for a job. There is no guarantee that I will be with the ones next week. Every day is a constant grind, special teams, that’s where I will make a lot of my money, too.”
Mason McCormick
Known this camp for his part in sticking up for quarterback Justin Fields after he was knocked into by linebacker Elandon Roberts, guard Mason McCormick has been going to school. The rookie fourth-round pick said he’s been working closely with offensive line coach Pat Meyer on getting his hands on people, legally, learning how to have different approaches on different blocks, plus improving his footwork. How will that look in a game?
“It will be pretty cool, my first time really wearing a Steelers jersey and getting out there on that field,” McCormick said. “I just want to be a good representative of this organization and play the right way.”
Payton Wilson
With Patrick Queen not playing in the game and veteran Elandon Roberts likely limited as a veteran, an opportunity for rookie linebacker Payton Wilson to not only show off his athleticism, but his knowledge. Queen said Wilson is constantly asking questions, calling him a football junkie.
“My motor is one of my best attributes,” Wilson said. “That’s something I take pride in, like I say all the time, if there are 75 plays, I want to have 75 tackles. That’s how I train every single offseason. Everything I do is at 100%.”
“I’m super-blessed to have this opportunity, why would I waste any second. There’s millions of people that would give a lot to be in my position and I’m not going to sit here and waste a second.”
Cory Trice
Drafted in the seventh-round last year with high hopes after solid offseason work, cornerback Cory Trice was injured early in training camp in 2023 and lost for the season. Friday will be Trice’s first ever game with the Steelers the 6’3”, 206-pound former Purdue starter is listed as the back-up behind Donte Jackson.
“I’ve been keeping my head down and just being grounded,” Trice said. “I’ve been stacking these days and look up and it’s game week.”
Zach Frazier
While Nate Herbig gets the bulk of the first-team opportunities, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith paid Zach Frazier the ultimate complement that he doesn’t even notice when he’s out there. Translation, he’s to the point where he’s making few if any mistakes as a rookie center trying to learn an NFL offense.
“It’s everything you dream about,” Frazier said about stepping on the field against the Texans. “I can’t wait for that dream to become reality. I can’t wait to hit someone different too. I’m looking forward to Friday.”
There are others to watch as well as seeing the next kickoff rules for the first time at Acrisure Stadium. Bob Pompeani, Charlie Batch, Missi Matthews and Richie Walsh will call the action on KDKA-TV at7p.