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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 07.29.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
Welcome and let's get started.
Greenwood
12:17
Do we know if Broderick Jones' soft tissue injury is a hammy? Any word on how much time he's expected to miss?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
No word on how much time. Sunday was the first practice he missed. He did have his upper leg wrapped so it's either a hamstring, a quad or a groin I suppose.
Greenwood
12:17
Read your article on potentials for Hall of Honor. Shouldn't Ike Taylor be in consideration?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
He was one of the names that was brought up. I thought some of those others might be considered before him.
TVC15
12:18
Hi Ray, Are the injuries to Seumalo and Jones something to worry about?  It seems like this young offensive line needs all the time  practicing together that they can get in order to jell.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
Both are soft tissue and it's early in camp, so I don't think there is reason for concern just yet. It is unfortunate for Jones because this is a big camp for him as he moves from right to left tackle.
Scott Cook via Louisville Ky
12:19
Do You think the team would prepare better if they had training camp inside, cool, and less of a show out in Latrobe. I get why they do it seems like an antiquated way to prepare.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
They do it because they'll be playing in hot environments throughout the season especially early in the season.
TVC15
12:20
Hi Ray, Is the Steeler defense ready to eliminate the "communication issues" they have had in big games for seemingly the last decade? Have they ironed them out?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
The secondary looks good early in camp, but it's early. I'm sure they'll be tested by some more complicated offenses in the preseason games.
TVC15
12:22
Coming into year 3 is JPJ leaning toward boom or bust? IMO for essentially a 1st round pick he has been underwhelming his first 2 seasons and especially last year.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
He's definitely been up and down, but for what it's worth he had a very good first week of camp.
Ben
12:22
On paper, we should be able to create some mismatches.  Do you have faith in Arthur to actually innovate and scheme his playmakers open this year?  Will AR be able to audible and use the middle of the field?  While running the ball and avoiding turnovers helps, it is not a recipe for success against good teams.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
I think Smith has better personnel this year. They added Jonnu Smith and Kennethe Gainwell, who is essentially taking the place of Cardarrelle Patterson. Metcalf for Pickens is a win too. We'll have to see how it plays out, but I agree with out on the premise that the weapons are better.
Mr Chows
12:24
Rodgers is gonna help one of these fringe WR’s become legitKeep an eye on Ben Skro…. He’s a dogg!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
I'm a big Skowronek fan, but I don't think he'll be among the top WRs in targets. Good situational player though.
Gene
12:25
Can Fautanu play LT or just RT? I am concerned Jones may not be the answer at LT.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
He played left tackle in college so yes he can play there. I think the Steelers would rather Jones work out on the left side because Fautanu has the body type to be a really good right tackle in the NFL.
the real guest
12:25
Ray, What was the logic (if any) behind waiting for camp to cut Patterson? That could have been done in March.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
Not entirely sure. Teams usually will release you in March if they don't plans for you. Maybe he was insurance against an injury. The timing of the release was a bit odd though.
Michael
12:27
Ray, is Herbig ultimately Highsmith’s successor?  Will they keep Herbig around to eventually take over or let him walk before Highsmith’s contract is up?  Or could Highsmith become a cap casualty?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Highsmith is signed through the 2027 season so they would have to sign Herbig to a second contract before that happens. Unless there is an injury or a steep decline in production I don't see the Steelers moving on from HIghsmith early although the dead cap hit is only $5 million in '27.
Lahtrobe not Laytrobe
12:30
Thanks Ray for your no nonsense insight. Why the tepid reception and sometimes hatred for a future HOFer in AR??? I have found him nothing but a pro, that has a good outlook on life and football. His answer on TB the other day was on point and totally respectful. I think he is grossly misunderstood. What say you....
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
It was a very good answer. Sounds like Fox should be preparing for a sit-down with Bradshaw. That would make for good TV. It's early, but I agree with you. We haven't seen any odd stuff with Rodgers yet.
STEEL72
12:31
Is it just me or does there feel like we have some real depth this year across the board? It appears that at long last enough has been done to fill out the team.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
At certain positions, yes. I think OLB is deep. with the addition of Jalen Ramsey CB is a pretty deep group now. RB is deep with Johnson, Warren and Gainwell. At WR and S, maybe they're not so deep.
Michael
12:34
Ray, hypothetically looking forward to two weeks from now, Broderick Jones’ play is underwhelming.  What do you think their plan for LT is?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
Fautanu to LT? Cook or Anderson to RT? By the way, I think it's a little early to say Jones is a bust.
Michael
12:36
Ray, do you see a scenario where Jaylen Warren is extended?  He seems like a good guy to have around as a change of pace next yr.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Small chance if it's for less than the $5 million he's making in 2025, but if Kaleb Johnson is as good as they think he is, Gainwell likely just slides into the Warren role in '26.
62 Stack Monster
12:37
Hi Ray, How are Broderick Jones and Issac S progressing with healing from their injuries?  Have you seen them rehabbing, stretching?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
It's only been a day for Jones so we might get an update today. Practice starts at 2 so look at X to see if he's out there today. I doubt he is. Soft tissue injuries can linger so I'm sure they'll be careful with him.
AK
12:39
Think Connor Heyward will make the team this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
Coin flip. Might come down to whether they have people who can take his place on special teams. I don't envision a big role for him on offense unless there are injuries.
Henry Hill
12:40
Hey Ray, do you see any rapport between A-rod and Mason?  Saw a report on the internet (very reliable I'm sure) recently stating that Mason was disappointed in the Steelers for signing A-rod. Any truth in that?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
I don't think that's true. Mason is making $4 million a year on his deal. That's not starter's money. Not sure even sure that's good backup money to be honest.
Major Rick
12:41
Good afternoon, Ray;  Has AR been pretty accessible to you and the rest of the team? How has he been to deal with?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
So far so good.
KDub
12:44
Is it too early to be concerned about Broderick Jones?
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