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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.15.24
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JPinIndy
11:25
Ray, is there a player that might have been considered a long shot to make the 53 when camp opened that you now would give good odds?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:31
Probably a guy like Grayland Arnold. He took reps with the starters this week after Beanie Bishop ran with the starters since camp opened. I know it has more to do with Cam Sutton's suspension than anything else, but it's a thin position and Arnold and Bishop appear to have shots to make the roster unless they make a trade or scour the waiver wire in a few weeks. I also like Jonathan Ward, the veteran RB. But I just don't see room for him. The nice thing with expanded practice squads is you cans stash guys like him and elevate him throughout the season even if it's only for special teams.
Yates
11:31
Hi Ray-  Assume no big time adds to roster do you feel confident that the Steelers points per game will surpass last year’s paltry figure?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:31
I definitely have to see more of the offense against other teams, but the mere addition of Arthur Smith over Matt Canada should accomplish that.
JPinIndy
11:32
Good morning Ray. Thanks for the chat! What will you watch more closely tomorrow night: OL play or special teams “stuff”?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:33
Definitely the offensive line play. It's a big week for Broderick Jones and Dan Moore and Nate Herbig and Zach Frazier. Really, the next two weeks.
Christopher
11:34
Hey Ray. I know you’ve said recently that you feel like Aiyuk doesn’t want to play for the 49ers. Do you still think that is the case?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:35
It certainly seemed that way for a long time. Money talks though. If the 49ers meet the Steelers offer I'm sure he'd rather stay there. He knows everyone there, including a QB he knows can get him the ball.
DoylestownDewy
11:36
Hey Ray! Happy Joint Practice Day! Quick question: do you know how the Steelers organization lets players know they’ve made the team? Do they  let the players know they made it or do they let the players know they didn’t? Or both? Is it a step into my office type of situation? And who lets them know? Art, Mike, Omar or the above? Ok, maybe not the quickest question lol…Thanks and love the chats
Ray Fittipaldo
11:37
Usually teams let the players know who are cut. I'm sure there are some instances where coaches or GMs let players know they made it, but rosters are fluid and many times GMs are adding players before the first game and cutting guys who thought they had the team made. It happens every year.
Rochester
11:37
When do you think Cole Holcomb  will return to play?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:38
I'm not sure he will, but he definitely won't start the season on the 53-man roster. He has yet to practice.
J D
11:38
Ray, did the Steelers see so much upside in Troy F. that they want him to become a starter in game 1?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:39
Yes. He's been really good in practice. I know people look at the two sacks he gave up against the Texans -- and I'm sure he wishes he had those back -- but overall the Steelers were very pleased with his development until he was injured. They still are.
the real guest
11:39
Ray, I can't imagine a situation where the Steelers can afford both Aiyuk and Pickens. So I must ask, what is Omar trying to do?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:42
A few teams pay two WRs big money. The Steelers never have, but Omar is forging his own path. Obviously, it's a big year for Pickens whether Auiyuk is on the team or not. To answer your question, it simply might be a way for Omar to keep Pickens engaged while letting him know he's their main priority and top WR. Then it's up to Pickens to prove it on the field.
Jim
11:42
It seems like Aiyuk is extremely wishy washy on what he wants. Do you think we need someone like that going forward?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:44
The ball is more in San Francisco's court than Aiyuk's court. I'm sure he's wishing he had some resolution. He can't force John Lynch to pull the trigger on the trade.
Rob
11:44
Are Adams and Leal honestly taking strides to contribute this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:46
Montravius Adams especially is having a good camp. He's been active in practices and was against the Texans too. Leal is lighter than he has been and looks better. He had a sack against the Texans. The Steelers need him to step up and take on a major role in the rotation this season. He's a former third-round pick and has to start producing like one.
Jim
11:46
For the price of the 5th year option, do you think we should have signed Harris? Seems like we missed out on a bargain and another year of control.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:48
You say a bargain, but what if by 2025 Jaylen Warren is the No. 1 RB? They would need to pay him if they believe he's the better option long term. It simply might be a way of elevating Warren to starter and opt to pay him after this season ends.
Mike P.
11:49
Should players who have suffered a concussion be required to wear a Guardian Cap for a certain amount of time when they return to play? Likewise, do you think teams should be more forceful about making players with multiple concussions (like Pat F.) start wearing them in games?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:51
I see it as an individual choice. The team cannot make a player do anything unless it is collectively bargained. The good news is in a few years the guardian cap technology will be incorporated into helmet technology and players won't have to worry about it. But we're a few years away from that, according to the NFL.
the real guest
11:51
Ray, A lot of new and interesting pieces in the Steelers puzzle but I think success or failure in 2024 is going to hinge on Larry O and Cam. The DL has been badly neglected and with no fix in sight it is do or die with the gray beards. Agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:52
You are right to a certain degree, but as I mentioned above Montravis Adams and DeMarvin Leal are off to good starts so maybe the depth is better than many, like me, anticipated.
11:53
Ha ha I just saw the Grayland Arnold news on the Steelers PR account. He has been placed on IR. So much for him making the team!
J D
11:55
Ray,  Aiyuk would be a great acquisition and the competition between him and Pickens would elevate both of their games while being a concern for defenses.  AKA: Swann and Stallworth
Ray Fittipaldo
11:56
Right. That's the idea. It's nice when you have two really good WRs. The Steelers had that with AB and Mike Wallace and then AB and Martavis Bryant.
11:57
3 without and 8 with
WestCoastSteeler
11:58
Rate the WR corps with Aiyuk and without. On a scale of 1 to 10
Ray Fittipaldo
11:58
Question to previous answer
Benson DuBois
11:58
Why is there an overwhelming sentiment that Van Jefferson cannot succeed as the #2?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:59
Probably because he's coming off a year he was injured and did not produce in either LA or Atlanta. I get it.
WestCoastSteeler
11:59
In hindsight would you have drafted a receiver earlier in the draft
Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
No I think third round is fine. They've developed a lot of third-round WRs over the years. No one could have predicted Roman Wilson would be injured the first week of camp.
Dan
12:01
Hey Ray, thanks for the chat! Any word on Roman Wilson? Be nice to have him in the mix at WR.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
Hasn't practiced and obviously won't play this Saturday. Maybe he can come back next week, but he's been watching in street clothes.
Scott
12:03
How serious is this Aiyuk to Pitt talk - or is it just a leverage game on Aiyuk's part?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
The Steelers made an offer and are waiting to hear back from the 49ers so they're obviously serious about obtaining him.
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