The 2024 offseason is rolling on! After adding to the roster through free agency and the NFL draft, the Steelers were on the field for team activities for the first time with all players eligible to participate. After hearing from him briefly at the end of rookie minicamp earlier this month, Tomlin spoke to the media to answer questions following their first day of OTAs. With plenty of questions asked by those in attendance, it is once again time for a players mentioned article. Remember these are current members of the Pittsburgh Steelers where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period.

Russell Wilson & Justin Fields

Coach Tomlin was asked about what he thinks of the way Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are working together and with their other teammates.

“They’re professionals. And so, I’m excited about that, but I’m not surprised by it. There’s an expectation there. Both guys have been franchised, like, guys, if you will, they get they’ve gotten out of their cars in the morning and worn the responsibility,of being that guy for a franchise. And so, you know, there’s residual benefits from that. And, and so I’m excited about us receiving it.”

In a later question, Coach Tomlin was asked how much of Justin Fields’ experience carries over and how much he is trying to teach him.

“We will see. We will see. I think some of those questions will be revealed over time.”

Cam Heyward

Coach Tomlin was asked about his reaction to Cam Hayward not being in attendance.

“You know, I’m not overly concerned, to be quite honest with you. Cam’s a guy with over 10,000 plus career snaps. It’s probably an easier day for me with him not being here. I thin the lines out and get to know some people that I know less than him. Obviously, I know Cam very well. We shared a lot of experiences over the years. But he and I talk often. As a matter of fact, we talked twice yesterday. But that’s not an irregular thing. That’s what we always do. Talk about not only where he is and what’s going on with him, but where this team is. Because as a leader, he needs information in that regard.”

Najee Harris

Coach Tomlin was asked if the fifth-year option for Najee Harris not being picked up reflects anything on how the team feels about him or what his role might be.

“It could reflect a lot of things, but, you know, there’s probably some depth to those waters. Sometimes it’s positional related, and things of that nature. There’s a business component to this, and of all decisions that we make. And so, there’s layers to it. I’m not going to try to characterize it in simplicity. That would probably be inappropriate.”

In a later question, Coach Tomlin was asked about Najee Harris arriving late to OTAs.

“It was personal business that we were aware of in the front end. We’re not taking attendance… He was excused by me, and he got here ASAP.”

Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Donte Jackson, & Joey Porter Jr.

Coach Tomlin was asked about how he decides on which side to start Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. In his response, he also mentioned flipping sides with cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Joey Porter.

“I’m not overly concerned about it at this juncture. We’re developing skills relative to our position, so left and right is less and less important. Same things are going on at corner. DJack [Donte Jackson] and Joey[Porter] flipped a little bit today. Others flip a little bit. Particularly this time of year, we have to be open to flopping people to not become one-dimensional in terms of right and left. So that we give ourselves the flexibility to put our best people on the grass when it’s appropriate. But it’s not appropriate right now. We’re in the infancy of this thing. And so, you know, that’s that.”

In a later question, Coach Tomlin was asked if he’s looking to use Broderick Jones on both sides or was Troy Fautanu going to get some.

“I’m looking to use everybody on both sides until I get some clarity.”

Zach Frazier

Coach Tomlin was asked  what he saw from Zach Frazier at center.

“I didn’t. There was a lot to look at.”

Cole Holcomb

Coach Tomloin was asked about the current situation with Cole Holcomb as he is fighting to come back from injury.

“He’s working to get back to us and is doing a heck of a job.”

Mike Tomlin’s interview with the media on Tuesday can be seen below:

Coach Tomlin on Day 1 of OTAs: pic.twitter.com/ZWqq3Vo5dL

— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) May 21, 2024