Surprising Steelers QB impressing HC Mike Tomlin at training camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers have filled a lot of on-air discussions throughout the 2024 offseason. A big reason for that is two of their new quarterbacks, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Those are two big-name signal-callers who have served as starters in the league, but they aren’t the only new faces at the position for Pittsburgh. In fact, the entire room is full of new faces all the way up to the quarterbacks coach Tom Arth.

Behind Fields and Wilson sits Kyle Allen, whom Pittsburgh signed during free agency. John Rhys Plumlee is also there, but as an undrafted free agent, he is a long shot to make the final roster. Allen is penciled in as the third-string quarterback, but he got to take snaps with the second unit due to Wilson being absent for the first two days of practice with a calf injury. Steelers beat-writer Chris Adamski reported that head coach Mike Tomlin revealed Allen is turning heads.

Allen has seen a larger workload thanks to Wilson’s injury, and it seems as though he is taking complete advantage of it. He is catching the eye of Tomlin, as is undrafted rookie free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. Bishop is competing for the starting job at slot corner while Cameron Sutton serves his suspension and seems to be inching closer to locking up the position. He has seemed to have gotten off to a great start throughout the first two days of camp.

Fields has been taking on the role of the starting quarterback while Wilson has been dealing with his calf ailment. He has had some success and some highlight plays have been circulating on social media, but many reports have noted his struggles. He seemed to perform better on the first day of practice, and on the second day, Allen stole the show at the position.

Allen impressed, but it’s important to note that while he is playing with the second-string offense, he is taking on the second-string defense. This is a major difference. Allen didn’t have to worry about TJ Watt getting into the backfield or Minkah Fitzpatrick dropping back in coverage. Regardless of the circumstances, Allen looked good while taking snaps in Latrobe.

One bad day of practice from Fields and a good day from Allen certainly doesn’t reset the depth chart at quarterback. Allen is on his fifth team. He has 19 starts under his belt, but hasn’t necessarily played well when given the opportunity. He has solidified himself as a backup journeyman in the NFL, while Fields still has a legitimate chance to revive his career as a starting quarterback.