A first-round pick injured, a former first-rounder struggles: Steelers training camp notes

Key Points:

• Steelers first-round pick Max Iheanachor left Thursday’s practice early due to an unspecified shoulder, chest, or neck injury, putting his strong training camp start on hold and adding uncertainty to the right tackle depth chart behind starter Dylan Cook.
• Defensive back Brandin Echols also exited practice with a left ankle or calf injury, leading to Doneiko Slaughter moving up to the first-team defense in Echols’ absence.
• Offensive tackle Broderick Jones struggled in one-on-one drills, repeatedly beaten by defender Jack Sawyer, while linebacker Nick Herbig faced challenges rushing against center Zach Frazier.
• New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham introduced varied defensive schemes including multiple linebacker sets and simulated max blitzes, reflecting influences from coaches like Steve Spagnuolo, Brian Flores, and Bill Belichick.
• Coach Mike McCarthy praised quarterback Mason Rudolph’s progress during camp, while rookie Drew Allar struggled in a late practice two-minute drill, failing to convert critical passes.