Rookies Lead Steelers to 28-9 Preseason Win Over Packers
Pittsburgh's rookies accounted for most of the scoring in a 28-9 preseason victory, while several veterans saw their stock fall after a penalty-laden performance.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Drew Allar threw a touchdown pass and rushed for another as the team defeated the Green Bay Packers 28-9 at Acrisure Stadium on Thursday night. The win featured three of the four Steelers touchdowns coming from first-year players, with Allar connecting with Kaden Wetjen and Riley Nowakowski for scores.
Other rookies also contributed, including second-round pick Germie Bernard, who made a 25-yard reception, and defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio, who recorded six tackles. Seventh-rounder Eli Heidenreich was involved in the final touchdown drive, and seventh-round safety Robert Spears-Jennings posted a tackle for loss.
The Steelers' defense limited Green Bay to negative yardage in the fourth quarter, forcing three sacks and holding the Packers to a single first down on their last three possessions.
Veteran linebacker Jamin Davis, a former first-round pick, led both teams with eight total tackles, two sacks and three quarterback hits, highlighting his effort to secure a roster spot.
Conversely, third-round running back Kaleb Johnson saw limited action, recording two carries for a total of three yards, raising questions about his depth-chart position.
Special-teams units struggled with discipline, incurring six penalties for 76 yards, which exceeded the 71 yards the Steelers gained on kick and punt returns.
Offensive tackles Troy Fautanu and Dylan Cook each allowed sacks and were flagged for penalties during the game, indicating areas for improvement as the preseason progresses.