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McCarthy Begins Steelers Era With Weekly Captains and Rodgers-Centered Offense

He said the roster is healthy, freeing the staff to settle the right tackle job, press for a Joey Porter Jr. deal, finalize Week 1 plans.

Overview

  • Mike McCarthy confirmed a move to weekly captains to reshape leadership and reward short-term performance rather than naming season-long captains.
  • McCarthy said the Steelers are healthy as they prepare for the Sept. 13 opener, which allows fuller game planning and installation of a scheme built around veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
  • The right tackle spot remains undecided after training-camp absences by first-round rookie Max Iheanachor, with Dylan Cook taking most first-team reps and trending to start in Week 1.
  • Joey Porter Jr.'s contract situation remains unresolved and could affect his availability for early games, with reports suggesting the issue may come down to game day.
  • Media season projections vary but focus on uncertainty from new schemes and unsettled line and contract questions, making the Week 1 game against the Falcons the first real test of McCarthy's changes.