dpThe Pittsburgh Steelers are finally back on an NFL field tonight, set to take on the Green Bay Packers in the first of three preseason games. Any Steelers-Packers game is a notable one, and there are plenty of storylines regarding the quarterbacks and head coaches of the two teams. However, the Steelers preseason slate means the most for those lower on the depth chart, including some of the rookies.
Gennings Dunker is looking to make some strides after a quiet start to training camp, and former Steeler Chris Hoke has an idea of what he wants to see from the rookie.
“I’ll be eager to see how he does in 3rd and 10, 3rd and 8, right? 2nd and 15, after a false start. I wanna see how he pass protects. He’s physical, tough, relentless in the run game. Where he’s gotta improve is in the pass game,” Hoke said Thursday on 93.7 The Fan. “That will be the key to his progression, and whether he’ll be playing this year.”
Things were always going to take a bit more time with Dunker. He has a lot of potential and was a beast in the run game at Iowa, which is why the Steelers nabbed him with the last of their third-round picks. But his pass protection needed some help, and the Steelers are also moving him from tackle to guard.
However, playing time might not be impossible for Dunker in his rookie season. In Wednesday’s depth chart, Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman are listed as the first two right guards, and would remain ahead of Dunker at that spot. But Dunker is the second-string left guard behind Mason McCormick. If he can hold that spot, that could be a route to playing time.
Thursday is our first chance to see Dunker in action. But it’s even more important for players fighting to make the roster itself, like Eli Heidenreich.
“He’s just gotta go out there and play his game… You don’t need to make a splash play every single play. Do your job, have a couple plays here, players there. Show that you’re reliable, dependable,” Hoke said. “And do it with confidence.”
Heidenreich has a lot of talent, but he’s up against a crowded group right now. At running back, the top two spots are secured, and Heidenreich has to fight off Kaleb Johnson and Lew Nichols. In a gadget role, the Steelers also have Kaden Wetjen and Max Hurleman looking for their own opportunities. There just aren’t a lot of spaces, yet there’s plenty of players with similar profiles.
Some of the starters may get some time early on, but both Dunker and Heidenreich should get plenty of reps during the preseason slate. Of all the rookies the Steelers drafted, they’re some of the most intriguing. Both will look to start on the right foot on Thursday night.
