STEELERS, BILLS GET FIRST LOOK AT EACH OTHER BEFORE MEETING SATURDAY NIGHT

The Steelers returned to Pittsburgh yesterday for their first post-training camp practice in anticipation of Saturday’s preseason game against Buffalo, but they got a first look at the Bills yesterday as both team’s met for a joint practice at Acrisure Stadium.

Coach Mike Tomlin said the Bills were “a solid dance partner” for his team and cited the different schemes both teams bring, especially on defense. Buffalo normally operates a 4-3 defense while the Steelers line up with a 3-4 look, and Tomlin said it benefitted both offensive lines to get a look at new schemes during the course of the preseason.

Both teams also ran 7-shots at practice and the Steelers’ offense excelled at it. Russell Wilson notched two touchdowns, one rushing and one passing, while Justin Fields fired two scores and rushed for one against the Bills’ first-team defense.

While the practice helped all facets of the game, Tomlin said he was glad to zero in on special teams, which is difficult to do during the preseason.

Tomlin also announced Wilson will make his Steelers debut Saturday as his rehab from a calf injury is yielding positive results. On top of that, he said all starters will play, if healthy.

Tomlin said one thing he and the other coaches will look for is improved play on critical downs.

Steelers’ assistant general manager Andy Weidl also met with reporters yesterday and discussed the recent roster construction, which included the addition of several offensive linemen, veteran linebacker Patrick Queen, and a revamped wide receiver room.

Weidl said the receiver corps., headlined by George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III works well under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s gameplan and they continue to grow every day.

Weidl also commented on the new players on the team, notably the rookie class which features several new linemen. He said all of them are right where they need to be.

Weidl was asked about a potential trade for 49ers’ wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and where that is in the process. He didn’t have much to say on that, let alone anything, even saying it was a question for GM Omar Khan.

You’ll hear Saturday’s game between the Steelers and Bills on WDAD 100.3 FM and AM 1450 starting with the pregame show at 5.