PITTSBURGH – The Packers and Steelers open their preseasons Thursday night at Acrisure Stadium.
Here are several topics worthy of attention:
The starters will get their feet wet.
The Packers' starters will play, though how much remains to be seen. It's not likely to be more than a series or two, but the duration also could depend on how the performance goes.
Last year, QB Jordan Love didn't get out of the preseason opener healthy, injuring his non-throwing thumb and missing a week of training camp. Fingers crossed nothing like that happens this time.
RB MarShawn Lloyd looks to take another step forward.
Lloyd will start at running back with Josh Jacobs (groin) currently sidelined, and it'll be his first game action in a calendar year.
Last August, in the second preseason game in Indianapolis, Lloyd made a great catch down the Lucas Oil Stadium sideline off a wheel route, but injured his groin in the process, which ultimately wiped out his second NFL season after his first year was beset by numerous injuries as well.
Lloyd is clearly this offense's top backup to Jacobs, as long as he's healthy, and he's off to a strong start in camp after having his spring reps monitored. The process toward being the player the Packers know he can be must take another step.
Which young defensive tackles will shine brightest?
While Devonte Wyatt and Javon Hargrave have worked their way back from injuries, a number of young defensive tackles have had their moments on the practice field.
Former Georgia teammates Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse both made plays on Family Night, Anthony Campbell has batted down a bunch of passes, and rookie Chris McClellan and Jonathan Ford have been stout against the run. Carrying their practice success over to the game field is a priority in the battle for roster spots and playing time.
Who will take the lead in the QB3 battle?
Tyrod Taylor is Jordan Love's top backup, but there's a spot on the practice squad for either Kyle McCord or Kyron Drones, with that competition cranking up a bit in preseason action.
McCord was a sixth-round draft pick by Philadelphia last year out of Syracuse, while Drones is an undrafted rookie from Virginia Tech. They've both had impressive plays and rough moments in camp. Now they have to face a new, unfamiliar defense.
Rookie K Trey Smack gets a tough first test
Pittsburgh's Acrisure Stadium, formerly known as Heinz Field, is a tricky venue for kickers, making it a difficult place for Smack to make his pro debut.
The rookie sixth-rounder from Florida performed well on Family Night inside Lambeau Field, going 6-for-7, and he followed that up with a 4-for-5 outing in Tuesday's practice. Now the rush is for real and there's a whole new set of wind patterns to figure out.
