REPORT: Steelers to keep two superstars away during Hard Knocks
One Pittsburgh Steelers insider believes the team will attempt to conceal two of its most contentious players.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be one of four teams to headline the 2024 in-season Hard Knocks series, alongside the rest of the AFC North in a first-ever divisional deep dive for the show.
The announcement came as a surprise, given the Steelers have never been known for their willingness to embrace Hard Knocks. However, Pittsburgh, like all other NFL decisions that it may not want to make, must adjust.
According to Steelers source Mark Kaboly, the series could be dull for the star player. Pittsburgh players and coaches have never been spectacular during interviews, and unless head coach Mike Tomlin is “giving us something,” there will likely be little to see.
Kaboly also sees the team attempting to keep those who could cast a spotlight out of the picture.
“It kind of came out of nowhere because the Steelers don’t want to open their doors and let people see how the sausage is cooked. But having four teams featured across six weeks doesn’t seem like too much of a stretch for any of the organizations,” Kaboly said in The Athletic’s ‘Whiparound’ section. “I don’t anticipate much to come of it for Pittsburgh. Mike Tomlin, T.J. Watt, Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Russell Wilson are all sophisticated public relations machines. I would expect the Steelers to keep Patrick Queen and Najee Harris away from the cameras. Even if they don’t, there is an erase button available during the editing process.
Harris has made a few big headlines since moving to Pittsburgh, and he has never been afraid to speak his mind in front of a camera. While he has taken steps back to avoid being questioned, he is still capable of making headlines at any time.
As for Queen, he’ll be the center of attention as he enters his first season with a new squad in the AFC North. After leaving the Baltimore Ravens for the Steelers, the inside linebacker will face plenty of rivalry questions. Pittsburgh will aim to keep that to a minimum.
