Hoke Reveals What 2 Steelers Rookies Must Prove in Preseason
Pittsburgh Steelers Preseason Opener: What to Watch For
The Big Picture
The Pittsburgh Steelers are back on the field tonight! They’re playing the Green Bay Packers in their first of three preseason games (practice games that don’t count for the regular season standings).
Important Point: Preseason games are like dress rehearsals. They matter most for young players trying to make the team, not for the established stars.
Any Steelers-Packers matchup is special, but tonight the real story is about the rookies (first-year players) fighting for a spot on the roster.
Meet the Rookies to Watch
1. Gennings Dunker — Offensive Lineman
- Position: Guard (moved from tackle in college)
- Drafted: Third round (one of the Steelers’ last picks)
- College: University of Iowa
- Superpower: Run blocking — he was a "beast" at clearing paths for running backs
- Area to Improve: Pass protection (stopping defenders from sacking the quarterback)
2. Eli Heidenreich — Running Back
- Position: Running back / gadget player (versatile role)
- Challenge: Extremely crowded position group
- Key Trait: Talent and physical play style
What Former Steeler Chris Hoke Wants to See
Chris Hoke played for the Steelers and now analyzes the team. Here’s what he’s watching for tonight:
For Gennings Dunker:
"I’ll be eager to see how he does in 3rd and 10, 3rd and 8… 2nd and 15, after a false start. I wanna see how he pass protects."
Translation: Hoke wants to see Dunker handle obvious passing situations — when the defense knows a throw is coming and sends extra rushers. This is the hardest part of an offensive lineman’s job.
Hoke’s Verdict: Dunker is "physical, tough, relentless in the run game." But his pass protection "will be the key to his progression, and whether he’ll be playing this year."
For 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. And do it with confidence."
Translation: Don’t try to be a hero on every play. Just be consistent and trustworthy.
Dunker’s Path to Playing Time: The Depth Chart Puzzle
The Steelers released an updated depth chart Wednesday. Here’s where Dunker stands:
| Position | 1st String | 2nd String | Dunker’s Spot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Guard | Spencer Anderson | Brock Hoffman | Behind both |
| Left Guard | Mason McCormick | Gennings Dunker | Backup! |
What this means:
- Dunker is second-string left guard behind starter Mason McCormick
- If he holds this spot, he has a real path to playing time as a rookie
- Guards play side-by-side in the middle of the offensive line — they need to be strong in both run and pass blocking
Heidenreich’s Tough Roster Battle
Heidenreich has talent, but the numbers game is brutal:
Running Back Depth Chart (Top Spots Locked):
- Starter 1 Secured
- Starter 2 Secured
- Open competition
Players Fighting for Remaining Spots:
- Eli Heidenreich (rookie)
- Kaleb Johnson (rookie)
- Lew Nichols (second-year player)
- Kaden Wetjen (gadget/return specialist)
- Max Hurleman (gadget/return specialist)
Important Point: "Gadget role" means a player used in creative ways — jet sweeps, trick plays, kick returns. The Steelers have multiple players with this same profile, making roster spots extremely scarce.
What to Expect Tonight
- Starters may play briefly — maybe a series or two, then they’re done
- Dunker and Heidenreich will get LOTS of reps — this is their audition
- All three preseason games matter — tonight is just the first chapter
- Both rookies are "most intriguing" — of all Steelers draft picks, these two have the most compelling storylines
Summary
- Tonight: Steelers vs. Packers, Preseason Game 1 of 3
- Main Focus: Rookies Gennings Dunker (OL) and Eli Heidenreich (RB)
- Dunker’s Key Test: Pass protection in obvious passing downs
- Dunker’s Opportunity: Backup left guard — a real path to playing time
- Heidenreich’s Challenge: Crowded running back room with similar-profile players
- Hoke’s Advice for Both: Be reliable, do your job, play with confidence
- Bottom Line: Preseason is for the bottom of the roster. These two have the most to prove — and the most to gain.
FAQ
1. What is a preseason game?
Preseason games are exhibition matches played before the regular season starts. They don’t count toward playoff standings. Teams use them to evaluate players, especially rookies and backups fighting for roster spots.
2. Why did the Steelers move Dunker from tackle to guard?
In college, Dunker played tackle (the outside positions on the offensive line). The Steelers think his skill set — especially his strength in run blocking — fits better at guard (the inside positions). Guards need more power; tackles need more foot speed to block fast edge rushers.
3. What does "3rd and 10" mean?
It’s a down and distance situation. The offense has 3rd down (their last chance before turning the ball over) and needs 10 yards to get a new set of downs. Defenses know a pass is likely, so they send extra pass rushers — making it the ultimate test for an offensive lineman’s pass protection.
4. How many running backs do teams usually keep?
Most NFL teams keep 3–4 running backs on their 53-man roster. With two spots already locked up, Heidenreich is fighting multiple players for maybe 1–2 remaining spots.
5. Can rookies play significant snaps in Week 1 of the regular season?
Absolutely! If Dunker wins the backup left guard job and Heidenreich makes the roster, both could see action immediately — especially if injuries occur or in specific game situations. Preseason performance directly determines Week 1 roles.