Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has drawn attention to an under-the-radar competition between rookies Kaden Wetjen and Eli Heidenreich during Steelers training camp.
Fittipaldo discussed the matchup on 93.7 The Fan’s Pomp and Joe Show. He noted that the two players will need to carve out roles if Heidenreich makes the team, describing both as terrific athletes who are smaller in size.
Wetjen was primarily a returner in college at Iowa, while Heidenreich served as a focal point for the Navy offense and recorded 10 punt and kick returns in the 2024 season. Heidenreich worked with the running backs during the spring but showed his skills through the air in college.
The competition is not a standard roster spot fight. It centers on which player can demonstrate value on offense and special teams, with Wetjen holding a clearer path based on recent showings like the East-West Shrine Bowl.