The Steelers broke training camp at Saint Vincent College and are now headed into Week 2 of the preseason.
They've basically got two weeks before final cutdowns happen, meaning there's not a lot of time for players fighting for a roster spot to make a final impression.
And, in fact, for some players, there might not be any time left at all.
"We are getting more deliberate about the places we put people in," Mike Tomlin said. "We acknowledge that time is running out in terms of opportunities for guys to make a case for themselves. All of that makes a level of urgency."
Tevin Jones is one who is feeling that.
The first-year receiver spent last year on the team's practice squad after spending time with the Texans and Chiefs in a similar capacity. At 26, he knows time is running out if he's going to make it in the NFL.
And to do that, Jones knows it's about more than just what he does catching the ball.
"As far as offense, I did what I could and did a good job," said Jones, who had three receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers. "Now, it’s time for me to show what I can do on special teams. But on offense, I can’t take it easy there, either."
There is no time to relax when you're a guy fighting for your professional life.
Jones is currently locked in a battle with established veterans Ryan Switzer and Eli Rogers, and fellow young receiver Johnny Holton for a spot as the fifth or sixth receiver on the Steelers' roster.
To be that guy, he knows has to excel on special teams. It's something he learned from Darrius Heyward-Bey last season when he was on the practice squad.
"Hey-Bey, he taught us you can be a guy who can play in this league a long time by playing well on special teams," Jones told me. "He was a guy who was a top-10 pick in the league, but he was humble and wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. It made me realize how important that is."
At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Jones has a body built for special teams.
Building a mindset for it can be a little different, especially for wide receivers. They're accustomed to catching the ball -- in most cases a lot in college. Tackling people, however, is something they're not used to doing.
"On special teams as a receiver, you’ve just got to be active out there and react," Jones said. "That’s mainly what a defensive player is. If you can do that as a receiver, just play the game, everything will be alright."
With JuJu Smith-Schuster, Donte Moncrief and rookie Diontae Johnson sitting out and Rogers seeing only a handful of snaps, Jones played early on offense against Tampa Bay. But he didn't get on the field on special teams until the fourth quarter.
He'd like to change that against the Chiefs.
"I went over the film and everything was all right," Jones said of his game against Tampa Bay. "On special teams, I only got in in the fourth quarter. It was pretty light for me. The next game should be a lot better. I should get more special teams."
THE ESSENTIALS
• What: Preseason Game 2
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Heinz Field
• TV: KDKA
• Radio: 102.5 WDVE, ESPN Pittsburgh
• Satellite: SiriusXM 227, Internet 826
• Forecast: 80 degrees, scattered thunderstorms
• Lots open: 3:30 p.m.
• Will call open: 5:30 p.m.
• Gates open: 5:30 p.m.
• Boxscore: NFL Game Center
• Odds: MyBookie.AG
TEN TO WATCH
1. Devin Bush -- How does the rookie follow up a 10-tackle performance in Week 1? Can he build on that? He set the bar pretty high for himself in the opener. This will be a stiffer test as the Chiefs played Patrick Mahomes and their starters for a series last week. They might play even more this week, giving Bush a chance to play against one of the top offenses in the league.
2. Ulysees Gilbert -- The young inside linebacker was very active in Week 1, making three tackles, 1.5 sacks, forcing a fumble and recording four QB hits. But, as Tomlin noted, much of that came late. Gilbert, No. 54 on defense, will be one of those players who gets a step up in competition this week.
3. Justin Layne -- With several cornerbacks out last week because of injuries, Layne, No. 31, was thrown into the fire. And he struggled early against the Buccaneers' first-team offense. He admitted to being nervous in the game and Tomlin said the moment was too big for Layne. He needs to play better this week.
4. Mason Rudolph -- Rudolph will get his chance to start and continue to make his case to be the No. 2 quarterback this season. He completed 5-of-8 passes for 94 yards and a pair of scores last week. If he can follow that up with another strong outing in this one, the second-year QB could win the backup job behind Ben Roethlisberger.
5. Johnny Holton -- Holton, No. 80 on offense, had two catches for 69 yards -- including a nice 59-yard catch-and-run -- and also returned two kickoffs for 45 yards. Unlike Jones, Holton (6-3, 190 pounds) is slightly built. He can fly but he also has four fumbles on 17 career touches in stops with the Raiders and Eagles. But if he can show himself to be a big-play receiver, maybe he has a chance.
6. Benny Snell -- Snell was less than impressive in his debut, gaining just 26 yards on 13 carries. He particularly struggled when he tried to get outside. He has to learn he doesn't have the top-end speed to do that at the NFL level and get north and south more quickly. He should get plenty of opportunities to do that again this week.
7. Kevin Rader -- The first-year tight end did a nice job blocking last week. But he had a late fumble on a catch that just can't happen. No. 87 on offense will need to redeem himself for that this week. Zach Gentry had three catches for 17 yards and a score last week, but Rader has been the better player at training camp.
8. Zach Banner -- The Steelers signed Banner after he was released by the Panthers last season. The former fourth-round draft pick of the Browns stuck on their roster all of last season despite never being active for a game. No. 72 on offense has been playing at right tackle throughout camp, but could get a shot at left tackle in this game. Can he hold up on the left side? He's passed Jerald Hawkins on the depth chart. He and Chuks Okorafor could be the backup tackles during the season if he shows he can play the left side.
9. Isaiah Buggs -- Buggs was active on defense, recording three tackles and recovering a fumble. No. 96 on defense has flashed throughout camp and has some pass-rushing skills. There's a sixth defensive line spot up for grabs and Buggs, a sixth-round draft pick, is in the mix for that with Lavon Hooks and Henry Mondeaux. Buggs might be the frontrunner right now.
10. Robert Spillane -- Spillane had three tackles and three passes defended last week. He also caused a fumble on a kick return. That's a good start for the former Western Michigan star, who was with the Titans last season. The inside linebacker position is crowded, but if Spillane, No. 49, can keep making plays on special teams, he's got a chance.
