Mike McCarthy, Eli Heidenreich debut for Steelers in preseason opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 4:09 PM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
Mike McCarthy and Eli Heidenreich are set to debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers during their preseason opener against Green Bay. McCarthy, in his first season as head coach, expressed emotional ties to the role, while Heidenreich, a seventh-round draft pick, aims to secure a roster spot. Both face the challenge of balancing personal significance with the demands of an NFL season. Heidenreich, recovering from a minor hamstring issue, hopes to make an impact, particularly in special teams, while McCarthy looks to evaluate young quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar. The game will take place at Acrisure Stadium on Thursday night.
- •McCarthy leads his hometown Steelers after being hired in January.
- •Heidenreich walks onto the field for his first game as a professional.
- •Both players aim to impress as they transition from personal backstories to professional roles.
- •Heidenreich is focusing on special teams contributions to secure a spot.
- •The preseason opener serves as a critical evaluation period for the Steelers' coaching staff.
- 4:09 PMYahoo Sports — Mike McCarthy and Eli Heidenreich's Pittsburgh homecomings get real as preseason begins
"The vibes for Mike McCarthy and Eli Heidenreich over the last few months have been immaculate. The chance for McCarthy to lead his hometown team brought the first-year Pittsburgh Steelers coach to tears when he was hired in January. The image last April of Heidenreich walking onto the draft stage in full Naval dress uniform outside Acrisure Stadium — just a few miles from the Mount Lebanon neighborhood where he grew up — felt like something out of a movie.
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