No Live Tackling: Mike McCarthy Confirms Major Change To Steelers Training Camp - Steelers Depot

What the report says

Steelers Depot reported that Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Tuesday morning that the team will not use live tackling periods during training camp, marking a major shift from the approach associated with Mike Tomlin’s camps. The outlet said Tomlin’s practices were known for frequent full-contact work in pads, including sessions where players were taken to the ground in game-like fashion.

According to Steelers Depot, McCarthy said the team has evaluated its drills and will rely on other ways to create practice stress, with an emphasis on footwork in tackling, blocking and ball security. He also pointed to player health and risk reduction as part of the reasoning, while saying goal-line work will be included but not conducted as a live tackling period. The outlet reported that McCarthy indicated true tackling will be reserved for preseason games.

The report framed the change as consistent with McCarthy’s previous tendencies after the 2011 collective bargaining agreement reduced practice demands around the NFL. Steelers Depot noted that many teams have moved away from taking players to the ground in camp, largely because of injury concerns and evolving workload management.

The decision matters because Pittsburgh’s prior camp identity was unusually physical compared with much of the league. Steelers Depot also noted that live tackling did not prevent the Steelers from struggling with missed tackles last season, citing Pro Football Reference’s charting of 126 missed tackles, third most in the NFL.