Reasons for concern in Steelers' Week 1 matchup vs. Falcons

The Pittsburgh Steelers may face an “easy” opponent on paper in their 2026 regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, but the matchup also carries classic trap-game warning signs. Three concerns stand out: uncertainty at right tackle after a problematic offseason and preseason, with Pittsburgh not naming a starter and relying on Dylan Cook and Troy Fautanu amid position-switching questions. On defense, safeties are a bit untested because DeShon Elliott is on injured reserve and free-agent Jaquan Brisker must replace a known role. Finally, back-injury and potential contract-holdout questions cloud whether corner Joey Porter Jr. plays Week 1.