Post-Gazette Sports Network: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise weighs in on the Steelers' offensive line situation amid GM Omar Khan's ominous comments about the Broderick Jones injury at the NFL combine. Does the team need to invest early round draft capital in the tackle position yet again if it believes Jones' injury will linger into training camp or longer? Is Dylan Cook a realistic long-term action after showing promise in a small sample size protecting Aaron Rodgers last season? How does the possible need at tackle compare to the need at guard, where Isaac Seumalo is set to depart and Penn State's Vega Ioane is a top draft option? And how should we feel about the overall future of the unit that also includes Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and Troy Fautanu? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Path to the Pete is complete! Beginning Thursday, 24 teams — 12 boys and 12 girls — will head to Petersen Events Center on Pitt's campus to vie for WPIAL basketball championships across six classifications. Post-Gazette high school sports editor Keith Barnes and the legendary Mike White break down all 12 games and make their predictions on the Varsity Xtra podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the NFL combine in Indianapolis, where GM Omar Khan spoke extensively about the team's QB situation. The guys react to Khan's comments about Aaron Rodgers as well as backup Will Howard, who has the attention of new coach Mike McCarthy because of his performance in practice over the past year. They also give their thoughts on the 2026 QB class and the possibility that names like Drew Allar, Cade Klubnik or Garrett Nussmeier could be added to the mix with a Day 2 or Day 3 NFL draft pick in anticipation of the stronger 2027 QB class. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise ponders the importance of Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler to the Pirates' 2026 rotation. How important to the teams chances is it that both earn spots within the five-man unit next to Mitch Keller and Paul Skenes? Do GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly need them to reach their potential for this team to have a chance at MLB postseason contention? And what does Paul think of other rotation candidates including Jose Urquidy, Thomas Harrington, Carmen Mlodzinski and Hunter Barco? He tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Noah Hiles welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to react to GM Omar Khan's comments at the NFL combine. What should we make of Khan saying he has "no deadline" for QB Aaron Rodgers to return? How important is it for the team to get him signed quickly after Khan indicated he expects a decision from Rodgers sooner than it came in 2025? What are the implications of Rodgers' potential return to a QB room that also includes Mason Rudolph and Will Howard at present? And what impact will Rodgers have on other offseason decisions? Our duo tackles those questions, then weighs potential trade options. Will Khan look to repeat his 2025 blockbuster moves for DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith? Or will this be a quieter spring? Would the Eagles' A.J. Brown be a good fit as a player known to be in the mix to move? Or would the Steelers be better off investing in a younger player in the NFL draft like Jordyn Tyson, Denzel Boston, Makai Lemon or Carnell Tate? And which players will other teams be asking Khan about? Does T.J. Watt top the list? And could others including Ramsey and Patrick Queen merit consideration as well? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley report from spring training in Bradenton, Fla., and Bubba Chandler's walk-filled first start. What went wrong for Chandler? And how can he fix it moving forward? What does his response to Monday's struggles tell us about how he'll view pitching moving forward? How do Jason and Colin want to see the Pirates respond to their first loss of the spring? Our duo tackles those topics, plus takes a look at how the lineup is starting to shake out. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' linebacker room headed into the 2026 season. This show is presented by FanDuel. How can coach Pat Narduzzi replace star linebackers like Kyle Louis, who moved on to the NFL Draft, and Rasheem Biles, who transferred to Texas? Does new LBs coach Joe Bowen have the hardest job of any of the position coaches? Can Braylan Lovelace step up in their absence and fill that role? How will Jeremiah Marcelin's development after a season-ending injury play into it? And what are reasonable expectations for Lovelace? Can he eventually be an All-ACC player like his predecessors? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison breaks down the storylines surrounding the team for the stretch run, including the lower-body injury sustained by captain Sidney Crosby at the Olympics. This show is presented by FanDuel. What do we know about Crosby's injury? Could he be out for a period of time? And what happens to the Penguins' Stanley Cup playoff push if he is? How was the Olympic tournament, featuring NHL players for the first time since 2014? Is Kris Letang ready to return from his injury? Is Avery Hayes here to stay after making a huge splash with two goals in his NHL debut? And how can the Penguins navigate an incredibly tough remaining schedule down the stretch? King tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo preview the week for the Steelers at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. What are the biggest questions facing GM Omar Khan amid the coaching staff transition from Mike Tomlin to Mike McCarthy? How does the new staff -- which includes OC Brian Angelichio and DC Patrick Graham -- feel about expensive veterans on the roster including Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith and Patrick Queen? Could the team move on from any or all of them this offseason? Could and edge rusher like T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith or Jack Sawyer be on the trade block? And how are things progressing on the QB front, where Aaron Rodgers' future is uncertain and the free agent and trade candidates are lacking beyond names like Malik Willis? Our duo tackles those topics, then details the top prospects to watch from a Steelers perspective at the combine, including Caleb Downs, Jordyn Tyson, Denzel Boston, Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Dillon Thieneman and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Saturday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter analyze the week in NFL mock draft picks for new coach Mike McCarthy's team with the NFL combine looming next week. How big of a need does defensive line remain with Cam Heyward turning 37 and Keeanu Benton facing a lot of questions. Could a player like Clemson's Peter Woods be a solid long-term running mate for Derrick Harmon up front? And what about alternatives like Caden McDonald or Lee Hunter? Our duo tackles those questions and more. -- Does Florida's Devin Moore have exactly the size and analytics profile that the Steelers tended to emphasize under Mike Tomlin? -- Would a combination of Germie Bernard and Malachi Fields work if GM Omar Khan passes on a first-round receiver? Could Fields' size and contested catch skills, plus Bernard's ability to play in the slot be exactly what McCarthy's offense needs opposite DK Metcalf? -- Is Denzel Boston still the prospect who fits best in terms of the Steelers' needs and his likely draft position? -- Is Kansas QB Jalen Daniels worth spending a pick on as a veteran QB with some mobility? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable take a look at Brandin Cummings' season-ending injury and what it means for the Panthers for the rest of this year — and beyond. This show is presented by FanDuel. How will Jeff Capel's team be affected after losing its leading scorer? Who can step up in his absence? Damarco Minor, Roman Siulepa or someone else? Will Cummings be back next season? Would it be surprising if he weren't? Our duo tackles those topics, then looks ahead to Pitt's Saturday game against Notre Dame, which the Panthers will need to win if they want to play in the ACC tournament. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Friday edition of the North Shore Dive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo ponder GM Omar Khan's trade options in the upcoming NFL draft. Would he be more likely to trade up a chase his preferred big-name receiver from the group of Denzel Boston, Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon? Or trade back with an eye toward stockpiling 2027 draft capital, when big-name quarterbacks like Dante Moore, Arch Manning, Sam Leavitt, Julian Sayin and LaNorris Sellers are expected to be available? Or is it possible that the right pick could fall to them at No. 21 in the eyes of top draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah? Our duo tackles those questions, then talks need at "playmaker" positions like corner, safety and receiver. Should getting secondary help for Joey Porter Jr. be a top priority, as the future for internal options like James Pierre, Asante Samuel Jr. and Jalen Ramsey looks murky? Could a top safety like Caleb Downs, Dillon Thieneman, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren or Bud Clark be a wise investment given the depth of this class at that position? Why are Chris Johnson and Keonte Scott corners potentially worth watching? And will receivers like Jordyn Tyson, Denzel Boston, Carnell Tate and others be available in enough abundance to help the 2026 team? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley report from spring training in Bradenton, Fla. and offer their projections for the opening day roster before Grapefruit League exhibition games begin this weekend. Will Konnor Griffin secure a spot after his impressive arrival at camp? Or will Nick Gonzales be able to hold him off at shortstop for now? Will Nick Yorke or Enmanuel Valdez secure the final position player spot? Who's standing out within the group of Jose Urquidy, Hunter Barco, Carmen Mlodzinski and others for the fifth starer job behind Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler? And will Mason Montgomery make it into the bullpen? Our duo tackles those difficult questions for GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly, plus much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise weighs in on the latest from Pirates spring training in Bradenton, Fla., where top prospect Konnor Griffin is impressing fans with his powerful performances in batting practice. Is Griffin already proving that he's ready for the MLB opening day roster and building pressure on GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly to keep him out of the minor leagues? Or is some of the buzz an overreaction, considering exhibition games have not even begun yet? And what would the addition of Griffin mean to a lineup that's already added several big names this offseason? With names like Marcell Ozuna, Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum and Ryan O'Hearn joining established Pirates like Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz? Paul tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley report from Wednesday's spring training sessions in Bradenton, Fla. This show is presented by FanDuel. Jason and Colin talk about the marquee matchup in live ABs between Bubba Chandler and Konnor Griffin? What does the way that at-bat went say about each of the Pirates' top prospects? How has Griffin been turning heads with his long batting practice home runs? Where might Yohan Ramirez fit into the Pirates bullpen? How has he kept the vibes in the clubhouse high alongside fellow Dominican relievers Dennis Santana and Gregory Soto? Jason and Colin tackle those topics and also give a shoutout to the Pirates' annual Miracle League event taking place Wednesday night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this clip from the Wednesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to ponder Troy Fautanu's future on the offensive line. Should GM Omar Khan and new coach Mike McCarthy consider using Troy Fautanu's versatility to move him to the guard spot likely to be vacated by veteran Isaac Seumalo this NFL offseason? Or has he show too much promise at his current right tackle spot? How does Broderick Jones' injury situation loom over the conversation? Could internal options like Dyan Cook and Spencer Anderson prove to be solutions for new position coach James Campen? And what does Chris think of potential NFL draft solutions like Vega Ioane, Emmanuel Pregnon and Billy Schrauth? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders free agent options some analysts have connected to the Steelers. Should GM Omar Khan and new coach Mike McCarthy be eyeing older veterans like Mike Evans and Tyreek Hill to balance DK Metcalf on the outside, as ESPN's Sam Acho suggested recently? Or is it time for the franchise to move on from short-term band-aids an target younger free agents like Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs, who could be with the team for several years? And where do NFL draft options like Makai Lemon, Denzel Boston, Jordyn Tyson and KC Concepcion fit into the equation? Later, the guys talk RBs and analyst and former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew suggesting the Steelers should sign Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. Do the Steelers need to spend lavishly at that position? Or would it be better off investing in its 2025 options Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell? And how should Khan address the position if Gainwell leaves for a lucrative deal in free agency? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise offers his thoughts on the Steelers' options at receiver this offseason. Should GM Omar Khan and new coach Mike McCarthy consider signing former Pro Bowl wideout Tyreek Hill after he was released by the Miami Dolphins on Monday? Would he be a good fit at the No. 2 spot across from DK Metcalf? Does his skill set overlap too much with that of Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III? Or would the Steelers be better off looking at NFL draft prospects including Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion? Paul tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley report on the latest spring training workout in Bradenton, Fla., with a focus on the battle for the fifth starter job. Who's standing out within the group of Jose Urquidy, Thomas Harrington, Hunter Barco and Carmon Mlodzinski? Is anyone becoming a favorite to join Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler in the starting rotation? Our duo tackles those questions and also offers some insight on how camp is progressing for other names including Konnor Griffin, Endy Rodriguez, Ryan O'Hearn, Jake Mangum and Spencer Horwitz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley report from spring training in Bradenton, Fla. This show is presented by FanDuel. What were some of the takeaways from free agent signing Marcell Ozuna's first press conference as a member of the Pirates? Can he be a positive hitting influence for Oneil Cruz? What are the chances top prospect Konnor Griffin actually makes the opening day roster? And what should fans make of GM Ben Cherington's decision to designate Jack Suwinski for assignment on Monday morning? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the latest news and notes surrounding Pat Narduzzi's Panthers football team. This show is presented by FanDuel. Who will step up as Mason Heintschel's backup in a young quarterback room? Will it be Corey Dailey or Angelo Renda? Or maybe grad transfer Holden Geriner, who can help with Heintschel's development? How big is the task in front of new safeties coach Harlon Barnett? Who will slot in next to Cruce Brookins after Javon McIntyre and Kavir Bains-Marquez moved on? Is Josh Guerrier ready to take a step forward? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.