Fact or Fiction: Ain’t got time for rumors in my life edition

BTSC takes five burning questions regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers and labels them as fact or fiction.

There’s always so much to talk about when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the inquiries surrounding the black-and-gold are definitely ever-evolving, especially this week with the Kevin Dotson rumors, Devin Bush’s comments and the signing of a kicker. It seems like the musical selection that best fits this week’s Fact or Fiction could be the Timex Social Club’s Rumors.

Here’s a sample…

Look at all these rumors surroundin’ me every day

I just need some time, some time to get away from

From all these rumors, I can’t take it no more

My best friend said there’s one out now about me and the girl next door

What’s mine is mine ain’t got time for rumors in my life

I’m a man who thinks, not a man who drinks, so please let me live my life

You can ponder the significance or wonder whether these lyrics are really related here. Or maybe I just wanted an excuse to listen to some totally 80s. But anyhow, there is surely a lot to wonder about. BTSC tries to answer some of the poignant wonderings ahead of time. Take a listen to some bold statements on this and more as we label them as fact or fiction.

Are we on point? Only time will tell.

Kevin Dotson is out of shape

Fiction

Maybe the Steelers second-year guard didn’t conduct his offseason conditioning program in the manner that Pittsburgh was hoping. Maybe this is just trolling for clicks. Maybe a Steelers insider got the wrong information. Or maybe where there’s smoke there is fire and we don’t want to believe it. But Dotson looks to be in great shape in photos. The worst thing about the most-recent photo was that Kevin was wearing a Pirates t-shirt while working out. Hopefully, this is not a story. But can it completely be discounted? No.

The signing of Samuel Sloman is a great thing for Chris Boswell

Fact

The Steelers made a signing this week that surprised some people. Kicker Sam Sloman, who spent time between the Rams and the Titans in 2020 and connected on eight of 11 field-goal tries and 18 of 21 extra-point attempts. If Sloman is amazing and incumbent Chris Boswell falters, this could be an issue. But really, this transaction allows Boswell to put less strain on his leg and gives Sloman an opportunity to audition for another team or stick with the organization on an expanded practice squad.

Devin Bush’s Tweet about TikTok could mean divisiveness is afoot in the Steelers locker room

Fiction

Devin Bush is not afraid to speak his mind and his tweet about grown men and TikTok was quite humorous. Not everybody shares the love for the social media app that JuJu Smith-Schuster and Chase Claypool seem to do. Bush apparently doesn’t. These comments may suggest to some that Bush has disdain for the two receivers by saying. “Stay TF away from me”. But it doesn’t mean that necessarily. First of all, No. 55 never did implicate the two by name. This whole thing doesn’t mean that there are problems in the locker room. Actually, things were kind of cleared up on Twitter between Bush and Claypool who was seemingly speaking for JuJu. It seems more to me like Bush is not denigrating the TikTokers, but merely saying “don’t lump me in with those guys”.

Kendrick Green does not have to start at center for the Steelers to be successful in 2021

Fact

Are we putting too much pressure on a player that is expected to be the future of the center position in the Steel City? I think so. Green played guard for the majority of his career at Illinois and may need time. B.J. Finney could be a reliable placeholder as Green seasons. However, some have suggested that should Green not immediately be the answer, the sky will fall. I agree that the center position is crucial, but if an offensive line plays as one…things will be fine.

T.J. Watt will sign a new contract before the start of camp

Fiction

The Steelers are expected to sign T.J. Watt to a lucrative and blockbuster deal before the All-Pro edge rusher’s rookie contract runs out. They have time, but waiting could come with complications. The team very rarely sign players right before the start of training camp. According to BTSC editor Dave Schofield, the only time since 2012 that the Steelers signed a player in July before gathering for camp was Cam Heyward’s extension in 2015. The Steelers may go against their recent norm with Watt and sign him now, but if history tells us anything… don’t expect it to happen now.

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