Against the Jets this week, there’s a chance the Steelers won’t have much success throwing the ball. New York cornerbacks Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed and Michael Carter may be the best trio in the NFL, although both Reed and Carter missed practice this week due to injuries. Her status is currently unknown for the game.

“I think the Jets have had a 300-yard passing game against them in the last 40 games since ’22, and that was last year in Cleveland with (Joe) Flacco,” Smith said. “These guys are pretty darn good at their pass defense. They do a great job rushing the passer.

“Obviously we will do everything in our power to win every rep and we need to do well in the passing game. Don’t get me wrong.”

It’s up to Smith to come up with a plan to do that regardless of who ends up at quarterback for the Steelers.

“There’s a human side to it, of course, but we also know our job,” Smith said. “So try to be as transparent as possible. Everyone wants to know why, and of course that starts with (Tomlin). Of course, there will always be emotions in my job description because you care about these people. If you do that then you’re not a very good coach to me. We spend so much time together.

“Whatever decision is made, you must explain it as you see fit. Then sometimes you have to make difficult decisions, and that’s okay if someone disagrees. I did that often. That’s what I always want to be.” I’ve seen many times whether someone decides to be okay with that.