Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Thursday. A “Gameday” Thursday too.
The Kickoff
When the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills leave the field tonight at Highmark Stadium, a handful of players will take their pads off for the final time. Not for this week or this season but forever. These are guys who have played football their entire lives and have run out of opportunities. Some will go on to careers in other areas while others will no doubt struggle with what to do next. All of us face similar circumstances in our lives but very few of us can say it’s been about a game. It doesn’t matter when it comes to an end, it hurts regardless. Keep that in mind tonight.
On the Edge
I’m not sure that any player can truly shift the narrative around himself in one game. For example, if Kaleb Johnson rips off a big run, is that enough for him to get a roster spot? If Max Hurleman scores twice does that earn him a roster spot? I’m of the opinion that most of the roster is already set. There are maybe four or five spots at most still up for grabs. The one guy with the most to prove might be another former third round pick, Roman Wilson. He’s been less than stellar in the first two preseason games and not even a Wyoming bonding trip with Aaron Rodgers may save him.
The Latest Podcast
Episode 487 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc is available! We recorded a day early given that the Steelers were playing tonight. Lots of great banter and another banger from Casey Kasem.
Three Strikes
The NFL announced yesterday that players will face a new “Three Strikes” policy for the 2026 season. A player who accumulates three ‘health and safety rules violations’ in one season will be suspended for one game. These violations include the following: Hip-Drop tackles, launching, horse-collar tackles, hits on defenseless players and blindside blocks. It’s no surprise that this announcement comes during the same week that a new study revealed that one-in-four NFL players could have CTE.
Remember This
Sunday night at 6pmET the teams of the NFL must have their rosters cut down to 53. This will be referred to as the “Final Roster” when in reality it is anything but. As soon as all 32 rosters are set, front offices will pour through the guys that didn’t make teams. I guarantee the Steelers’ roster on Sunday night will look much different by the time the team takes the field in Week One. Many of the guys near the bottom of the roster should pay close attention as well.
RIP Pro Bowl
The NFL has announced that the Pro Bowl Games are a thing of the past. May I say, “thank goodness?” The game itself died out several years ago and then they introduced the “Games” which quite frankly, weren’t any better. I’m happy to report that 88 players will be honored as being selected to the Pro Bowl each year and that’s it. No more replacements.
Random Reads
How is it that every time you think things in Cleveland couldn’t get worse, they always do… I really think Preseason games are on the chopping block too. Players hate them and most coaches know their teams by the time they get a couple weeks into Camp… Not a good time to be an 80-year old entertainer these days. RIP Dolly and Tim Curry… Sounds like an awful injury for former Steeler Calvin Austin III. Best wishes to the young man… Also remember that when the rosters come out Sunday night you may seem some number switches. As guys get cut, guys that make it will often take their numbers… Apparently NYJ Owner Woody Johnson is vetting Mike Tomlin. Lots of scuttlebutt about him bringing Tomlin in next year… Enjoy the game tonight. Remember, the goal is to keep everyone healthy!
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