It must said that first and foremost, whatever the 53-man roster looks like on Tuesday afternoon, it’s going to look a lot different by the time the team heads to Atlanta. Why? For starters, there will be some injuries. More likely however there will be additions in the name of guys who are cut from other teams or are traded from other teams. I’m thinking wide receiver or cornerback. You likely get the message so let’s get on with it.
Offense (25)
Quarterbacks (3)
Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Thoughts: I think the fact that Wilson got one, solid series against the Lions told us all we needed to know. He’s the starter for the foreseeable future meaning this season anyway.
Running Backs (3)
Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
Thoughts: Warren is obviously the one to watch here. I don’t believe he will go to the Injured Reserve but his week-to-week situation is worth watching. Keep and eye on both La’Mical Perine and Jonathan Ward if Warren is out for any stretch of time.
Tight Ends (4)
Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, MyCole Pruitt, Connor Heyward
Thoughts: Here’s the thing with Heyward… I’ve got him listed here but he will also be utilized as a fullback. I firmly believe that Jack Colletto is a better fullback but he doesn’t offer nearly enough on Special Teams. Rodney Williams isn’t without consideration. He’s really good on Special Teams but likely heads to the Practice Squad.
Wide Receivers (5)
George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Dez Fitzpatrick
Thoughts: Easily one of the tougher spots to evaluate… I feel great about the first three, maybe four, but after that??? Quez Watkins did a couple of nice things in the final two games after a disastrous first game. Then again, Dez Fitzpatrick has probably looked the best on Special Teams. When the shoe drops however, I do believe there will be someone brought in from the outside.
Offensive Line (10)
Tackles – Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore, Broderick Jones, Dylan Cook*
Guards – James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo, Spencer Anderson, Mason McCormick
Center – Zach Frazier, Ryan McCollum
Thoughts: The biggest question here is at center. Nate Herbig is on IR so Frazier is the starter and probably was going to be anyway. Do you keep Ryan McCollum knowing he’s largely a center only? The more likely situation is to keep both Anderson and McCormick while also adding a tackle.
*Will likely be moved to Practice Squad with outside signing.
Defense (25)
Defensive Line (6)
Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Montravious Adams, Dean Lowry, Logan Lee
Thoughts: At the end of OTAs I had Isaiahh Loudermill making the roster. I no longer feel that way because he has been very underwhelming and I honestly don’t know why they would keep him. Leal will likely get more time on the DL as long as those top 3 OLBs stay healthy. Logan Lee benefits from Leal being listed with the OLBs, otherwise he’s headed to the PS.
Linebackers (9)
OLB(4)- T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, DeMarvin Leal
ILB (5)- Elandon Roberts, Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Mark Robinson, Cole Holcomb*
Thoughts: When Markus Golden retired, it left a significant void for OLB4. Leal saw time there last week and then got the start there against the Lions. The Steelers already know Leal can play on the DL so perhaps this gives them some roster flexibility. Everything else here is scratch in my book.
*Holcomb will likely be added to the roster initially then be placed back on PUP. This means he cannot play for at least the first four games. Makes sense considering that he hasn’t practiced at all yet.
Defensive Backs (10)
Cornerbacks (6)- Joey Porter, Jr, Donte Jackson, Cory Trice, Cam Sutton, Beanie Bishop, Thomas Graham, Jr, Ryan Watts,
Safety (4) – Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miles Killabrew, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee
Thoughts: First of all, Sutton will not count towards the 53-man roster while on suspension… I honestly do not believe the Steelers are settled on their slot corner. I can easily see them bringing in someone in the next day or two. Also of note is Watts’ injury late in the game Saturday.
Specialists (3)
PK – Chris Boswell
P – Cameron Johnson
LS – Christian Kuntz
Thoughts: Cam Johnston has been one of the best signings by the team this year. While there have been only a few opportunities, it looks like his holding for Boswell won’t be an issue.
Practice Squad Headliners
TE Rodney Williams, QB John Rhys Plumlee, G Joey Fisher, DL Logan Lee, RB Daijun Edwards, RB La’Mical Perine, K Mathew Wright
