SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Almost 53’ Edition

Good Tuesday to you Steelers fans.

The day has arrived. By 4pm Eastern today the Pittsburgh Steelers will need to have their roster trimmed to 53-man plus a 16-man Practice Squad. Yesterday, several more players were given their release papers with what I would call “one surprise.” Inside Linebacker Tanner Muse was cut and he’s a guy I thought would make the roster simply because of his special teams prowess and ability to play safety too. Joining Muse on the free agency line were fellow linebacker Toby Ndukwe, safeties Kenny Robinson and Jalen Elliott, cornerback Lavert Hill, Quarterback Tanner Morgan, O-Linemen La’Raven Clark and William Dunkle along with D-Lineman Manny Jones and running back Darius Hagans. Robinson had a strong Training Camp but wasn’t quite as successful in the preseason games. Morgan had a chance to at the very least establish himself a spot on the Practice Squad but I won’t be surprised to see the Steelers look elsewhere for a PS QB. Later today, the rest of the cuts will be announced.

Big Year Coming?

I have this feeling that Alex Highsmith is going to have a huge season and yes, I’m going to credit T.J. Watt but hear me out. Any player opposite of Watt is likely going to put up some good numbers simply because of the attention he draws but… I think Highsmith, fresh off a big, new contract, is sick of hearing about “but not for T.J.” He’s tire of hearing about what his numbers are with or without Watt on the field and based on is Training Camp and his preseason snaps I’m calling it right now. He’s going to equal or surpass his sack total from last year.

Tweet of the Day… T.J. Watt has his Wheaties. TB12 had some peanut butter!

“Goddamnit, I’m trying to make a sandwich in here! Which one of you motherfuckers ate all of my Terry Bradshaw peanut butter?”

“Calm down, Dad, we have JIF.”

“I WANTED TERRY BRADSHAW.” pic.twitter.com/VheBew2xp4

— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) August 29, 2023

Throwbacks?

As all of you know, the Steelers are not nearly as quick to alter or change their uniform. In fact, of all 32 teams, they’ve made fewer changes as anyone and eliminating block numerals in the ’90’s still irritates me. They have however embraced both the ‘color rush’ uni’s and the throwbacks as well. I have to admit, I’m more than a little curious to see what throwbacks are coming for this season. If I had to guess, I believe it’s going to be the ‘Batman’ jersey from the late 1960’s.

A Potential Target?

As I’ve been saying the Steelers will find someone to their liking who has been dismissed from other teams. One such guy could be veteran corner Desmond King who was recently cut by Houston. He started 29 games over the past two seasons and has some ability in the slot. If they think he’s an upgrade over what they have (and he comes at the right price), could he be a target?

QB Consults

You’ve probably read recently where Dallas Owner Jerry Jones did not consult with his quarterback Dak Prescott prior to trading for Trey Lance. This seems to have some people upset. No one consulted with Ben Roethlisberger when the Steelers drafted both Landry Jones and Mason Rudolph and Aaron Rodgers didn’t get a head’s up when the Packers drafted Jordan Love so I’m not sure what the big deal is. Furthermore, Prescott hasn’t even gotten to a Super Bowl which is usually an achievement that garners you such respect. Personally, I would have stayed with Will Grier and not have made that trade but what do I know?