Good Tuesday to you Steelers fans.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will unveil their 53-man roster later on today. Let me tell you right now it’s going to look very different than it will heading into week one in Cincinnati. For starters, there are questions about injuries to Montravious Adams, Calvin Austin III and Damontae Kazee. There are serious questions about positions like offensive line, outside linebacker and inside linebacker as well. There could be and I stress could be changes with Mason Rudolph being in Pittsburgh too. If the right offer is made then he will be as good as gone. While we have about 12-13 days until the season opener, things with this roster will change more dramatically than you may think. We know from past experiences that there are always a few surprises that get cut and a few that make the roster. This isn’t just a Steelers’ thing either. This happens in all 32 cities on cut down day. Ultimately, the coaches know best but that doesn’t mean they will be free from criticism. As you know all too well from reading this column.
The Obvious
I think it’s fair to say the quarterback position is the most important on the field. As this Spring and Summer unfolded that is exactly what we all focused on. As we’ve discovered though, we should have been more focused on the offensive line mess that hasn’t gotten any better for two plus years now. I had some thoughts on what I thought was the “obvious” yesterday.
Tweet of the Day… This is so true. I still learn lyrics I thought I had right years ago!
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— Sean ?✌️? (@Baseball_Fan_34) August 29, 2022
Biggest Surprises?
As I mentioned above there are always a few surprise roster decisions on the initial 53. I think one has to be Derek Watt. He has been dealing with a shoulder injury throughout the entire preseason and was unavailable for even a snap. Because he’s a key Special Teams player, I’m not totally convinced he’s gone but right now he’s my number one guy to be gone. Secondly is the James Pierre/Justin Layne debate. I don’t see both making the roster. Pierre has upside but he’s really regressed since the middle of last season. Layne is great on STs but a liability in coverage. Seems like they are leaning Pierre but we’ll see. Lastly is Chris Wormley. To be clear, they aren’t cutting him and he can thank the injury to Montravious Adams for that. Personally I wouldn’t keep him though. He’s just not good against the run and his pass rush seems to only be good against Baltimore. Also, keep an eye on recently released safety Tony Jefferson. The former Raven has the ability to play both strong and free safety and with Damontae Kazee out for an extended period Jefferson would be a nice addition.
Rudy Stays…
Despite calls about his availability, the Steelers claim they will hang on to Mason Rudolph unless they get an offer they can’t refuse. Essentially, they know if he stays and then leaves via free agency next year then they’ll likely receive a compensatory pick. My guess is it won’t be that high so I really don’t think it would cost a team more than a fourth but the Steelers claim they like having him for insurance. OK….
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