The Pittsburgh Steelers unveiled their 53-man roster today with few surprises among the list. Before I can even type the words to this entire article there are already moves
Two of the highlights would be Safety Jalen Elliott and Center Ryan McCollum. Elliott was kept on as a fifth safety but more importantly are his Special Teams credentials which clearly earned him his spot. McCollum made the roster largely due to the season-ending injury of Nate Herbig. While Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson and James Daniels have some experience there, the coaching staff clearly felt McCollum was needed. He’s primarily a center while others specialize at guard.
Cornerback Beanie Bishop, Jr makes the roster as a rookie free agent. With Thomas Graham being released (and likely put on the Practice Squad) that means Bishop will get the nod at the slot corner spot to start the season. Another guy who had a strong preseason was rookie Ryan Watts. Unfortunately he was placed on the Injured Reserve list following his injury Saturday. Darius Rush was also a bit of a surprise as well but was likely the beneficiary of some injuries.
Other areas of note…
-The Steelers must feel good about Jaylen Warren as he, Najee Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson are the only running backs on the roster.
*Note: Mike Garofalo reports the Steelers will sign Boston Scott. He has spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and recently with the LA Rams.
-Four tight ends was not unexpected and five wide receivers wasn’t either. However, with Roman Wilson spending most of the preseason with an injury the team could be limited there in week one.
-Eight defensive linemen were kept but one of them was DeMarvin Leal. With only three outside linebackers on the roster, that guarantees he will be seen as the team’s fourth OLB.
Keep in mind the roster will be totally fluid in the coming hours and perhaps even days.
