The Pittsburgh Steelers play their final preseason game of 2023 in Atlanta on Thursday night. Unlike the days of four preseason games where teams typically rested their starters in the finale, the third and final game now usually sees more starters play. According to Mike Tomlin that’s exactly what he plans to do. How long they’ll play is uncertain but I think it’s the right move considering the time span between this game and the regular season opener. With much still to be decided, here’s what we’re watching for Thursday night.
Nickels
Tomlin made it clear; Chandon Sullivan and Elijah Riley will both get opportunities. Ironically enough, both guys had interceptions against the Bills and made other solid plays. Is there a way that both guys make the roster? Perhaps, but I get the feeling that this is a “one-off” if you will and the guy that performs better will gain the roster spot.
O-Line
It sounds like Kevin Dotson won’t play for the second straight week and I have to think he’s on borrowed time. The persistent injuries may spell doom for Dotson especially if a guy like Spencer Anderson plays well. Anderson has position flexibility too which is something that Dotson doesn’t have. Nate Herbig will clearly be the first guard off the bench should Isaac Seomalu or James Daniels get hurt, but can Dotson maintain a roster spot without even playing?
Receivers
Here’s who makes the team at this position. Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II and Calvin Austin III. I believe Miles Boykin has a tremendous case for the fifth spot based on his Special Teams play and blocking ability at WR. Therefore, if Tomlin keeps just five then this is a done deal. If he keeps six? Then this has Gunner Olszewski written all over it. Newly acquired Aron Cruickshank, Jordan Byrd and Dez Fitzpatrick are the only other options and I don’t see any of them beating out Olszewski should they go with a sixth receiver. I’m curious to see how much Olszewski plays Thursday.
The Specialists
Chris Boswell may get a few kicks but why risk anything when you know he’s your guy? B.T. Potter will likely be on the market. As for punters, the old saying is that if you are even with the incumbent then you haven’t beaten him. Braden Mann is likely not going to beat Pressley Harvin III so in my mind these two competitions are over.
A Thought on QBs
There’s zero chance that Tanner Morgan makes the roster unless there’s an injury to someone above him. But what he does on Thursday could decide whether he makes the Practice Squad or is cut free. The Steelers traditionally like to have a QB on their PS but Morgan hasn’t played well in his two appearances. I have to assume he’ll get more snaps against the Falcons in order to prove he belongs on the PS. If not, I guarantee they will bring someone in off the street.
4 or 5 LBs?
Kwon Alexander, Nate Holcomb, Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson appear to be locks at inside linebacker. Fighting it out for a potential fifth spot are Nick Kwiatkowski and Tanner Muse. Both are above average Special Teamers. Both have limitations at ILB. Therefore, I’m going to assume that Muse gets the nod simply because he has experience playing safety too. Again, all of this assumes the team goes with five inside backers.
