The Steelers & 53-Man Roster Predictions: Preseason Week 3

Special Teams, Practice Squad, Final Thoughts

Kicker (1), Punter (1), Long Snapper (1)

Shaun Suisham, Drew Butler, Greg Warren

Suisham and Warren basically have their jobs secured, especially since the Steelers have already released both of their main competitors.  Drew Butler and Brian Moorman will likely duel into the final preseason weekend, although Butler had some nice punts against Washington.

Practice Squad (8)

Nick Williams (DE), Terence Garvin (ILB), Alan Baxter (OLB), Derek Moye (WR), Reggie Dunn (KR/SB), Isaiah Green (CB), Mike Golic, Jr. (OL), Jeremy Wright (RB)

The Steelers will probably try to sneak Williams, Garvin, and Baxter on the practice squad to allow their rookies to develop and grow during their first seasons in the league.

Golic, Jr. could develop into some solid backups for the Steelers in time, and him and Chris Hubbard (if he is kept) could stand to use an entire season of working on their technique and putting on some mass (particularly Hubbard).

As I mentioned last week, a season on the practice squad would also help a player like Dunn while he develops his game as a slot receiver.  As far as Wright is concerned, the Steelers will probably carry one running back on the practice squad for emergency purposes.  If Pittsburgh’s brass do not use up a spot on a running back though, Tomlin & Co. could add a cornerback like Isaiah Green or wide receiver in the form of Derek Moye.

Final Thoughts

Don’t worry readers, I did not forget about Sean Spence.  While nothing would make me happier to see the youngster return to action this fall, I would much rather see him placed on IR for the 2013 campaign so he can rehabilitate his injured knee for another year before he can compete for a backup job and special teams duties in 2014.  Due to the gruesome nature of his injury, I would rather see the coaching and medical staffs err on the side of caution regarding the former Miami Hurricane than anything else.

Anyway, I hope that this list sparks some debate between you readers.  Share in the comments section below what you liked or did not like about this list, and discuss why you feel that particular way.

Players Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com, and Pro Football Reference

Follow me on Twitter: @DominicDiTolla

Follow & Like “NPC” on Facebook: Nice Pick, Cowher