Pittsburgh Steelers: Projected inactives vs. Browns
By Edward Hunt
The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Cleveland Browns Sunday and here is a projected inactive list for the week.
The Steelers are operating with effectively a 54 man roster with Le’Veon Bell not yet activated. It is very likely that the Steelers activate him on Sunday which means they will have to release one player. I think that player will be Arthur Moats. I know he has been a model player for the Steelers and that he is a good backup outside linebacker. I just don’t think he is a good enough special teams player to keep around. The Steelers could also save a couple million by cutting him.
The first inactive will probably be Jerald Hawkins. He hasn’t practiced since Wednesday and that was in a limited capacity. He is already ruled out for this game.
The second inactive is Bud Dupree. Although it would be nice to have one of their best pass rushers for week one, you have to think he will be out if he did not practice on Friday. Considering he is a young player, I don’t think they were resting him on Friday. It seems he has reaggravated his should which was an injury that began at the start of the preseason and a lot of training camp.
The third inactive will probably be Josh Dobbs. This is something to look for week one is who is the backup to Ben Roethlisberger. Josh Dobbs showed improvement over the preseason, but Landry Jones has been in the NFL and with the Steelers for five years going on his sixth year.
The fourth inactive will probably be Matt Feiler. The Steelers like to dress seven offensive linemen on game day and that means Feiler is the eighth. BJ Finney will probably be the top backup on the interior and Chris Hubbard will be the first off the bench at tackle.
The fifth inactive is likely Dan McCullers. It was a surprise he made the team and that is why he will be the sixth defensive lineman. LT Walton played nose tackle in the preseason and will probably be the backup at that position.
The sixth inactive will probably be Brian Allen. Allen is a project and has not stood out on special teams. His potential has proven roster worthy, but I don’t think he is ready to dress yet.
Next: Watch the defense vs. Cleveland
The seventh inactive I am projecting is Justin Hunter. Hunter is a good receiver, but there is already plenty of game day depth at that position. Hunter doesn’t really play special teams. I am guessing Juju Smith-Schuster will get the helmet as the kick returner and as a jammer on special teams.