Pittsburgh Steelers: Josh Dobbs’ biggest game lies ahead

CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 31: Joshua Dobbs #5 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 31: Joshua Dobbs #5 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

In what may be the biggest game of his career to date, Josh Dobbs will have one more chance to make a lasting impression on the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff.

The Pittsburgh Steelers quietly have one of the more interesting quarterback battles in the league. Aside from starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, arguments can be heard to keep/cut Landry Jones, Mason Rudolph, and Josh Dobbs. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has never carried four quarterbacks on the active roster in the regular season, and 2018 looks to be no different.

With Rudolph still fresh on the scene after being drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, it’s unlikely we see his departure. Thus, the battle for the coveted third and final roster spot is narrowed down to Jones and Dobbs. Due to his experience, one would think Jones has the upper-hand in the race, as the team would look to lean on a veteran QB should Roethlisberger go down.

This leaves Dobbs as the odd man out, at least theoretically. The Steelers have until Saturday to trim down their roster from 90 to 53 players, which only puts more importance/emphasis on the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers just two days prior on Thursday.

Earlier in the week, Tomlin named Dobbs the starting quarterback against the Panthers. Dobbs is favored to get a heavy dose of snaps as the Steelers close on pre-season play. Does Pittsburgh already know what they want at the quarterback position?

No further details have been released in terms of Thursday night’s game, but the reality is clear: This is Dobbs’ last chance to impress.

I do not believe Thursday is the ultimatum of whether or not Dobbs will continue to wear black and gold, yet his performance will undoubtedly influence the Steelers when it comes time to make tough decisions. Dobbs has shown he’s capable of playing well, while also showing he still has a long way to go before being ready to take over the reigns as a starter.

With Jones’ contract expiring after the 2018 season, Dobbs would be a great quarterback to have on the depth chart going into 2019. Ideally, the Steelers would like for Dobbs to be signed to the practice squad and bring him up at a later date. Yet it’s believed Dobbs would not clear waivers for that to happen, as another team would sign him.

Pittsburgh is in “win now” mode, which means a veteran guy like Jones would likely make the roster of Dobbs. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN released his final 53 man roster projections, which included the team keeping Dobbs as a fourth quarterback to entertain potential trades.

Hard decisions are on the horizon for GM Kevin Colbert and his staff. Luckily for Dobbs, he has the advantage of playing before the final curtain call. Tomlin and the rest of the coaches will utilize Thursday’s performance when deciding whether or not to send Dobbs packing.

To many, week four of the preseason is simply another game to get through before the regular season is welcomed. For Josh Dobbs, it may be the most important game of his career.

Schedule