3 outsiders who made a case for Steelers roster after strong finale

The Pittsburgh Steelers closed out the 2019 preseason with a loss against the Carolina Panthers. Here are three players who made a case for the roster.

The Steelers didn’t exactly flash in their fourth preseason game like they have in their previous three. There was sloppy play on both sides of the ball.

Pittsburgh failed to move the ball effectively on offense, and they gave up a number of big plays to Carolina. However, there was some good to take away from this contest.

While most of the roster is already set, there may be a little leeway for some players to make the team. Here are three players who’s excellent performances Thursday night elevated themselves in the roster conversation:

Tuzar Skipper

Skipper has been fantastic all preseason, and he certainly didn’t disappoint against the Panthers. The undrafted rookie increased his sack total to 5.0 in the preseason, and has shown that his play over the past three weeks hasn’t been just a fluke.

Tuzar Skipper was easily the best defensive player on the field for the Steelers on Thursday night, and he has played well enough to earn a role on this team. I don’t remember the last time Pittsburgh has kept five outside linebackers, but they should strongly consider doing so this year.

Johnny Holton

Holton has always been a player that has been on the outside looking in. However, he is now closer than ever to suiting up for the Steelers in the regular season. The wide receiver caught all 3 of his targets for 86 yards and a touchdown in the final preseason game.

If the Steelers elect to keep both Ryan Switzer and Eli Rogers, then Johnny Holton likely probably doesn’t stand a chance. But his play against the Panthers was his best performance to date. Perhaps Pittsburgh will elect to go with the long-striding wide out with value as a gunner rather than the extra slot option.

Henry Mondeaux

This is a player that nobody is talking about, but his play has been solid all preseason, and he only continued to get better. Henry Mondeaux isn’t the flashiest of players, but he has shown promise in stopping the run and getting after the quarterback.

Rookie Isaiah Buggs is likely to be the last defensive lineman on the roster for the Steelers. If both he and Mondeaux were on an even playing field, I think Henry Mondeaux would win this job.

It’s hard to say which of these three players (if any) will end up making the roster for Pittsburgh in 2019. However, they all helped their causes with excellent performances this preseason. The Steelers have some very difficult decisions on their hands.