5 Steelers players hurt most by the lack of NFL preseason

Trajan Bandy

The Steelers had a few UDFA’s this offseason that looked like potential gems, but none popped more on tape than CB Trajan Bandy. The feisty slot CB is a physical run-stopper who flashed some abilities in coverage. His playstyle is reminiscent of the aforementioned Hilton, and considering the latter is set to be a free agent next offseason, Bandy may be the next man in line to man the slot CB role.

Considering the 6th CB spot was wide open, Bandy had a real shot of locking down a roster spot and earning his keep first through special teams. All the while, the Steelers would allow him to keep developing in hopes that he could take over for Hilton. With the lack of a preseason though, Bandy will have little tape against actual NFL competition. This will likely lead him to have to spend his first season on the practice squad.

This doesn’t mean the end for his hopes as a future starter, but it does make the road significantly more difficult. The Steelers would be less likely to turn to a practice squad player to start next year than one that spent the year on the active roster. Again, this doesn’t mean it won’t happen, but more than likely the Steelers will at least add an established option to initially start and see if Bandy can take over. His road has become a lot tougher due to the shortened offseason.