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4 Steelers players that could surprisingly make the team in 2021

By Ryan Pawloski

Nov 4, 2018; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Josh Dobbs (5) throws a pass over Baltimore Ravens defensive end Brent Urban (96) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2018; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Josh Dobbs (5) throws a pass over Baltimore Ravens defensive end Brent Urban (96) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kalen Ballage #31 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs with the ball. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Kalen Ballage, running back

The running back room seems fairly set with Najee Harris, Benny Snell, and Anthony McFarland as the stable for the 2021 season. The team may keep four backs if an extra player behind these three can provide some special team ability. Kalen Ballage can fit that bill as the kickoff returner and Mike Tomlin normally likes to have a running back available to field kick-off returns. This player has become a journeyman across the NFL since entering the league and he has shown some promise since then. Ballage has been talked about highly by his positional coach, Eddie Faulkner.

Endorsements by your coach are something a player can build off of but he will need more than that. He also needs to show what he can do in kick-off returns and other special teams aspects of football. If he can show promise or excel in the third phase of football then the Steelers will find it extremely difficult to let this player go.

Another possibility could be the practice squad if Ballage cannot fit on the initial 53 man roster but he has had a solid start in the early pre-season process. He will need to continue to impress this coaching staff from now and until those final cuts come in before the regular season if he wants to make it. This veteran of the league has the upper hand in the knowledge of what it takes and he can overcome the uphill battle ahead of him.

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