6 backend roster Steelers to watch during Hall of Fame game

Steelers Isaiah Buggs

While it may be unfair to label Isaiah Buggs as a roster option on the backend of this roster given the amount of playing time, he has seen during his Steelers carrier, the mix of a deep line and an unclear role on the team land him here. He needs a hot start to the preseason if he wants to keep his name in consideration for the roster. While he was named the primary nose tackle backup in the initial camp depth chart, that doesn’t mean much long term.

The issue starts with his role on the team. While his size makes him a more natural nose tackle, his pass-rushing skill and general lack of run-stopping ability make him a better fit at one of the end spots. This lack of a defined role means that he naturally falls behind the more natural fits at both of those positions on the depth chart (that being Carlos Davis at nose tackle and Chris Wormley at the end).

Buggs can still make this roster, but it will require a strong showing in the preseason and a more defined position that he excels at. That starts for Buggs during the first preseason game. If he shows up as a strong option on the line, he should continue to see playing time and snaps during the preseason. If he falters, his snaps can go to the next man up. He needs to look a step above the rest during this first game.

The Steelers will have a slew of intriguing players to watch during this first preseason game. These six backend of the roster options deserve special attention though, as this first game will determine a lot of their chances going further into the preseason and eventually into the regular season.