5 Steelers that need a hot start to training camp to survive

While it will take more than just a few good practices to save their roster hopes, these five Steelers need to start off camp hot if they want a chance at sticking around.

Training camp is a time for players to show what they can offer a team as a player. While every camp will have its fair share of winners, it will also consist of players fighting for their roster lives. The Steelers are no exception, as plenty of players enter this season on the proverbial bubble. If they have a slow start to camp, they may further dig their own grave.

Here are five Steelers who need a hot start to training camp to remain relevant.

Steelers Joseph

A former first-round pick, Karl Joseph has had his share of success in the league. He has been a starter for most of his career, and while never a dominant defender, he has been effective. He was unremarkable last year with the Steelers though, and the road hasn’t gotten much easier for the veteran.

The issue he faces is his limited ability beyond what he provides for a defense. Joseph has next to no special teams ability, and with both of the starting safeties set, it means his role is purely as a backup. Those limitations kept him off the field last year and will likely prevent him from making a serious push at a roster spot this year.

If Joseph wants to have any shot at making the roster this season, he needs to have a strong start to camp and look like an impact player. While expecting him to be valuable on special teams at this point suddenly is unlikely, he can be worked onto the defense as a third safety. He needs to come out firing though, or else his tenure with the team will likely be short.