Practice squad options after Steelers final cut-down day

The Steelers have made their cuts and now it is time to look at who could return to the practice squad soon.

Pittsburgh has taken their roster down to the 53-man mark yet again and it was a busy day. There is still some movement that will happen between now and the regular season. Each NFL team will now have the chance to put in waiver claims and look across the free agency market to improve their teams.

This will also give way for recently cut players to be offered practice squad roles on different franchises. Each club, including the Steelers, will be allowed to sign 16 players to their practice team. They will be able to sign these players, no matter if they are on their own practice squad or on another team’s, to their active roster at any time.

Tyler Vaughns formed chemistry with Kenny Pickett

Tyler Vaughns enjoyed an electric preseason that many enjoyed watching. He developed some nice chemistry with Kenny Pickett during their many practice reps together in training camp.

That translated over to games and will lead to Vaughns returning to the practice squad. Both he and Pickett should be able to keep that bond alive on the practice fields of the UPMC Sports Complex.

Buddy Johnson will stick around with his Steelers draft pedigree

Buddy Johnson could always be claimed off waivers based on his draft status when he was coming out of Texas A&M. He is a good athlete, but he has not developed well from a coverage standpoint.

He is always a second too late and the preseason did not go to plan for him. He lost his job to Mark Robinson, a seventh-round pick, and will be spending time on the practice squad to develop further.

John Leglue is a good depth piece for the Steelers practice squad

John Leglue had a decent camp and preseason, but it was nothing spectacular. The Steelers decided to roll with Kendrick Green even though he had a worse showing at the guard position.

That might not have been the safest choice right now and the club could still be looking at outside options. Leglue has starting experience and would be a nice option to store on this portion of the team in case of injury.

Henry Mondeaux provides depth and experience to a deep position

Henry Mondeaux has made the roster before, but this year was different as he got stuck in a deep defensive line group. There is a lot of talent from the top down and that includes those that will make the Steelers practice team.

This player had a good preseason, but there are some better options at the coach’s disposal currently. He will be one of the better players on this portion of the club.

Hamilcar Rashed showed enough during his limited time

Hamilcar Rashed was claimed off waivers from the New York Jets late in camp and made the most of his opportunity. He showed some quality snaps during his time with Pittsburgh and even earned some first-team reps when injuries started to pile up.

He will be stored on the practice squad and given another year to mature his game and see where he is at around this time next season.

Anthony McFarland might need to be talked into returning

Anthony McFarland lost his roster spot to Benny Snell, despite having a nice showing during the preseason. He could have some teams interested in him on the waiver wire, or he could always decide to move onto another practice squad elsewhere.

It could take some convincing for the Steelers to get this player to come back on the practice squad after McFarland’s successful preseason.