There are several members of the Pittsburgh Steelers who are coming off memorable performances during the first game of the preseason. Although that might not be the final decision when it comes to those fighting for roster spots, a strong outing in a game can help ease some difficult decisions.
With a strong training camp, plus a solid preseason outing in the first game under the lights, they might have won some roster spots.
For those who didn't have as much of a standout performance during the game, they are still on the roster bubble. Those players still looking to make an impact have two preseason matchups to help their cause, plus the remainder of training camp.
It will be interesting to see how some players find ways to impress moving forward. Time is starting to become their enemy as the summer progresses.
Pittsburgh Steelers who locked up roster spots and those who still have work to do after preseason Week 1
Won roster spot: Robert Tonyan
He was trending towards a roster spot anyway, but Robert Tonyan just showed why he will be sticking around. His veteran savviness was on full display during the preseason matchup against the Packers. The tight end was able to make a couple of plays during an impressive performance. Expect Tonyan to be the last tight end on the 53-man roster, and he could gain a reasonable role on offense.
Won roster spot: Asante Samuel Jr.
After re-signing with the Steelers this past offseason, his roster spot seemed somewhat safe, but not guaranteed. After a dominant time at training camp, Asante Samuel Jr. followed that up with a strong battle in preseason action. He had a solid conclusion to the season last year and has carried that momentum over. Expect Samuel to be one of the better cornerbacks on defense this season.
Won roster spot: Riley Nowakowski
Just because you're a draft pick doesn't mean your roster spot is cemented in place, especially when you're a fifth-rounder. Riley Nowakowski has gained high praise at training camp because of his ability to play fullback, tight end, and special teams.
The rookie did drop a touchdown catch in his first preseason action, but he followed that up by securing a tougher grab to land six points in the end zone.
Won roster spot: Elandon Roberts
The veteran linebacker didn't even have to participate in training camp yet (or in the first preseason game), but Elandon Robert is probably not on the roster bubble after signing with the team late in the process. It was easy to make the connection between the middle linebacker and the team. He played under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham in Las Vegas last year, and Roberts played for the Steelers in the past.
On roster bubble: Dean Lowry
You would prefer a younger defensive lineman to step up and kick Dean Lowry off the roster. No offense to the veteran, but it's always better to get younger in the trenches when the opportunity presents itself. Lowry had a bad penalty on a kick attempt and overall hasn't done anything special. He remains the safe option to keep around, but Pittsburgh better hope someone else emerges.
On roster bubble: Kaleb Johnson
The writing might be on the wall for Kaleb Johnson after the first preseason game. He didn't get any action in the first half and sat behind Travis Homer and Lew Nichols before getting some snaps. It was an uneventful game for Johnson, and training camp hasn't been too much to write home about either.
It's hard to fathom cutting the third rounder from last year, but it's clearly on the table.
On roster bubble: Malik Harrison
After bringing Elandon Roberts back into the fold, there seems to be no way for Malik Harrison to get off the roster bubble. The veteran linebacker costs too much money to keep around for his lack of production. The Steelers would save some money by letting him go, which could open the door for some upgrades. Unless injuries hit that position, Harrison has almost no shot of sticking around.
On roster bubble: Will Howard
No one wants to hear it, but Will Howard's job is still very much on the line for the rest of the summer.
He did show some quality signs during his first preseason action, but nothing that pushed him ahead of Mason Rudolph. If Howard wants to guarantee a roster spot, he must dethrone Rudolph from his spot on the depth chart. That won't be as easy a task for Howard, even though fans want to believe otherwise.
On roster bubble: Jamin Davis
Perhaps one of the overlooked high-end performers during the first battle of the preseason was none other than Jamin Davis. He showed his versatility and made his name known throughout the game. His training camp has been somewhat quiet, but when Davis was under the lights, he showed up. Any shot of him getting off the roster bubble would require stacked outings like this game.
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