As we sit in the grueling part of training camp, the Pittsburgh Steelers have some interesting jobs up for grabs. Although many fans are paying close attention to some of the bigger names battling it out for vacancies, don't look past the lesser-known names.
There have been some players at the bottom of the depth chart who are working hard in practice, which deserves some recognition going forward.
Perhaps these players' chances of making the roster are still low, but they are certainly starting to get their names in the mix to make the team. Maybe they fail to make the club, but they could revert to a job with another NFL team or find their way onto the practice squad.
These players have produced better training camps than anticipated, and it could force the Steelers into some tough decisions.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have four roster bubble candidates making noise at training camp
Brandon Smith, WR
You would like to see more consistency from practice to practice from Brandon Smith, but the little-known wide receiver has made plays at training camp. The first-year receiver has found ways to produce some fantastic practices, which have caught the attention of those in attendance on a couple of occasions.
Making the roster will be difficult, but he is starting to get his foot in the door as the preseason looms.
Right now, it appears that Pittsburgh will hold six players at the position after they settle their group. That means Smith would need to beat out names like Ben Skowronek, Eli Heidenreich, and potentially Roman Wilson for the final opening. Smith's odds of sticking on the roster remain low, but he is someone to keep an eye on when it comes time to form the practice squad.
Doneiko Slaughter, CB
Injuries result in different players emerging from the woodwork after receiving increased opportunities. Since the defensive backfield has struggled with a handful of problems throughout training camp, Doneiko Slaughter is someone starting to make waves in practice. There have been days when Slaughter has found himself getting snaps with the top defense for the Steelers.
The 2025 undrafted free agent still has a long way to go before people can start buying his Steelers jersey. He has held his own in the elevated roles he has gained during his time with the team this summer.
With that said, Slaughter has a tough uphill battle to climb before claiming a roster spot. Unless an extended injury occurs, expect the cornerback to have a tough time winning a job.
Travis Homer, RB
Looking at the running back group, it's easy to see why it's hard to make the team. Unless Kaleb Johnson becomes a surprise roster bubble candidate, which is unlikely, that position is mostly set. That means Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, and Johnson would make the team. The only shot another running back would have to make the team is if they did terrific things on special teams.
Making plays on special teams is nothing new for Travis Homer, and he has been an effective coverage guy in the third phase of football during his career.
The Steelers could use some help in that department, which will hold Homer in the roster mix moving forward. Keeping four running backs on the team isn't the most plausible outcome of happening, but it is something they could talk themselves into.
Robert Spears-Jennings, S
Once again, the litany of injury problems in the secondary has created ample chances for bottom of the depth chart players to step up. Although the Steelers had small expectations for Robert Spears-Jennings going into his rookie training camp, he has stepped up into bigger roles. The seventh-rounder hasn't done anything terrific with an elevated role, but the team is getting an extended look.
Thus far in practice this summer, Spear-Jennings has gotten close attention from his coaches, but he hasn't provided enough plays during his time with the starting unit on defense.
He must take advantage of those opportunities for the remainder of training camp and the preseason. Few expected much from the young safety, and although he hasn't played great, he has a strong shot at making the roster.
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