The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially preparing for their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, which means the team has released its unofficial depth chart ahead of the season opener. This didn't come with a cluster of surprises, but it may have revealed how head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff feel about several members of the team ahead of the season kickoff.
Based on the Week 1 depth chart, some players could be handed unwarranted and undeserved golden opportunities from the gate, while others will be forced to primarily watch from the sidelines early.
It's important to note that McCarthy alluded to Burt Lauten—the team's director of communications—putting the depth chart together. But there are four clear winners and several notable losers from the team's first unofficial depth chart.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 1 depth chart wasn't good news for everyone on the roster
Winner: Dylan Cook, RT
This didn't come as a surprise, but it was the one starting position that potential felt was up in the air. After Max Iheanachor flashed in his lone preseason game, it looked like there was an outside chance he would get the job. Instead, the starting right tackle role goes to Dylan Cook, who had an up-and-down August. This was more of a seniority play than anything else.
Winner: Roman Wilson, WR
After a quiet and even disappointing preseason, it's a win for Roman Wilson to be considered a starting wide receiver on the team. Wilson got the 'starter treatment' in the Steelers' preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, as he wasn't even asked to suit up for the game. Rookie Germie Bernard will be nipping at his heels for an opportunity, but for now, Wilson owns the starting slot receiver job.
Winner: Riley Nowakowski, FB
Perhaps nobody is a bigger winner on the depth chart than Riley Nowakowski, and that's quite literally because there was zero competition at the fullback position. This isn't to say that he's not deserving of this role, but it was never in doubt. We'll soon find out what kind of role the fifth-round rookie can carve out from the gate.
Winner: Asante Samuel Jr., CB
After having arguably the best summer of anyone on the team, it's only fitting that the Steelers throw Asante Samuel Jr. a bone. Samuel was spectacular during training camp and in his limited preseason reps, but it looked nearly impossible to find a way to get him on the field in a starting capacity. Interestingly, the Steelers listed Samuel or Joey Porter Jr. as the team's starting boundary cornerback opposite Jamel Dean.
Loser: Max Iheanachor, RT
Had Iheanachor not missed time, we could be looking at a different scenario for Week 1. But as it is, the talented rookie will have to ride the bench to begin the season. Iheanachor displayed impressive power and foot quickness in his lone preseason game, but it wasn't enough to draw the start from the gate. The first-round pick will have to bide his time.
Loser: Drew Allar, QB
We knew there was never a chance of Drew Allar being the Steelers' QB2 this year, but after flashing in the preseason and watching Will Howard crumble with costly turnovers and poor performances, it seemed like there was an avenue to be the QB3. Instead, it appears the third-round rookie will hold a dreaded 'fourth-string' label to begin the year, which means there's practically zero chance he ever sees the field in 2026.
Loser: Rayshawn Jenkins, S
I don't know if I've ever seen a team list just one starting safety on their initial depth chart, but that's what the Steelers did ahead of Sunday's contest against the Falcons. Newcomer Jaquan Brisker was listed as the lone starter. We assumed veteran Rayshawn Jenkins would have been labeled as the other starting safety. Instead, he's listed as a second-stringer. To make up the difference, the Steelers labeled Jalen Ramsey as a starting nickel cornerback.
Half Loser: Joey Porter Jr., CB
Joey Porter Jr. can march into the facility at the final hour and decide he's playing, and he would most certainly start. But the fact that the team gave him the 'or' label with Asante Samuel Jr. shows that his status for Week 1 is up in the air. Porter's contract status has been at the center of discussion, and it's the biggest storyline leading up to the game against the Falcons.
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