Every summer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, there are a handful of roster cut candidates who could go either way. They make the 53-man roster, or they get cut, and some come back and join the practice squad. The bottom-of-the-depth-chart players have done a nice job of getting their names back in the roster conversation. Certain guys have a better shot of making the team now after a strong preseason showing.
Just because specific players had impressive preseason outings doesn't mean they are locks to stay on the Steelers' roster following cuts.
It takes a lot for unexpected standouts to overcome the odds stacked against them and win a job on the final roster. Despite a strong preseason, these players probably won't make the team, but they could return to the practice squad after final cuts happen.
Pittsburgh Steelers who are part of roster cuts could still come back on the practice squad
Robert Spears-Jennings
It would be a tough pill to swallow to witness this impressive rookie get stolen by another team. Robert Spears-Jennings has exceeded his expectations by a long distance. Even though his preseason games showed a player deserving of a roster spot, there might not be a vacancy for him to fill.
If the Steelers add another veteran depth safety, it could cost Spears-Jennings a spot on the depth chart.
Eli Heidenreich
Opportunities were few and far between for running backs this summer, and Eli Heidenreich struggled to prove his worth because of it. The Pittsburgh product was a nice story to hear about during the draft, but the Steelers will be making him part of roster cuts. Heidenreich could revert to the practice squad despite his producing his best preseason outing against the Buffalo Bills.
Doneiko Slaughter
No one knew about Doneiko Slaughter before training camp, but he quickly became a notable name in practices.
Although he didn't win every snap that went his way, Slaughter played a tough and physical brand that Pittsburgh loves. His chance of making the roster remains extremely low, but landing back on the practice squad with the ability to grow his role remains a strong possibility.
Max Hurleman
It's now Year 2 for Max Hurleman, and he won't be getting a different answer compared to last season. He has shown glimpses of strong play during his summers with the Steelers, but nothing that makes him deserve more than a spot on the practice squad. Unless Hurleman becomes a dependable wide receiver and a strong option as a returner, there will never be room for him after final roster cuts.
Jacoby Windmon
After re-signing Elandon Roberts, the inside linebacker group for the Steelers appears fairly cut and dry.
Unless they shock everyone by making a last-minute trade, waiver wire pickup, or free agent signing, they have their linebackers set. He made some decent plays this preseason, but Jacoby Windmon won't be making the roster. He will have to grow his role from the practice squad this year.
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