The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their 2026 preseason with a victory over the Green Bay Packers. While the rest of the game is hardly important, there were several meaningful takeaways.
Conversely, there are also a bunch of unresolved storylines heading into the Steelers' upcoming glorified scrimmage against the New York Jets. Many players still have something to prove as the 53-man roster cutdown deadline (Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. ET) rapidly approaches.
Pittsburgh has several spots up for grabs across the board. How they fare versus the Jets could go a long way in determining who sticks around and who doesn't. Not only that, but the organizational hierarchy comes further into focus.
5 Steelers position battles worth watching in preseason showdown vs. Jets
Mason Rudolph vs. Will Howard for QB2
Of course, the list of Steelers battles to watch begins and ends with the backup quarterback race. Who emerges as the second-stringer behind Aaron Rodgers has arguably been the biggest talking point of their offseason.
Does Pittsburgh prefer the old bull or the young calf? Howard was given chances to separate himself as Rodgers' understudy during organized team activities (OTAs), but it's basically Rudolph's job to lose since then. Both were remarkably efficient in the meeting with Green Bay, but Howard has the chance to prove himself with Rudolph being sat down for this week's battle with the Jets.
Roman Wilson vs. Germie Bernard for WR3
Wilson is finally seizing the role the Steelers envisioned when they took him No. 84 overall in the 2024 draft. His upward trajectory has been a welcome development after a practically nonexistent first two campaigns as a pro. He's become their clear-cut third wide receiver and has reportedly "earned" Rodgers' trust (h/t Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated).
Nevertheless, Bernard is certainly doing his part to keep things interesting. He made the most of a strong debut when facing the Packers, reeling in four of five targets for 51 yards. The talented young playmaker showed tremendous after-the-catch ability, which many had touted him for coming out of college.
Barring a Bernard explosion, Wilson just needs to hold serve to maintain the edge.
Spencer Anderson vs. Brock Hoffman vs. Gennings Dunker for starting RG
Anderson got the nod in the Steelers' exhibition opener, indicating he's in pole position for their starting right guard gig. Logging another start (or getting rested) when the Jets come to town would be the proverbial nail in the coffin. Entering his fourth season with Pittsburgh, the Maryland product also notably has familiarity with the franchise, especially compared to the two newcomer competitors.
Hoffman's ties to Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, dating back to their overlapping stints with the Dallas Cowboys, shouldn't be overlooked. The 27-year-old is primarily a center, however. Betting on a full-time position change is a risky proposition, particularly with an immobile, aging quarterback like Rodgers.
Dunker is the future, but seems to be falling behind presently. He's been with the third-team offense for most of training camp. Like Hoffman, the 2026 third-round selection is transitioning to guard (albeit from right tackle), suggesting a redshirt year is well within the range of outcomes.
Gabriel Rubio vs. Dean Lowry vs. Esezi Otomewo for DL rotation
Lowry's decade-long connection to McCarthy is nothing to scoff at. That also shouldn't be the sole, or even the main, reason to keep someone around, though.
A crowded D-line complicates matters for Lowry. He needs to keep pace with the younger members of the group who are giving him a run for his money. Rubio has made plays as a sixth-round rookie, recording six tackles in the squad's 28-9 win over the Packers, and Otomewo is lurking.
Kaleb Johnson vs. Lew Nichols vs. Travis Homer for RB3
Johnson is fighting for his life with the Steelers. The signs keep pointing to the club cutting its losses and moving on from the former Iowa star. His steep freefall comes roughly 16 months after Pittsburgh spent a third-round pick on him; life comes at you fast, especially in this business.
Nichols, whom the Steelers brought back on a reserve/future contract in January, has parlayed an impressive 2025 preseason with a solid showing this summer. He led Pittsburgh in rushing and accounted for half of their production on the ground against Green Bay.
Then there's Homer. He's logged just seven carries since 2023, yet his special teams prowess gives him an edge. The veteran's pass-protection chops and experience (currently in Year 8) are also a plus.
Nichols is arguably the purest runner of the three guys mentioned, and Homer offers something the other two can't. They appear to be gaining on Johnson, who's currently listed as the RB3 on the Steelers' unofficial depth chart and is on incredibly thin ice.
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