After two polar-opposite preseason performances, the Pittsburgh Steelers have seen their roster construction start to become clear. Those who remain on the roster bubble either helped their odds of making the team during the first two games of action or saw their chances slip further away. Those who are struggling have one more game to show they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster.
Time is starting to run out for players to prove their worth to the top decision makers in Pittsburgh.
There are only 53 jobs available, but some players have made certain decisions more difficult after the first two preseason matchups. Others who struggled may have already seen their chances slip away. Although final decisions are yet to be made, things are starting to finally balance out.
Pittsburgh Steelers on the roster bubble are either thriving or struggling this preseason
In: Doneiko Slaughter
Few expected him to make some noise during the summer, but Doneiko Slaughter has shown quality play with the Steelers.
Maybe he isn't a favorite to lock down a roster spot just yet, but he is keeping his name in the realm of possibility. The undrafted cornerback from a year ago has shown the ability to compete in coverage and play with an edge. He might not make it, but he's closer than many thought was possible.
In: Robert Tonyan
At this point, it would be shocking if Robert Tonyan didn't make the Steelers out of the preseason. He has relied on his veteran experience to rise up the depth chart. Tonyan's relationship with Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy will also help his odds. Unless something drastically changes for the tight end, he should make it on the team.
In: Jamin Davis
After flunking out as a first-round pick, Jamin Davis has shown a knack for proving his athleticism. That strength has given him a solid summer outing and a shot at sticking on the roster. It's unknown how the Steelers would be able to keep him around with their current linebacker construction. One thing is for certain: Davis has shoved his name back into the mix of making this team.
In: Travis Homer
Not much buzz was generated around Travis Homer at training camp, but he has made some plays during the preseason. Nothing special has come from Homer, but he has shown his veteran savviness as a running back. His added ability to be an effective special team's contributor will also help his cause. If the Steelers cut Kaleb Johnson, expect Homer to potentially take his job.
In: Gabriel Rubio
No other story would be more of a surprising outcome than if Gabriel Rubio found his way onto the 53-man roster.
People ridiculed Pittsburgh's pick when they took Rubio in the sixth round this past spring, but the defensive tackle is showing his worth. He might be the young depth defender they have been looking for in the trenches. His ability to stop the run and show elite effort during the preseason has been impressive.
Out: Will Howard
It's hard to see why Will Howard deserves a roster spot after the second game of the preseason. That was his shot to kick Mason Rudolph out of town. Things were sloppy for Pittsburgh in their second matchup as a whole, but Howard didn't seem ready to take the reins. Don't be shocked if they hold onto four quarterbacks after roster cuts, but Howard hasn't played his way onto this team.
Out: Malik Harrison
After bringing back Elandon Roberts recently, the writing is on the wall for Malik Harrison. The club can also save a chunk of cap savings by letting him go. Add in the fact that Jamin Davis has outplayed him this preseason, and there is no room for Harrison in any facet. Expect the experienced linebacker to get let go and attempt to land somewhere else as a special team's contributor.
Out: Kaleb Johnson
A lot of things have been going against Kaleb Johnson this preseason, and he hasn't done himself many favors.
He didn't play terribly against the Jets, but you would like to see more production for a player who is on the roster bubble. It would be tough to cut a former third-round pick in his second year, but it could happen. The young running back just hasn't done enough to cement his status.
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