Finalizing the 53-man roster will be no easy task for those Pittsburgh Steelers still on the bubble going into their final preseason game. They will hit the road for the first time this summer and take on the Buffalo Bills. It will be a perfect opportunity for those who still need to prove their worth to do so during a game. Any player hoping to skip past roster cuts must make plays during this matchup.
Falling short of putting out good individual performances will see players fail to make the team when final roster cuts are announced.
Some might return on the practice squad, while others might struggle to land a job. Several players stuck on the roster bubble will be playing meaningful snaps in the final preseason battle, and it will be interesting to see who plays their way onto the team and who misses out on their opportunity.
Pittsburgh Steelers who must play out of their minds in the preseason finale to avoid roster cuts
In danger: Robert Spears-Jennings
Despite a solid start to his pro career, Robert Spears-Jennings is still on the outside looking in when it comes to his job security. The young safety has shown some quality play this preseason, but unless he becomes a force of nature on special teams and on defense, his chances of sticking around are low. The recent seventh-rounder might be a person who comes back on the practice squad.
In danger: Will Howard
Maybe Will Howard's chances of making the 53-man roster aren't in such bad shape as those of others on the team.
Everything continues to point to the Steelers keeping four quarterbacks on the roster this season, but that could change. A poor outing against the Bills could result in a change of heart by the top decision-makers. At the end of the day, Howard was a sixth-round pick, and if he cannot put up a strong performance to end the preseason, his job shouldn't be solidified.
In danger: Dean Lowry
After a poor start to the preseason during the first game, Dean Lowry has been relatively quiet. Not many compliments were thrown his way at training camp either. His familiarity with Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy is there, but that cannot be the only reason he sticks around. Lowry needs a strong performance to keep himself away from roster cuts as he flirts with disaster.
In danger: Kaleb Johnson
Getting rid of a third-rounder from the year prior would still be a mind-boggling choice, even with a new coaching staff. The Steelers would be admitting an early defeat by letting Kaleb Johnson go. The fact is that the running back hasn't done much during camp or the preseason to prove any progress as a player. His failure as a special teams contributor could end his time in Pittsburgh.
In danger: Malik Harrison
No one seems to be in more danger of being part of roster cuts than Malik Harrison.
Bringing back Elandon Roberts appears to have set the veteran linebacker's fate. He has provided special teams play in the past, but his inability to be an effective role player on defense makes his cap savings an enticing alternative. Expect Harrison to fail to make the 53-man roster and find a landing spot elsewhere.
In danger: Max Hurleman
He never had a real chance of making it past roster cuts to begin with, but Max Hurleman has gotten within the realm of possibility. Despite having a solid preseason and training camp, it remains unlikely that the young receiver will make the roster. Perhaps a spot on the practice squad makes sense for him once again. Unless he has an insane preseason finale, expect Hurleman not to make it.
Safe: Gabriel Rubio
Although his roster spot isn't secure going into the last preseason game, it's as safe as one could be for a recent sixth-round draft pick. Gabriel Rubio has surprised many with his run-stuffing ability and his hustle down the field when the situation dictates it. He might not become a star, but he could be a solid depth piece in the trenches. Rubio is right on track to make the club and potentially play snaps.
Safe: Riley Nowakowski
When you draft a full back, it's unknown how things can shake out during their first summer with the group. Riley Nowakowski not only earned his job on the 53-man roster, but he put on a show throughout the process. His ability to play multiple areas on offense and be an effective special teams contributor has made his job safe.
Expect the rookie to get plenty of playing time this season.
Safe: Rayshawn Jenkins
After he was signed, it seemed that Rayshawn Jenkins' job security was relatively high, but not 100% safe. Jenkins played well at camp and the two preseason games thus far, which will only give him a better shot at becoming a role player on defense this year. The veteran is someone the Steelers have been desperate to locate to help round out the depth chart in a shuffling secondary.
Safe: Mason Rudolph
Many thought Mason Rudolph would be the odd man out among the quarterbacks going into the preseason, but that train of thought has flipped. It had more to do with the two young quarterbacks having some growing pains, rather than Rudolph showing a steady performance as a veteran. Everyone should expect the Steelers to hold four quarterbacks, and Rudolph will be one of them.
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