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6 Steelers playing their way off the team after the first quarter of the season

Things could go from bad to worse for some of these Steelers.
ByRyan Pawloski
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It seems like fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers receive hope from the Black and Gold one week, only to have those hopes dashed the following game. That makes sense, as they sit with a 2-2 record after four weeks of action this season, and there seems to be little hope in sight for this team to become a legit competitor.

Pittsburgh is at a point where itsit lands roster might have to go through some changes before they land on a recipe for success.

Just because one player sits atop the depth chart this week doesn't mean his job will be safe going forward. The Steelers have plenty of options at their disposal if they want to shake some things up. There could be roster cuts happening throughout the season if things don't change for the better. This week-by-week rollercoaster ride is something the Steelers cannot afford moving forward.

These Pittsburgh Steelers could sink down the depth chart or be part of roster cuts this season

Asante Samuel Jr.

For now, Asante Samuel Jr.'s starting spot is safe, but that's only because Daylen Everette is trying to find his groove and Jamel Dean is dealing with a nagging injury. It will be intriguing to see how the Steelers deal with their secondary going forward once they are healthier.

Samuel has shown some bright spots this year, but his recent struggles could see his roster slot come into question if his problems continue.

Spencer Anderson

After getting demoted on the depth chart a few weeks ago, Spencer Anderson's place on this team is questionable. Since Gennings Dunker is out long-term with an injury, Anderson's job as the backup guard feels safe, but that will change once Dunker returns. Maybe he won't find himself among roster cuts this season, but it's hard to imagine a scenario where Anderson sticks around beyond 2026.

Rayshawn Jenkins

He was brought onto the roster to be a solid fill-in while DeShon Elliott nursed his way back from injury. That plan backfired, and Rayshawn Jenkins appears to be on a clear path to get benched for rookie seventh-round pick Robert Spears-Jennings. Once Elliott returns, he will take over the top spot on the depth chart, which could trigger Jenkins potentially being part of mid-season roster cuts.

Rico Dowdle

Sometimes injuries become the worst enemy for a player, and that could be the case for Rico Dowdle. He is a proven player at his position, but it's clear that the Steelers' offense looks like a different unit when Jaylen Warren gets more touches. Perhaps that will change once Dowdle returns from injury, but if it doesn't, then it makes little sense to hang onto the veteran running back this offseason.

Patrick Queen

It's hard to envision a world where Patrick Queen is on the Steelers roster next year. He would need a rather expensive contract extension, and he has yet to show he can be an effective top-tier linebacker for Pittsburgh's defense. They would be wise to use that money and spend it elsewhere. Queen will hold onto his starting spot on the depth chart, but he hasn't been good enough.

Michael Pittman Jr.

One of the biggest disappointments from the Steelers this season has been Michael Pittman Jr. They took a massive swing to not only trade for him, but to give him a hefty extension upon acquiring him. Pittman hasn't looked like himself, and the Steelers look like fools for bringing him into the building. If he fails to pick things up for the rest of the season, they could make him an expensive roster cut.

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