Going into Week 2 of the preseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of work left in front of them. They just wrapped up training camp in Latrobe, and while those practices set an early tone for the final 53-man roster, the jury isn't out yet. Those who produced a strong preseason performance in the first game have a shot at sticking around. They must repeat that outing, or better yet, do better.
Although you'd rather have a better training camp than preseason for the most part, players have different paths to make an NFL roster.
The Steelers are looking for players to come alive under the stadium lights. For those who produced strong outings in Week 1, they will have a shot at nearly securing a roster spot with another good game. Failure to accomplish that task could put their job security up in the air.
Pittsburgh Steelers must keep their positive momentum this preseason to stick in roster conversations
Max Hurleman, WR
He had a sneaky good first preseason game, and Max Hurleman could do that once again. It was beneficial to him that all three quarterbacks produced strong performances, which helped the wide receivers. Hurleman has to show more on special teams, while also keeping up explosive production at his position.
He's on the outside looking in right now, but another strong performance could get his foot in the door.
Jamin Davis, LB
No one is talking about Jamin Davis enough heading into Week 2 of the preseason. He was all over the field last Thursday, and the veteran should be able to do that again against the Jets. Davis is a former first-round pick, and you can see that pedigree come alive against lower pieces on the opposition's depth chart. If Davis wants to make the 53-man roster, he must beat out several linebackers for the job.
Lew Nichols, RB
Unless things change in a hurry, it appears Kaleb Johnson's days with the Steelers might be numbered.
That means Lew Nichols and Travis Homer could be battling for that roster opening. Nichols has shown more promise as a pure runner, but Homer brings special teams experience. Nichols must continue to show that he has a reason to make this team to beat out Homer.
Robert Spears-Jennings, S
There might be one safety spot available on the 53-man roster, and rookie Robert Spears-Jennings might be the one to fill that void. He showed that he belongs in his first preseason action, but he must continue that this time around. Don't be shocked if he gets cut if the club isn't comfortable with his special teams abilities. Spears-Jennings is in good standing, but he can't let off the gas.
Robert Tonyan, TE
Robert Tonyan might've secured a job on the 53-man roster after last week's preseason performance, but he shouldn't feel too safe.
He has his internal connections working for him on this team, but he is someone still on the fringes of the roster. Another strong performance compared to last game should keep his spot secure. Tonyan is a veteran tight end who should have another productive night.
Kyler Baugh, DT
Kyler Baugh certainly caught the eye of many with his disruptive Week 1 of the preseason. His stat sheet might not have been eye-opening, but when you watched the game, you saw someone constantly pressuring the quarterback. Baugh is a long shot at making the 53-man roster barring injury, but he is someone pushing to get into the conversation.
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