Going into the second game of the preseason, there are a handful of Pittsburgh Steelers in for a big night. This could be the matchup where players either make the roster or show they are not ready. Will Howard gets the start at quarterback, and he will be the headline going into this game. This is his shot to finally show he deserves a spot on the roster with an effective outing against the Jets.
Another notable player with heat on their seat is Kaleb Johnson.
The running back is quickly slipping off the roster, but a strong showing against New York could get his name back in the picture. Others battling for jobs are in store for a big night in their own right. Dreams could be cemented with a spot on the team during this battle, while others might see that hope start to die like a dwindling light.
Pittsburgh Steelers have players going into Game 2 of the preseason with roster spots on the line
Broderick Jones, OT
His job isn't in question right now, but Broderick Jones could continue his positive momentum with another effective outing. No one is concerned about Troy Fautanu at left tackle yet, but he showed major growing pains last week.
If Fautanu continues to struggle during the preseason, and Jones pushes his strong summer forward, perhaps it could create some shocking controversy.
Elandon Roberts, LB
After returning to the Steelers right before Week 1 of the preseason, expect Elandon Roberts to get a lot of snaps. The hard-hitting run stuffer should find many opportunities against the Jets. Although he shouldn't be worried about his area on the roster for now, Roberts must show his worth. A couple of strong hits against the Jets should be a refreshing sight to the locals in attendance.
Will Howard, QB
No one is facing a more pivotal night than Will Howard against the opposition.
He should face some higher-level talent, and Howard must prove he can run an effective offense. This is his dress rehearsal for what it would be like as the Steelers backup this season. Any sort of failure could bring his roster spot into question. Will Howard will be playing the biggest game of his young NFL career.
Gabriel Rubio, DT
After a strong showing against the Packers last week, it appears that Gabriel Rubio might shock the world and make the team. Many gave the Steelers flak after they drafted the defensive tackle in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but the rookie is showing why they believed in him. His effort is off the charts, and his ability to be an effective run stuffer is giving him a shot at sticking around.
Kaleb Johnson, RB
Other than Will Howard, Kaleb Johnson might be going into a career altering game.
The running back struggled to find snaps last week, and his summer has been disappointing thus far. Any failure to take advantage of his reps against New York could result in Johnson potentially getting cut when the 53-man roster is set. Johnson remains in trouble, but a strong outing could save him from disaster.
Doneiko Slaughter, CB
Not many people are talking about him, but Doneiko Slaughter produced a strong training camp with Pittsburgh. The former undrafted cornerback followed that up with a solid start to the preseason against Green Bay. A strong outing against the Jets that sees him clean up his penalty issues from last game should do wonders for him.
Slaughter's chances of sticking around on the practice squad are more likely than winning a roster spot.
Eli Heidenreich, RB
Pittsburgh's own product might be suiting up in his hometown stadium for the final time. Eli Heidenreich just hasn't had many great chances to show his worth to the Steelers this summer.
Perhaps the rookie will have an increased role this week, which could get his foot back in the door. Unless he pushes ahead of Kaleb Johnson and others on the roster, he will struggle to win a job.
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