Time has quickly gone from being a friend to some to an enemy as the preseason process pushes further. Going into training camp, many thought the final 53-man roster was cut and dry, with specific positions already filled. Things change rapidly in the NFL world, and jobs can be won and lost in a hurry.
A recent roster prediction by The Athletic's Mike DeFabo suggests big changes could be made to the wide receiver room.
Don't count it as a guarantee yet, but Robert Woods could be out of a job in the coming weeks. With plenty of receivers on the depth chart showing their worth throughout the preseason process, it's possible Pittsburgh could cut the veteran. He hasn't done anything poorly at training camp, but he didn't live up to the hype. It might result in them choosing a younger option.
The composition of the Steelers' roster will influence whether Woods remains with the team.
If they choose to carry six receivers instead of DeFabo's projected five, managing the logistics of keeping an extra receiver on the roster will be challenging. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Pittsburgh could keep six players on the depth chart, but even then, there would be no promises Woods would have that spot.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could cut Robert Woods leading up to the final roster decisions
Woods experienced his first training camp with the Steelers after enduring 12 years in the NFL. He appeared to have the inside track to earn a roster spot, but things have quickly soured. While the veteran remains a candidate, several others are also competing for the same spot. Woods is an aging veteran, which could hinder his chances if a younger player nips at his heels.
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Those who are locks to make the team are DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, and Calvin Austin III. Three slots on the roster are filled, and it seems like two or three remain up for grabs. That would leave Woods battling with Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, Roc Taylor, and others for the last couple of openings. Pittsburgh could always consider adding an outside hire to upgrade the position.
DeFabo wrote a detailed explanation for letting the reliable playmaker go in his recent article.
"[Scotty] Miller, who had four catches for 47 yards in Jacksonville, continues to make plays and has shown his shifty route running is a fit with Rodgers’ quick trigger," DeFabo explained. "He may have lapped Woods for the final spot."
Woods signed a one-year contract with the Steelers on May 1. He was expected to be a solid veteran presence for a young receiving group. He also brings solid run-blocking skills, which led many to believe he would make the team.
Unless he produces a strong conclusion to the preseason schedule, the long-time receiver could find his name on the list of final cuts.
While the Steelers would be making a gamble by letting him go, Woods hasn't been a star player in a long time. He hasn't eclipsed more than 500 receiving yards since 2022, and has only produced over 1,000 yards twice during his career. His production continues to sink, and it might be the beginning of the end for him.
Woods has a shot to be a role player, but time is running out.