With training camp drawing to a close, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one step closer to solving their 53-man roster. They will have difficult decisions to make, but the remainder of the preseason schedule will help aid their task. Making the team is one thing, but an up-and-coming player showing they are prepared to take a step forward this season is another.
The Steelers entered training camp hopeful that several key players from last season would show they're ready for a leap in their progression.
Unfortunately, some of those players failed to make the team comfortable with their role. They could always turn things around, but three different starters from the team last season failed to produce a strong training camp.
The Pittsburgh Steelers shouldn't be thrilled after what they saw at training camp
Broderick Jones, OT
He began to show positive signs toward the end of training camp, but overall, Broderick Jones did not perform well. The 2023 first-round pick struggled with a nagging injury, which set back his long-awaited debut as Pittsburgh's left tackle. Once he began receiving snaps after recovering from his injury, things began to settle down.
With a clean bill of health, there is hope that the young blocker will figure things out.
Jones will enter his first year as the starting left tackle for the Steelers after playing most of his snaps on the opposite side. Nothing has gone right for the former first-rounder, but with his move to the left side, the coaching staff hopes it will resolve his struggles. Training camp wasn't kind to Jones for the most part, but a strong preseason could give him positive momentum.
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Beanie Bishop, CB
Everyone wanted to know how the Steelers would address their weakness at slot cornerback. They waited until training camp to pull off their blockbuster trade that brought Jonnu Smith and Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh. With Ramsey in the fold, Beanie Bishop's job is in jeopardy. The starting slot cornerback from last season might be battling for a roster spot this preseason.
After an unproductive training camp, Bishop responded well with a solid effort against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first preseason contest. He wasn’t outstanding, but he fought through adversity. Bishop has a blend of starting experience and is hoping for a depth role. He must earn a roster spot, but his inability to make noteworthy plays at training camp has sunk his stock.
Calvin Austin III, WR
Injuries have been a massive issue for Calvin Austin III during his NFL career, and it's caused problems at training camp. After missing his entire rookie campaign, many began to question his durability. He has started to show signs of progression as a receiver and returner since that injury, but he isn't a star. Austin missed most of training camp, which is concerning.
His injury shouldn't keep him out of Week 1 of the regular season, but he will struggle to acclimate to Aaron Rodgers' offense.
Austin could've produced a terrific preseason process, but he missed most of it resting on the sidelines. Roman Wilson has made the most of Austin's missed time and created a fantastic opportunity for himself. Austin, being out of commission, has been disappointing.