With two weeks of training camp under their belt, the Pittsburgh Steelers roster is starting to take shape. Head coach Mike McCarthy has run a much different style of camp than what fans became used to under Mike Tomlin, and it's changed how players attempt to separate themselves from their peers.
It's been fast-paced and focused more on execution than pure effort and physicality, especially with no live tackling as part of practice. While it may rub some fans the wrong way, it has helped highlight the finer details of getting ready for an NFL season and shown the difference in experience between young players and veterans.
With that being said, the first chance for Pittsburgh's group to hit someone else for once is finally upon us. McCarthy will face his former team, the Green Bay Packers, this week, and how that game plays out could have a serious impact on some players' chances of making the final roster. For now, though, let's take a look at where I think things stand before they suit up for the first of three exhibition games.
Pittsburgh Steelers preseason 53-man roster prediction leaves off fan favorite QB
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Drew Allar
I am calling McCarthy and general manager Omar Khan's bluff here. The talk of keeping four quarterbacks continues to swirl around Steelers camp, but I am not willing to buy it quite yet.
With Will Howard seemingly well behind Mason Rudolph in the battle to be Aaron Rodgers' backup, and 2026 third-round pick Drew Allar almost certainly safe from being cut, that leaves the 2025 sixth-round pick in danger of hitting the chopping block. If that happens, the Steelers could look to keep him via the practice squad, but I have a feeling that he would get claimed if he were to hit waivers.
Running back (4): Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Kaleb Johnson, Travis Homer
I wasn't convinced going into camp that the Steelers would potentially keep four running backs on the initial roster, but a few key things have changed. Kaleb Johnson has been running as the third-string back in camp, but he has also made an effort to improve his ability to play on special teams this year.
Travis Homer seems locked in as a special teams ace as well, leaving the Steelers in a position where keeping both makes plenty of sense. Johnson can be insurance for Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle offensively, with Homer making his presence felt as a potential special teams captain.
Wide receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, Roman Wilson, Kaden Wetjen, Ben Skowronek
This prediction has become one of the easier ones to make since the start of camp. With Roman Wilson seemingly figuring things out in Year 3, there isn't much doubt about keeping all six of these names. Rookie Germie Bernard may not have as big of a role as I originally expected, thanks to Wilson's strong camp, but he is obviously safe as a second-round pick.
DK Metcalf and the newly added Michael Pittman Jr. will lead the unit, with Ben Skowronek and rookie returner Kaden Wetjen offering occasional receiver snaps but mostly focusing on special teams.
Tight end/Fullback (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Robert Tonyan, Riley Nowakowski
Everyone knows that Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington will form a dynamic duo once again in 2026, but the depth behind them feels settled at this point as well.
Robert Tonyan has flashed some of the ability he put on full display during his 11-touchdown season with Rodgers as his QB in 2020, and rookie tight end/fullback Riley Nowakowski seems poised to have a defined role in McCarthy's offense as early as this season. I don't expect to see any changes here.
Offensive line (9): Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Max Iheanachor, Brock Hoffman, Gennings Dunker, *Broderick Jones
There is an asterisk next to Broderick Jones' name in my projection, but not because he is in danger of being cut any longer. Instead, the Steelers may like their depth enough to consider trading Jones to a tackle-needy team during the lead-up to the regular season.
The rest of the group is mostly settled, with Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, and Zach Frazier entrenched as starters from left to center. The right side of the line is still an ongoing battle, but both spots have multiple options that all seem capable. The preseason could go a long way in deciding who starts and who sits.
Defensive line (6): Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Esezi Otomewo
Only six players to start the season on the defensive interior is a little bit risky, but players like Dean Lowry, Gabriel Rubio, and Logan Lee haven't done enough in camp to guarantee a roster spot. Rubio is the most intriguing given his rookie status, but he may be better off as a practice squad option to start his career.
The top five spots are set in stone, with Esezi Otomewo getting the nod for me as the sixth man thanks to his pass rush juice. The unit will once again depend on Cam Heyward to anchor it, but Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, and Sebastian Joseph-Day will all make an impact.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Do I even have to sell you on this prediction? There may not be a more settled unit anywhere in the NFL than the Steelers' edge rushers. Unless hybrid inside/outside linebacker Jamin Davis can play well enough to force himself into consideration, these four will be the only true edge rushers on the roster.
Linebacker (4): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener
Only keeping four linebackers would have been a surprise heading into camp, but veteran run-stuffer Malik Harrison has clearly fallen out of favor with this new coaching staff led by defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Carson Breuner has played well enough to handle some defensive snaps if need be, but he should be a force on special teams again if nothing else. Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, and Cole Holcomb will return as the primary trio, with Wilson's strong camp hopefully a sign that he could break out in 2026.
Secondary (10): Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Jaquan Brisker, DeShon Elliott, Asante Samuel Jr., Daylen Everette, Brandin Echols, Robert Spears-Jennings, Rayshawn Jenkins
The Steelers' secondary added plenty of new faces this offseason, and they have already swapped out one veteran safety for another since the start of camp. Darnell Savage looked to have a solid chance to be the third safety this year behind Jaquan Brisker and DeShon Elliott, but he was quickly replaced by Rayshawn Jenkins. Rookie Robert Spear-Jennings has also been surprisingly active in camp, making him a likely member of the initial 53.
Injuries cloud this prediction at the moment, with both Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. currently on the PUP list. Still, both are expected back before the season begins, with Asante Samuel Jr., Brandin Echols, and surprise standout Daylen Everette rounding out the nickel/boundary corner depth chart.
Specialist (3): Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz
Kicker Chris Boswell was fortunately retained for the foreseeable future this offseason, so he isn't going anywhere. I would love for the Steelers to add competition for Cameron Johnston at punter, but they seem content with him thus far. Christian Kuntz will remain the long snapper for his sixth season in Pittsburgh.
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