Landing a spot on an NFL practice squad isn't the ultimate goal, but those who make that unit have a chance to make their dreams a reality. For one reason or another, they failed to make the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, but that isn't the worst thing. They will have time on the practice field to earn game-day call-ups, and that could eventually lead to them winning a roster spot.
Pittsburgh has its 16-man practice squad set for now, with Julius Welschof as an additional player due to NFL international player exemption rules. They will continue to make alterations to that group throughout the season. With game-day call-ups being a vital part of the practice team, the Steelers could see roster transactions occur.
They could rely on these players to play important roles this year.
Pittsburgh Steelers could rely on practice squad members to help this season
Max Hurleman, WR
It was a fantastic training camp for Max Hurleman, who signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent after trying out for the team. He has position flexibility as a running back and receiver. Add in the fact that he can be a solid returner on special teams, and his chances of getting called up increase. He had a solid start to the preseason, but he sputtered during the final two contests.
Hurleman is an interesting player on the practice squad who could work his way onto the official depth chart. If one of the receivers misses any time with injury, Pittsburgh will have to settle for a rookie or another practice squad member to calm that storm. Another opportunity could arise on special teams if Kaleb Johnson continues to struggle as a returner.
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Sebastian Castro, S
After a slow start to his NFL career, Sebastian Castro had a nice bounce back to complete the preseason. He showed signs of the stability he can bring to the safety position. He is known as a smart player who consistently positions himself well on defense.
With injuries already hitting the safety position following the Week 1 battle in New York, it's possible for Castro to see an increased role in the near future.
The undrafted rookie out of Iowa has a shot at getting promoted from the practice squad. The Steelers have four safeties in front of him on the depth chart, but DeShon Elliott's injury could get Castro called up. You would've liked to see the rookie safety improve at training camp and for more of the preseason, but he showed enough to earn a shot this year.
Dylan Cook, OT
With question marks littering the offensive line this season, it wouldn't be shocking to see some in-season alterations. Dylan Cook was expected to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, but he failed to accomplish that goal. He is running out of time in Pittsburgh, but he should have a shot at redemption. The offensive tackle could gain a chance after a rocky week of action in the trenches.
Although the starting five is set in the trenches, potential injuries and lack of quality play could result in opportunities for different players. Cook will sit on the practice squad, but it's unreasonable to imagine the group up front not sustaining bumps along the way. Cook will be one of the first call-ups from the practice unit in that scenario. He must seize his opportunity once it arrives.