Odds are, the Pittsburgh Steelers' decision makers already have a strong idea as to who will be included on the final 53-man roster. But those decisions aren’t final until they are handed out on August 26, the NFL’s cut deadline.
The final preseason game is the last opportunity for nearly every player on the field to make their case to be included on that final roster, or at least on the practice squad. When the Steelers take the field against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night, it’s these five Steelers who will take the field hoping to make their best final impressions on the coaching staff to preserve their spot on the roster.
Pittsburgh Steelers roster bubble players who must step up in preseason finale
Cornerback Beanie Bishop
We heard it directly from the defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin: Bishop has to fight to make the final roster. Certainly, Bishop has played well in both preseason contests. Further, he’s outperformed James Pierre defensively and has been available, unlike Cory Trice Jr.
However, the roster makeup doesn’t always permit the best reserve to stick around. Pierre’s roster spot is likely preserved thanks to his special teams experience, and Trice is a player the Steelers have high hopes for. But there are only so many spots remaining in the cornerback room, and it’s Bishop who is feeling the squeeze on the roster bubble.
Linebacker Carson Bruener
With the release of Devin Harper on Monday, the race for the final off-ball linebacker spot is down to three-year vet Mark Robinson and rookie seventh-round pick Carson Bruener. Bruener has been active in his two preseason outings, grabbing eight total tackles so far. Only one of those tackles came against Tampa Bay in Week 2, though.
Robinson’s light usage through the preseason does indicate some trust in his contributions, especially on special teams, where the winner of this position battle will play the most. Robinson’s experience advantage puts the pressure on Bruener to perform to avoid heading to the practice squad.
Offensive Lineman Andrus Peat
Andrus Peat was brought in as a last-minute addition to the offensive line after it became quickly apparent that the depth up front isn’t going to cut it. Peat, a 10-year vet, hasn’t exactly squashed that perception in the two short weeks he has been with the team.
Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex did shout out Peat’s performance in Week 2, but it will take more than one solid showing for Peat to secure his spot on the 53-man roster. The Steelers like Spencer Anderson and Ryan McCollum, who should keep their backup jobs. That’s seven spots already locked down. Calvin Anderson should get the eighth spot. So it’s on Peat to convince the Steelers to hold onto a ninth offensive lineman with his play in the preseason finale.
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Defensive Lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk
Isaiahh Loudermilk has already fallen down the depth chart somewhat with the emergence of Yahya Black. Earlier in the preseason, that seemed survivable for the fifth-year Wisconsin product. But as the preseason has worn on, Loudermilk has lost more and more job security.
Logan Lee made a strong case for earning a fringe roster spot after coming in clutch as an emergency long snapper. While that’s not the greatest reason to hold onto a defensive lineman overall, the gap between Lee and Loudermilk on the depth chart is practically non-existent.
Considering the final spot on the defensive front will likely come down to these two players, Loudermilk will need to grab some serious attention in the final preseason contest to have a shot at keeping his spot.
Edge DeMarvin Leal
If the Steelers can manufacture the space to carry a fifth edge rusher, they might just do it. So far, fourth-round pick Jack Sawyer’s play has given the Steelers reason to ponder making such a move. But the pressure is on Leal to force their hand.
Leal has been one of the more obvious cut candidates all preseason long after struggling for the past three seasons to stick at any one position along the defensive front. Still, the Steelers need better insurance on the edge if the top three pass rushers struggle with more injuries than what Sawyer has put on tape. Leal has a shot to be that insurance if he makes his case to close the preseason.