Everyone wants to see the Pittsburgh Steelers turn things around before their regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Typically, that's never been what the final week of the preseason was about. Mike Tomlin intends to play his starters early in this game, but it might not be enough time to see a colossal turnaround from the quarterbacks and the offensive line. This could take time.
Instead, what we really want to see is one last look at players who are firmly on the roster bubble before roster decisions have to be made. By the NFL roster cutdown deadline on Tuesday, every team will cut their roster from 90 players down to just 53 players. These roster decisions could have major implications for the future of each team.
While nothing is official at this point, these three players have showcased more than enough on the football field to claim a spot on the Steelers' final roster in 2024.
CB Cory Trice Jr.
Even after suffering a season-ending ACL injury during his rookie training camp in 2023, Cory Trice Jr. is everything that was advertised when the Steelers drafted him. The Purdue product looks the part at cornerback with his 6'3'', 206-pound frame and impressive mirroring skills.
In two preseason games, Trice played 47 defensive snaps and allowed only 2 receptions for a mere 4 yards in coverage while recording a tackle for a loss and run stuff. Steelers fans are optimistic about Trice, who possesses every trait you could ask for in a boundary cornerback, and it's not hard to see why. His spot on the team is safe.
TE MyCole Pruitt
There was a legitimate competition this summer for the fourth tight end spot on the team. The Steelers have a strong trio of Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Connor Heyward, but Arthur Smith likes rostering four tight ends. This left MyCole Pruitt competing with Rodney Williams.
During the preseason, Pruitt has run away with the job. The savvy veteran showed off his ability in pass protection and as a run blocker while finding the soft spot in the zone to get open and move the chains.
The only thing that could put his roster status in jeopardy is if special teams coach Danny Smith gets to make the call. Williams is a better special teams player, but Pruitt is better at everything else, is proven, and has had the better preseason.
DL DeMarvin Leal
If you asked me back in May, I would have told you that DeMarvin Leal's roster spot in 2024 would be far from secure. During his second season, Leal was a healthy scratch for the Steelers down the stretch. Suddenly, he looks like a roster lock among players who were firmly on the bubble.
All summer, Leal turned heads with his quickness and versatility along the defensive line. In the preseason, he put his impressive traits on full display -- generating pressure on the quarterback while pursuing running backs like he was a linebacker.
Leal isn't guaranteed to carve out a big role on defense early in 2024 but consider his roster spot a lock after back-to-back impressive preseason performances against the Texans and Bills.