With two preseason games down, the Steelers roster is progressively taking its final shape as the regular season begins. While there is still one final game for players to make their case, some positional battles have already been settled. These players have stuck out in a positive way and they are likely set to start this season.
While there are plenty of other battles being fought, and quite a few roster spots that are still up for grabs, these four players have rightfully earned their spots for week one. As of this writing, they have won their training camp battles and should now be preparing for the regular season.
Steelers Elijah Riley emerged in the slot
One of the most important questions this offseason was how the Steelers would fill the slot position. Cameron Sutton had served there on the majority of passing roles for the past two seasons, but he took his services to Detroit. There was no clear answer for how the team would address the position and no highly valued player there either.
Patrick Peterson could shift there on passing downs, but there was a need for a player to fill in there on run downs. Chandon Sullivan was the most notable name, but Elijah Riley quickly emerged as a potential solution. A former safety, he has the size and physicality that this team wants in a run defender.
Sullivan could certainly still be kept, but Riley seems like he is in the best position to take this role. He has done everything right so far in camp and has had some strong showings in games as well. I’m sure he will be provided the first chance to work out of the slot on running downs.