Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff get a good look at the players on their 90-man roster from OTAs through training camp. However, the preseason is a chance for players to test their skills against the competition. So far for the Pittsburgh Steelers, things haven't been pretty.
The Steelers have mustered up a mere 15 points combined through their first two exhibition games, while some of the players they are counting on have failed to shine. Meanwhile, several who are on the roster bubble are losing their footing for a job in 2024.
There's only one more game to turn things around before the Steelers have to cut their roster down to 53 players. As of now, these players are playing themselves out of a job this year.
OT Broderick Jones
By no means is Broderick Jones in jeopardy of getting cut. The Pittsburgh Steelers traded up to the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to acquire the Georgia offensive tackle, and they need him to be a big part of their future. However, getting benched isn't out of the question.
Broderick has been a disaster in his first two preseason games of 2024. Things went from bad to worse in Week 2 of the preseason when he was routinely humiliated by edge rusher Greg Rousseau. Whether it's his elbow bothering him, his sloppy mechanics, or a combination of both, Jones looks nowhere near ready to play.
At this rate, it would be surprising if he was a starting tackle for Pittsburgh to begin the season.
DL Isaiahh Loudermilk
For what seems like the third year in a row, Isaiahh Loudermilk once again finds himself on the roster bubble. This time, he's not doing nearly enough to prove to the coaching staff why he should stick around in 2024.
The interior defensive line group is crowded, and there could be three of four players in contention for the final two spots on the team. With veteran Dean Lowry returning to the field and DeMarvin Leal showing flashes during the preseason, Loudermilk could finally get the boot in 2024.
TE Rodney Williams
Opportunities have been limited for Rodney Williams, who dealt with an injury for much of training camp. Unfortunately, Williams did nothing to shine in his limited action this preseason. In just 14 offensive snaps, Williams has been non-existent in his first two games of the preseason.
Williams had a chance to make a name for himself on special teams as he nearly brought down the punt returner at the one-yard line. Instead, the tight end could be seen banging his fists against the ground after missing the tackle. Williams needs to make every opportunity count, and he hasn't done that in his first two preseason games.
WR Quez Watkins
With 47 offensive snaps over the first two weeks of the preseason, Quez Watkins can't argue that he hasn't been given the opportunity to shine. Unfortunately, the only time fans have noticed Watkins is when his game sticks out in a negative light.
In the preseason opener against the Texans, Watkins fair caught a punt when nobody was within 23 yards of him. Then he fumbled on his next return as he tried to field a punt over his shoulder. With his mishaps so far this preseason, Watkins has done nothing to suggest he should stick around in 2024, and he's clearly playing himself out of a roster spot.
QB Russell Wilson
Like Broderick Jones, Russell Wilson's spot on the team is not in danger. The Steelers were counting on big things from the veteran quarterback in 2024. However, his first preseason performance in Pittsburgh did not go as planned.
Under constant duress against the Bills' pass rush, Wilson looked skittish in the pocket and checked the ball down underneath. His lack of aggressiveness led to zero points scored in nearly two quarters of play before Justin Fields came in and led the team to a field goal on the two-minute drive before halftime.
Those watching the Steelers' preseason games could easily make a case for Fields to be named the starter. If Wilson gets another shot in the finale, he will need a stronger performance if he wants to hold into 'pole position' of his starting job in Pittsburgh.