Entering the final preseason game of the year for the Steelers and there are still plenty of players who need to show their worth. No matter if it's a player trying to stick on the roster, earn positioning on the depth chart, or find a way to stay around on the practice squad. Plenty is left to be fought for on this team, but it will make for a good opportunity on Saturday to succeed.
Last week against the Buffalo Bills was a disaster for the most part. The defense stood strong, but the offense showed little spark even though Russell Wilson and Justin Fields shared the snaps in that contest. This is the last chance for those trying to prove something to accomplish that task in this final preseason matchup.
Broderick Jones could be benched if things don't turn around
It was an ugly game for Broderick Jones, and that poor performance has many believing he has a hindering injury to his elbow. He has stated that it is false and that last week was just a bad game for him. He needs to find a way to play well in this last game, and he should expect a good chunk of snaps. If this continues, the Steelers will have Dan Moore Jr. and Troy Fautanu as the starting tackles.
Pittsburgh needs more from Darius Rush for him to get a roster spot
His spot might seem fairly safe for now, but Darius Rush could run into issues if he can't expand upon his play from the Bills game last week. He is a great option to be a quality project piece to keep around as a depth option on the roster. The Steelers will struggle to keep him on the practice squad, but if he can't prove himself this week, he will be in jeopardy of getting cut.
Russell Wilson has to prove he is the starting QB for the Steelers
It hasn't been a good week for Wilson as many believe Fields could have a better shot at winning the starting job than expected. This will be a big game against the Lions not only for Wilson to cement his spot as the starter, but for the entire offense to prove the doubters wrong. If Wilson has another outing like he did against Buffalo, then this competition could linger further.
It will take a dominant game vs. the Lions for Logan Lee to have a shot
Spots in the trenches for Pittsburgh are quickly drying up, and that's bad news if you are Logan Lee. The late-round rookie has been ok, but that won't win him a spot with the team. He seems primed to sit and develop on the practice squad unless he can play out of his mind against the Lions. There are few opportunities for Lee going forward and he is quickly running out of time.
Daijan Edwards can find a spot on the practice squad
Both Jonathan Ward and La'Mical Perine currently sit in front of Daijan Edwards on the depth chart. It will be an uphill battle for the undrafted rookie to stick with the Steelers. It seems like making the 53-man roster is out the window, but he could make the practice squad. Edwards has shown some explosive runs, so he will need to improve on that to stay in Pittsburgh.