Getting on the 53-man roster is the main goal for each player on the Steelers. Each one has different odds to overcome between now and the end of the preseason process. It will take a quality performance throughout training camp and the preseason games for players to earn a spot. Pittsburgh has plenty of openings on the roster, it is up to the players to gain them.
It's a rollercoaster of performances this time of year as practice reports bring new standouts daily. For those on the roster bubble or searching for playing time, they will need to take a step forward or they could be on the outside looking in.
QB Justin Fields
All eyes have been on Justin Fields since Russell Wilson missed the start of training camp with a calf injury. He was thrust into first-team reps, and it was a perfect opportunity for him to gain some steam as a potential competitor with Wilson for the starting job. Fields didn't do terribly during his time with the starters, but he could have done more.
Inconsistency in his game is where Fields needs to grow. He might have a great day of practice at training camp only to follow that up with a day full of turnovers. With Wilson returning, it will be interesting to see if the black and gold give Fields a couple of starting snaps occasionally. He must be leaps and bounds better if he wants to make the starting job a discussion.
Don't get it twisted, this is Wilson's job even though he had a tough start to camp.
DL Isaiahh Loudermilk
Many had Isaiahh Loudermilk on their 53-man roster heading into training camp, but things seem to be changing.
DeMarvin Leal has been off to a hot start at training camp, and that is bad news for guys like Loudermilk and Logan Lee. There are only so many defensive linemen the Steelers can keep on the final roster, and Loudermilk needs to take his game to another level before being at risk of losing a spot on the team. Plenty of reports have talked about other players standing out, but Loudermilk is noticeably missing.
LB Mark Robinson
The writing has been on the wall for Mark Robinson since Tyler Matakevich was signed just days before training camp started. Robinson is at a crossroads right now where he can either show he has improved or show he hasn't and get let go. Matakevich is one of the best special team players in the NFL, so he has the inside track at making the roster over Robinson.
If Cole Holcomb isn't ready by the regular season, then Robinson may make the team, but he needs to show something.
WR Scotty Miller
With a crowded room at receiver, the Steelers have a ton of talent to comb through over the next month.
Scotty Miller is one of those players trying his best to stand out among the numbers in the receiving core. Miller is a veteran who remains young, but his lack of production during that time brings concern. He has made some plays here and there, but that has not been enough to boost his stock. If he fails to show up in a big way, he will be out of a job and those trade rumors will never end.
CB Anthony Averett
Beanie Bishop is the leader in the clubhouse regarding the starting spot at slot cornerback. He has seen little competition there, even though he is a rookie undrafted free agent. There are tons of spots open for competition at cornerback. It has been shocking to see how little praise anyone besides the starters at the position has been given at training camp thus far.
Anthony Averett is someone who should have seen a solid start to camp. He is a veteran guy with prior starting experience in the NFL. He has played in the slot and on the outside during his career. He hasn't done anything to stand out thus far. Averett needs to take a step forward and show quality versatility if he wants a job.