The Pittsburgh Steelers can't seem to find their footing in the preseason. Following a sluggish preseason opener against the Houston Texans, Mike Tomlin's team fell flat against the Buffalo Bills in their second straight home exhibition contest.
Not all news is bad. While the quarterbacks and offensive line struggled throughout the Steelers' second preseason game, there were numerous players who helped their cause with notable performances against the Bills. Here are nine players who did the most to aid their standing with the team in preseason Week 2.
Steelers who helped themselves vs. Bills
WR Dez Fitzpatrick
Fans asked for a big performance from Dez Fitzpatrick, and they got one. Just when it seemed like Fitzpatrick was going to be an afterthought at the wide receiver position in Pittsburgh, the fourth-round pick of the Titans in 2021 balled out.
Fitzpatrick caught both of his targets for a team-high 32 yards. This included a sideline toe-tap catch late in the game off a tipped pass. Fitzpatrick's size, well-rounded play, and ability on special teams coverage units could earn him a spot on the final roster with one more performance like this.
S Miles Killebrew
Miles Killebrew earned an interception early in the Steelers preseason game against the Bills. That was apparently all Mike Tomlin needed to see. The Pro Bowl special teams player exited the contest after just six plays on defense, and his takeaway in this game was attributed to his short night.
CB Cory Trice Jr.
Cory Trice has made steady improvements from the start of training camp until now. Despite the love he receives from fans, we might not be talking about him enough. Trice allowed just one reception for a mere six yards in the Steelers' preseason contest against the Bills.
Over the past two weeks, Trice has played 47 defensive snaps while surrendering just 2 receptions for 4 yards (the catch he allowed against the Texans went for a loss of two yards). The toolsy cornerback is doing everything fans were hoping to see from him, and his spot on the team feels very secure at this point.
OLB Kyron Johnson
Though the race for the fourth edge rusher spot was close throughout training camp, Kyron Johnson is suddenly running away from Jeremiah Moon for the job. Johnson played early in the Bills game with Nick Herbig, and the two were able to generate pressure often on QB Mitch Trubisky. Johnson's explosive get-off has caught the attention of the Steelers.
WR Scotty Miller
As Quez Watkins continues to squander his opportunities, Scotty Miller has taken advantage. The veteran receiver caught all three passes thrown his way against the Bills (albeit for just 18 yards). Miller seems to be gaining the trust of his quarterbacks. It appears he has passed Watkins on the depth chart, but it's going to be a tight race between him and Dez Fitzpatrick for the final wide receiver spot.
OT Dan Moore Jr.
Partially by default, Dan Moore Jr. is becoming increasingly more valuable to the Steelers. Who would have thought this would have been the case after Pittsburgh spent their first-round pick on offensive tackles in back-to-back offseasons?
With Troy Fautanu injured and Broderick Jones struggling mightily, the Steelers wouldn't dream of sending Moore packing. In fact, the veteran OT could get the nod to start at left tackle to begin the season.
CB Thomas Graham
With a tight group of cornerbacks at the bottom of the roster, Thomas Graham Jr. is doing everything he can to separate himself from the pack. Graham had an impressive pass breakup against the Bills while covering receiver Keon Coleman. Graham is in a heated battle with Darius Rush, who also had a solid preseason game against Buffalo.
TE MyCole Pruitt
It was originally believed there would be a close battle for the fourth and final tight end spot on the Steelers. That no longer appears to be the case. As Rodney Williams continued to make a minimal impact in the preseason, MyCole Pruitt made his presence felt with a critical reception to move the chains. The 32-year-old tight end has shown off his versatility to line up anywhere on the field and serve as a run blocker and added pass protector when needed.
LB Luquay Washington
It's going to be 'too little, too late' for Luquay Washington to crack the final 53-man roster. The unproven linebacker signed with the team on August 11 just days before Pittsburgh's first preseason game. However, he Washington was impressive in his 16 defensive snaps against the Bills.
Washington's 87.9 grade from Pro Football Focus was the highest on the team in Week 2 of the preseason. With a similar performance in the preseason finale, he will have a chance to stick on the Steelers' practice squad in 2024.