Kyle Allen makes strong case for Steelers 53-man roster in preseason loss vs. Texans

Much of the hype surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason quarterback depth chart has been related to projected starter Russell Wilson and promising backup Justin Fields. Third-string veteran Kyle Allen is eyeing one last shot in the pros, and he thinks Pittsburgh can give it to him.

Allen is competing with undrafted rookie John Rhys Plumlee for the third quarterback spot. With Plumlee, who recently started returning kicks, being more known for his running ability than his pocket passing, Allen could have an inside track to a backup role as an inactive QB3 behind Wilson and Fields.

While Fields was a bit all over the place in his Steelers debut against the Houston Texans, Allen, who replaced Fields after three drives, took his latest preseason opportunity and ran with it. While the Steelers were eventually beaten 20-12 by Houston, the loss was not for Allen's lack of trying.

Allen finished the game having completed 17 of his 23 passes for 193 yards and one touchdown. Receivers like Calvin Austin, Scotty Miller, and Dez Fitzpatrick were all on the receiving end of Allen heaves deep down the field. While he did throw a game-ending interception, that came after leading a strong comeback charge and stretching the field constantly.

Not only did Allen impress, but he looked so good that there is a very real chance he makes the team's 53-man roster if Pittsburgh carries three quarterbacks.

Kyle Allen impresses in Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason loss to Texans

Allen already has a 7-12 record to go along with 26 career touchdown passes, which is more than most QB3s in the NFL can claim. The former 5-star recruit at Texas A&M and Houston has always had the arm needed to stick in the pros.

While it took a while for new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to get his offense going, the results seemed to be fairly impressive once Allen got in. Fields is the better athlete, but Allen gets the ball out just a bit quicker.

Keeping three quarterbacks is a decision that Mike Tomlin will need to make, as that spot could be used on a valuable special teams player or backup offensive lineman. However, Allen could play so well that Pittsburgh may be forced to keep him around. Torching Houston for most of the game is certainly one way to get started on the right foot.

With how ubiquitous quarterback injuries in the NFL are, there's no such thing as too many qualified passers.