Steelers 53-man roster prediction heading into Week 3 of the preseason
- Return specialists are looking good
- Steelers stock up on wide receivers and tight ends
- Expect Steelers to look outside for certain positions after roster cuts
There could be some changeups after the initial 53 man roster is set
Cornerback (5): Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter Jr., Levi Wallace, Chandon Sullivan, James Pierre/outside option
Ultimately Cory Trice Jr. would have been the best chance of dethroning someone like James Pierre from the roster, but he got injured early into camp. Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter Jr., and Levi Wallace will all have significant roles at cornerback on defense. Chandon Sullivan is an experienced piece at slot corner and will likely be a backup to Elijah Riley to start the season.
Pierre, and Sullivan for that matter, could both be surprise cuts if certain players become available as teams trim their rosters down. If there is an upgrade available, then expect these two to see their names come up on the transaction wire. Pierre has done nothing to impress, so he could very well be replaced by someone outside the organization.
Safety (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Elijah Riley
Rounding out the final roster here at safety as Tre Norwood has disappeared the past couple of weeks. Minkah Fitzpatrick will be the starter and both Keanu Neal and Damontae Kazee will have significant roles at safety too. Miles Killebrew makes the roster as he continues to be one of the team's best special team players since joining the club.
The last spot will come down between Norwood and Elijah Riley as both provide different things to the team. Riley has shown the ability to play safety and in the slot corner role too. He provides depth at both positions and is willing to play on special teams. Norwood has not been able to progress his game since being drafted by the Steelers and that is what left him off the roster here.
manual