Everything seemed pretty obvious when you looked at what the Steeler's final roster was shaping up to be. Things have changed quickly due to injuries and other bumps in the road for Pittsburgh over this past weekend. Many things can change with big performances by different players as the club hits the road to take on the Detroit Lions.
As the black and gold head into their final preseason game, there are still plenty of players who need to show their worth. With injuries running around the roster, the team will need to have certain players prove that they can fill different roles. The Steelers have plenty of options currently on the roster, but their final 53 members of the group have to earn their spots.
Steelers roster prediction ahead of preseason Week 3
Quarterback (3): Russell Wilson, Justin Fileds, Kyle Allen
Despite a rough start last week, Russell Wilson will be the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh for now. If that trend continues into the regular season, then Mike Tomlin may turn towards Justin Fields to lead his team in a desperate move. Kyle Allen is a decent third option at the position and hasn't done anything that questions his spot on the roster.
Running back (4): Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson, La'Mical Perine
Going with four running backs here after the Jaylen Warren hamstring injury arose last week. Najee Harris will get the bulk of the carries, but Cordarrelle Patterson has failed to get many snaps throughout the preseason process. La'Mical Perine has shown some quality runs thus far and could earn a job in case Warren can't go the first few weeks of the regular season.
Wide receiver (5): George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, TBD
Going with five at this position, but it is possible six could be kept if an extra guy like Scotty Miller shows up against the Lions. Leaving one spot open here for an outside option to be brought in by the Steelers. It seems like they will do their best to find an upgrade outside of the team before the regular season commences no matter if that is Brandon Aiyuk or someone else.
Tight end (3): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
Difficult to keep only three tight ends in an offensive scheme that asks so much from the position. The top three at tight ends make the roster with MyCole Pruitt and Rodney Williams barely missing the cut. It seems likely that the Steelers will keep four, but it is also possible to store Pruitt and Williams on the practice squad to start the season if needed.
Offensive line (9): Dan Moore Jr. Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Spencer Anderson, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, TBD
With Nate Herbig being out with a long-term injury, the Steelers will have Zach Frazier as the starting center. No one else at the center spot has shown enough to remain on the 53-man roster, but there are outside options like Mason Cole that could make a lot of sense. Dylan Cook misses the cut here, but he could land on the roster if the depth problem at center can be dealt with internally.
Defensive line (7): Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal, Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry, Isaiahh Loudermilk
Going with seven defensive linemen here for the Steelers as quantity seems to be the way of the club right now. The top three starters are set, but guys like Montravius Adams and DeMarvin Leal have earned bigger roles on defense. Dean Lowry could be a surprise cut if he doesn't perform well against the Lions. Isaiahh Loudermilk hasn't done well this preseason, but he has experience.
Outside linebacker (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon
It is a strong group with the top three edge rushers for the Steelers, but the fourth option remains an open competition. It seems like it will come between Jeremiah Moon and Kyron Johnson for the final spot at the position. Moon has been more consistent this preseason but this final game against the Lions could be a make-or-break scenario.
Inside linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Tyler Matakevich, Mark Robinson, Cole Holcomb (IR)
With Payton Wilson dealing with a concussion, it is unknown what his timeline currently is to return to action. Both Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts will be able to carry the load. Mark Robinson is coming off one of the best games of his career. He needs to keep that up against the Lions to secure a roster spot for himself.
Cornerback (6): Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Beanie Bishop, Cory Trice Jr., Darius Rush, TBD
No real surprises at the top of the cornerback room as Beanie Bishop remains the top choice for slot cornerback right now. He has faced little competition there. Cory Trice Jr. has been terrific this preseason, while Darius Rush is an interesting project to store on the roster. It seems like the Steelers will need to add an outside upgrade to the slot position.
Safety (4): Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Miles Killebrew, Damontae Kazee, Cam Sutton (Suspended)
No surprises at safety for now, but there could be some guys against the Lions who could convince the coaches they should keep an extra safety over cornerback on the roster. We will see if someone can find a way to stick out behind these top guys listed above. Ryan Watts has been an intriguing player, but he still hasn't done enough up to this point to warrant a roster spot.
Specialist (3): Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
No one is talking about it, but Chris Boswell has been raising red flags throughout training camp and the preseason. He has missed rather routine kicks for himself. That is something to keep an eye on and hope that it doesn't carry on further. Cameron Johnston has been terrific and seems to be the best punter the Steelers might have ever had.
Practice squad (16+1): John Rhys Plumlee (QB), Daijan Edwards (RB), Jonathan Ward (RB), Jack Colletto (FB), Scotty Miller (WR), Quez Watkins (WR), MyCole Pruitt (TE), Dylan Cook (OT), Ryan McCollum (C), Willington Previlon (DT), Logan Lee (DT), Kyron Johnson (EDGE), Julius Welschof (EDGE Exempt), Jacoby Windmon (LB), Ryan Watts (S), Thomas Graham Jr. (CB), Jalen Elliott (S)
A lot of quality players make the practice squad for the Steelers who have been good throughout the process but might not have been consistent enough. Some notable names on offense include Daijan Edwards, Scotty Miller, MyCole Pruitt, and Dylan Cook. Names to remember on the other side of the ball include Logan Lee, Kyron Johnson, Thomas Graham Jr., and Ryan Watts.