Steelers Now
With the preseason winding down, the Pittsburgh Steelers have some decisions to make. With the final preseason game in just a few days and the deadline to trim the active roster down to 53 players, it feels like an appropriate time to update my projections. Some things have certainly changed over the last month, including a late signing to the secondary, injuries in the trenches, players rising to the occasion, and others struggling to find their footing.
As a reminder, this is what I think will happen, not necessarily based on personal preference. It’s also worth noting that there will most likely be movement after cutdowns prior to the season opener as the team takes a look at the players newly available on the free agent market (think wide receiver/offensive line). For now, here we go!
Analysis: Rudolph’s comfortability in the offense should come in handy in the event that the Steelers need him for a game or two at some point in 2024. Skylar Thompson’s preseason debut was impressive, but he would have had to have been nearly flawless to make up ground after an unspectacular camp. Howard’s injury doesn’t sound like it will keep him sidelined much longer, but unfortunately, it sapped the team’s best chance to evaluate his progress.
Analysis: Johnson has looked like a rookie in the preseason, and while that’s not cause for concern, Warren’s handle on the lead back role has tightened in the process. Gainwell isn’t a needle mover as a runner, although his receiving skills seem like something that Pittsburgh wants to tap into this season. Keep an eye on Lew Nichols, a former seventh-round selection in 2023, who is making a late push for a practice squad nod.
Analysis: On paper, this is arguably the most worrisome group on the entire roster in terms of both talent and how the pieces fit together. Skowronek makes this team because they need his size to help with some of the run-blocking responsibilities on early downs. Miller has had a strong camp that has carried into the preseason, while Robert Woods was getting reps late in the fourth quarter of the Bucs game. Sadly, Father Time seems to have arrived for him.
Analysis: This offense is going to feature a slew of multi-tight end sets this fall, and the Steelers should feel pretty good about the group. Washington has been a blast to watch this summer, and his unique skill set is going to make it difficult for the coaching staff to take him off the field. The quarterbacks on the roster have an appreciation for Heyward, although his primary value comes via special teams.
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