Behind the Steel Curtain
The Steelers’ initial 53-man roster was announced on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, the team’s initial practice squad was announced as well.
Pittsburgh signed 16 players to the latter, but with outside linebacker Julius Welschof qualifying for the International Pathway Program, the Steelers have a 17th available spot still unclaimed.
For reference, here’s the current 16:
Defensive Back: Beanie Bishop, Sebastian Castro, D’Shawn Jamison, James Pierre, Daryl Porter
Defensive Line: Kyler Baugh, DeMarvin Leal
Outside linebacker: Julius Welschof
Offensive Line: Dylan Cook, Steven Jones
Running Back: Lew Nichols, Trey Sermon
Tight End: JJ Galbreath
Wide Receiver: Max Hurleman, Ke’Shawn Williams, Robert Woods
The Steelers haven’t hit their cap for vested veterans yet, opening up the possibility of adding any current free agent to the practice squad. However, the team hasn’t added any outside names to its roster or practice squad this week — just players who already spent the summer with the team.
There’s a lack of inside linebackers as well as specialists on the current practice squad. As a result, a name such as Mark Robinson, who was released on Tuesday after three seasons with the Steelers and plenty of special teams experience, could be a strong candidate.
The same could be said of kicker Ben Sauls, who looked like an NFL-caliber player this preseason who still hasn’t been scooped up by a team since being released.
And if that 17th spot is filled by an outside name, wide receiver could be a position to watch. The Steelers reportedly had interest in adding Marquez Valdez-Scantling to the practice squad before he signed with the 49ers, and names such as Gabe Davis and Kendrick Bourne are still available on the free agent market.
Who would you add to the Steelers’ practice squad? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments!
