As required by NFL rules, the Pittsburgh Steelers made final cuts for this summer to narrow their roster to the 53-man regular season limit.
Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan, Photo Credit: Nola.com
There were some difficult choices as several young promising prospects got caught up in the proverbial “numbers game,” while injuries have simplified other decisions in a rather unwelcome fashion.
Here is an initial look at the depth chart, although it will be a surprise of Omar Khan does not make additional moves either via the wavier wire or through a trade.
Quarterbacks
Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
No surprises here, despite what the National media might want you to think.
Running backs
Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
Not surprising, if perhaps a bit disappointing that the Steelers will again tempt fate by only keeping three running backs.
Wide receivers
George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Roman Wilson
The Steelers have typical kept 6 wide outs. Sign of an impending personnel move or just indicative of the fact that Arthur Smith runs a tight end centric offense? We’ll know soon.
Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth, Connor Heyward, Darnell Washington, MyCole Pruitt
Puritt makes the team and Rodney William’s expense. Expect Connor Heyward to do double duty at fullback.
Offensive Line
Dan Moore Jr., Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautano, Ryan McCollum, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson
Dylan Cook has been put on the injured reserve designated to return list.
Defensive Line
Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, DeMarvin Leal, Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Logan Lee
Rookie Logan Lee’s inclusion is a bit of a surprise and DeMarvin Leal remains on the line for a time despite reports that he’s moved to outside linebacker. One of the deepest defensive lines the Steelers have fielded in a long time.
Inside linebacker
Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Tyler Matakevich, Mark Robinson
Its not normal for the Steelers to keep 5 inside linebackers, but special teams is keying Matakevich and Robison’s presence, although the latter could go if a trade or waiver wire pickup is made.
Outside linebacker
T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig,
The Steelers might not have quantity here, but they certainly have quality.
Safety
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Jalen Elliott
Keeping 5 safeties is a bit unusual, but the Steelers do believe in their 3 safety package.
Cornerback
Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice, Darius Rush, Beanie Bishop
Cam Sutton will begin the year serving out an 8-game suspension. When he does he’ll add experience to a very young group.
Specialists
Chris Boswell, kicker; Cameron Johnston, punter; Christian Kuntz, long snapper
A Word on the Ones Visited by The Turk
Running backs La’Mical Perine, Jonathan Ward, Aaron Shampklin and fullback Jack Colletto all had their moments during training camp and/or preseason, but non made the cut. Expect Colletto and one of the other running backs to return to the practice squad.
German outside linebacker Julius Welschof had a strong preseason and was expected to be a practice squad lock, but has been put on injured reserve, as has rookie safety Ryan Watts.
The Steelers designated Dylan Cook and Jeremiah Moon as injured reserve designated to return, meaning both are eligible to return after sitting out the first for weeks of the season.
Cole Holcomb, who missed all of training camp, remains on the physical unable to perform list but is eligible to return after 4 weeks.
As mentioned above, Omar Khan is undoubtedly working the phones and scouring the waiver wire. So while this 53 man roster to change between now and opening day in Atlanta.
