The Steelers have their starting quarterback. At least for now. Mitch Trubisky will officially be named the team’s starting quarterback in the coming days, ending a battle that, really, barely existed.
But beyond the quarterback position, there are plenty of legitimate competitions throughout the roster.
Mike Tomlin, Omar Khan, Andy Weidl and company have some tough decisions to make before Tuesday’s cut deadline.
Below is the final 53-man roster prediction for the 2022 season.
OFFENSE
QB (3) - Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph
The quarterbacks all performed well in the preseason. None of them turned the ball over, and they all had passer ratings over 98. All in all, the Steelers should be very pleased that such a massive question mark isn’t as glaring as it was. A trade of Rudolph still wouldn’t shock me. But, for now, this is the order. Without question.
RB (4) - Najee Harris, Benny Snell, Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland
I have kept Snell off of my 53-man roster over the last couple of weeks. I still think he could be the odd man out, but he did show some things in the passing game here in the preseason. So I have him back in, and have the Steelers untraditionally keeping four backs. Harris revealing that he had a lisfranc injury during training camp may have the Steelers thinking about added depth at tailback.
FB (0)
With four running backs taken, I’m taking Derek Watt off the list. If you hooked up the Steelers’ brass to a lie detector test, they’d probably tell you that they didn’t want Watt on the roster to begin this season. He makes far too much money for what he provides, and has been hurt throughout the entire preseason. But the connection to his brother may keep him employed in Pittsburgh for another season. There was some optimism that he’d play Sunday night, but he didn’t. Instead, the team used versatile Connor Heyward at fullback, and may decide to go that way moving forward.
WR (6) - Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Chase Claypool, Calvin Austin III, Miles Boykin, Gunner Olszewski
Keeping this list the same, but boy, the Steelers are in a precarious spot at receiver. Johnson got injured Sunday night. Claypool once again was unable to suit up. Same with Austin III, a rookie who has gotten zero preseason snaps due to a foot injury. They also lost Anthony Miller for the season. Boykin’s tremendous catch on Pickett’s back shoulder throw against Detroit was another example of his ability to pull out the dramatic grab. And he’s been great on special teams. That has him edging out Steven Sims and Tyler Vaughns, who the Steelers should be thrilled to sneak onto the practice squad and could be activated to begin the season depending on the injuries. If Austin, for instance, goes to IR, I think Sims takes his place.
TE (3) - Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Connor Heyward
Yeah, nothing changes here. None of the other tight ends have made an impression. Jace Sternberger nearly came up with a great catch from Rudolph Sunday, but couldn’t hold on. He or Kevin Rader could get to the practice squad. And I’d lead towards Sternberger.
OL (9) - Dan Moore Jr., Kendrick Green, Mason Cole, James Daniels, Chukwuma Okorafor, Kevin Dotson, John Leglue, Joe Haeg, JC Hassenauer
If Green hadn’t been a third-round pick, he might legitimately be in jeopardy of getting cut. This group has been collectively terrible the last two weeks. And I’m starting to think that a move to acquire another lineman — even just for depth — might be a necessity now. Haeg is at risk of getting cut. He’s been injured. But the other options at tackle are really bad.
DEFENSE
DL (7) - Cam Heyward, Tyson Alualu, Larry Ogunjobi, Chris Wormley, Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal, Henry Mondeaux
Here’s a change. Montravius Adams doesn’t make the 53-man roster. Instead, he goes to short-term IR and the Steelers roll with Mondeaux, for now. I like what Adams brought last year, but a relatively inexperienced guy needs reps to earn a spot, and he hasn’t gotten them. IR will give him a chance to heal up. I haven’t been impressed with Mondeaux, at all, this preseason. Carlos and Khalil Davis could be options, as well. Loudermilk is dealing with injury, too.
LB (9) - TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Devin Bush, Myles Jack, Robert Spillane, Mark Robinson, Buddy Johnson, Hamilcar Rashed, Derrek Tuszka
A couple of changes here. On the outside, Rashed takes the spot of Delontae Scott, who seems like a good practice squad fit as more of a project. Regardless, the Steelers really need to take a look at the free agent pass rushers this week and find some more depth. This has gotten even more amplified due to injuries to Highsmith and now Watt, who left Sunday night’s game with a knee injury.
Inside, the Steelers may say so long to Marcus Allen, who went through pregame warmups Sunday night, but didn’t play. His hamstring has kept him out of the entire preseason, and even though Buddy Johnson might not be the better option, he’ll get the spot. Allen very well could hit IR.
CB (5) - Levi Wallace, Cam Sutton, Ahkello Witherspoon, Arthur Maulet, James Pierre
The big question here is Maulet’s health. He’s been out for a bit and didn’t play Sunday night. If he can get back soon, he’s on the 53-man roster. Justin Layne, who had a big hit Sunday night, still hasn’t done enough the make it, and the Steelers part ways with him finally. If Maulet’s injury is going to get him onto IR, a look a the free agent market could be possible.
S (4) - Minkah Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds, Tre Norwood, Miles Killebrew
The Steelers lost Damontae Kazee for a while, it seems. He left the field in an air cast Sunday night and returned with a sling on his left arm. Mike Tomlin indicated that it was a more serious injury. Killebrew took pregame warmups, but didn’t play Sunday, so that’s something to watch. Elijah Riley may end up in the mix here due to injuries. The Steelers may also check out free agents too, for some depth.
K (1) - Chris Boswell
He’s missed a kick and had another blocked this preseason, but it’s far from time to hit a panic button.
P (1) - Pressley Harvin III
He’s been a bit up and down, but overall is showing better than last year.
LS (1) - Christian Kuntz
A couple of his snaps were a bit wild Sunday night, but I can’t see the Steelers shaking things up with this group at this point.