The Pittsburgh Steelers cut a ton of players from their roster on Tuesday as every team in the NFL had to get down to the 53-man limit by 4 p.m. ET.
With cutdown day behind us, the Steelers are now going to look to the waiver wire and free agency for any players they believe can help them. In addition, Pittsburgh will begin putting together its practice squad, which figures to begin in earnest once the waiver process plays out on Wednesday.
While the Steelers will no doubt have interest in players who were cut by other teams, they will also be bringing back some of their own cuts for jobs on the practice squad.
Here's a look at some players they should be interested in bringing back.
Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad hopefuls
QB John Rhys Plumlee
The Steelers could use a young, developmental quarterback on their practice squad considering their uncertain situation for the long haul. He's also a jack-of-all-trades kind of player, as Pittsburgh gave him looks at wide receiver and on special teams, both as a returner and coverage player.
RB Jonathan Ward
Ward was having a strong training camp before suffering an injury that halted his momentum. The Steelers only have three running backs on their initial 53-man roster, so adding a veteran insurance policy like Ward makes sense.
RB Daijun Edwards
If the Steelers want a developmental back on their practice squad, it would make sense to keep Edwards. The UDFA showed some explosiveness with a 24-yard scamper during the preseason, and he scored from one yard out. He also had a catch for nine yards.
WR Quez Watkins
Pittsburgh's uncertain situation at the wide receiver position should have the team keeping at least two receivers on the practice squad. Watkins wasn't good by any stretch during the offseason but offers an experienced option nonetheless.
WR Dez Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick actually managed to shine in exhibition play and was one of the more consistent wide receivers among the bubble players, tallying five receptions for 130 yards, including multiple grabs of 30-plus yards (long of 59). Fitzpatrick totaled a few special teams tackles, also.
G Tyler Beach
Beach had a decent preseason for the Steelers. While he struggled with run-blocking (42.1 PFF grade), he did have a good enough showing in pass protection (73.8 grade, one pressure) to be given a longer look on the practice squad.
LB Kyron Johnson
Johnson no doubt flashed during the preseason, posting PFF grades of 73.6 in run defense and 64.2 in the pass-rush. He had six tackles, three stops and six pressures.
CB Thomas Graham
Graham saw first-team reps as the slot cornerback after Beanie Bishop struggled in preseason play, and he actually started there. In all, Graham finished with grades of 63.8 and 69.1 in run defense and coverage, respectively, and would be a strong practice squad option for the Steelers, who lack reliable depth options.
