With their 2024 preseason in the books following a 24-17 loss to the Detroit Lions on Saturday, the Pittsburgh Steelers will now focus on trimming their roster down to 53 players in the coming days.
The deadline to do so will fall on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m. ET, but it's very possible we see the team let some players go before then. Once the Steelers have whittled down their roster, they'll scour the waiver wire and free-agent market for players who can help shore up any remaining needs.
Before all that happens, we're taking one last crack at a Steelers 53-man roster prediction based on what we've seen this offseason. Here's what we came up with.
Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster prediction
Quarterbacks (3)
Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Head coach Mike Tomlin revealed the team would make a decision at quarterback by the end of this week, but we already know that it's going to be Wilson over Fields. Allen will serve as the No. 3.
Running Backs (3)
Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
Patterson showed he has plenty left in the tank after taking one to the house on Saturday. Jonathan Ward had some momentum but an injury halted that. Either Ward, La'Mical Perine or Daijun Edwards will be kept on the practice squad. The only way the Steelers keep four is if Warren isn't ready for the season, but he should be.
Wide Receivers (6)
George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Dez Fitzpatrick
After it looked like he was a lock to at least make the roster in what is a thin wide receivers room, Quez Watkins misses the cut after a disastrous offseason that saw him struggle as a returner and pass-catcher. Miller is more deserving, as is Dez Fitzpatrick, who would get bumped if the Steelers make an addition at wide receiver, something that is very possible.
Tight Ends (4)
Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt
If we've learned anything about offensive coordinator Arthur Smith during his coaching career, it's that he loves to use 12 personnel. Knowing that, it makes sense to carry a fourth tight end. Heyward can also serve as a fullback.
Offensive Linemen (9)
Dan Moore, James Daniels, Zach Frazier, Isaac Seumalo, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Ryan McCollum
The last spot was between Dylan Cook and McCollum, but the latter gets the nod because he provides depth at center in the wake of Nate Herbig's injury. McCollum was the first man off the bench behind Zach Frazier on Saturday. It would not be surprising if the Steelers ended up bringing someone else in for the role, though.
Defensive Linemen (6)
Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, DeMarvin Leal, Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry
You can definitely make an argument that Isaiahh Loudermilk deserves a roster spot, but this is the group we're going with for now. Loudermilk should end up on the practice squad if he makes it through waivers.
Inside Linebackers (5)
Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Tyler Matakevich, Cole Holcomb
Holcomb will start the season on the PUP list, which will open up a roster spot. If the Steelers use it on another linebacker, Mark Robinson could be brought back to help out on special teams.
Outside Linebackers (3)
T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig
The only question here is if the Steelers want to carry a fourth, but they could use Leal as an emergency backup if need be.
Cornerbacks (6)
Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cameron Sutton, Cory Trice Jr., Beanie Bishop Jr., Thomas Graham Jr.
The Steelers won't have Sutton for the first eight games, and that will open up a roster spot here. Pittsburgh could bring Darius Rush back to fill that spot, but an outside addition wouldn't be surprising considering the uncertainty in the slot between Graham and Bishop.
Safeties (5)
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts
Watts is the one to keep an eye on here, as he suffered an injury in the preseason finale and his status is up in the air. Until we know more, he makes the initial 53.
Specialists (3)
Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz
There was never any doubt with this group.
