The Pittsburgh Steelers take the field against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in their third and final preseason game of 2022. With one less preseason game than usual, the starters will get some time in Sunday's match-up. While there are still plenty of position battles to watch for, some aspects of the Steelers roster are already locked into place.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Connor Heyward (83), tight end Zach Gentry (81), tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug.13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Tight end
The Steelers have revitalized what was a stagnant tight end position since the retirement of Heath Miller. Vance McDonald provided some bright moments, but otherwise, the team has struggled to find a long-term option at TE since Miller. Pat Freiermuth has become just that. Furthermore, the position's depth has become very good, as Zach Gentry has improved his game over the last year or so. Rookie Connor Heyward, still the No. 3 TE, will play a role in the team's offense this season. Those three are set in at the position, as Kevin Rader will potentially end up on the practice squad.
Defensive line
The defensive line has been mostly set for a few months now. While the team typically only carries six defensive linemen, this year seems to be the one that they carry seven. That's because of the added depth at the position with guys like Isaiahh Loudermilk and Montravius Adams providing just that. Khalil and Carlos Davis have been better than expected during training camp and into the preseason, but it may be too little, too late for the brother duo. If the Steelers opt to really go against the norm and carry eight linemen, one of those two may be a beneficiary. They remain likely to be practice squad candidates, while Henry Mondeaux also seems unlikely to make the 53-man roster.
Special teams
Kicker Chris Boswell just earned another pricey contract extension, but he's proved to be well-worth it in the past. The only other kicker on the team at the start of training camp, Nick Sciba, has already been released, so the position is locked. The same can be said for punter, as Cameron Nizialek was cut just over two weeks ago. That move signified that sophomore Pressley Harvin III officially won the job, as he has had a good training camp and preseason. The job wasn't always his though, as some wondered if he could lose his job after a difficult rookie season.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
As far as the return duties, Gunner Olszewski seems to be locked in there as well. It was always a long shot for the team to cut ties with the former All-Pro returner, especially after they gave him a two-year, $4.2 contract earlier in the off-season. Furthermore, two guys that were competing with him for return duties, Calvin Austin III and Anthony Miller, have been injured over the last few weeks. That's allowed Olszewski to stand out, including on offense. While Austin has returned to practice, Miller is out for the season. Christian Kuntz will once again be the team's long-snapper as well.
Running back
This one is less of a guarantee than the others, but it really shouldn't be all that difficult for the Steelers front office and coaches to decide. Najee Harris will be the workhorse, but behind him, undrafted rookie Jaylen Warren has been the second-best RB in camp. While he's not a lock to make the roster, he certainly should be. Anthony McFarland Jr. and Benny Snell Jr. have done enough to stick around, particularly because of their special teams contributions.
Fullback Derek Watt's roster spot seems mostly safe as well, although it wouldn't be a shock to see him cut. Like the others, he is a key contributor on special teams, something that head coach Mike Tomlin loves. The only debate amongst this position group is to keep three or four running backs on the team.
While anything can happen between now and Tuesday when NFL rosters must be cut down to 53 players, these position groups seem to be mostly locked in. Things can happen, such as injuries or perhaps the Steelers picking a guy up that got dropped by another team.
What are you looking forward to watching in the preseason finale? Is there any debate amongst these position groups? Let us know your thoughts below!
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