Steelers' Undrafted Rookie Is Making Strong Case For 53-Man Roster Spot

The Pittsburgh Steelers have won their first preseason game of 2025 against the Jacksonville Jaguars by a final score of 31-25. They did not play much of their first team offense, but their second and third team units had a great night overall. After stepping up into the QB3 role due to a training camp injury, Skylar Thompson threw for three touchdowns in the victory. There were plenty of other players on the bubble that had a great game too and proved that they should have a chance to make the final 53-man roster. 

One of those players is Max Hurleman, a wide receiver/running back hybrid player. In this game, however, he exclusive played in the slot, and he showed off his impressive route-running abilities that made Pittsburgh sign him after a tryout in rookie minicamp. He made his NFL debut in the second quarter, and his day started off with an absolute bang.

As the Steelers were running the two-minute drill before halftime, Hurleman caught a 26-yard strike from Thompson and absorbed the hit in the process as well. It took a lot of strength to hold on after getting smoked by two players. Thompson made a nice pass over the linebacker as well, so the utility man had to keep his concentration as Foyesade Oluokun almost tipped it away. 

On first and goal, Hurleman ran a great rub route to get separation from the defensive back and caught a touchdown to make the score 14-6 after the extra point. It looked like a little bit of a rub route, although there seemed to be no miscommunication with the defense. Hurleman was just able to stay separated from the defensive back and give his quarterback an easy option for a last-second score. 

Hurleman did not have another reception on the stat sheet, although he did have a reception that was called back due to penalty. He and Thompson did seem to have a connection, although the quarterback was slinging the ball around to numerous receivers. As long as he keeps up the quality performance he had on Saturday, he could force his way onto the 53-man roster.

Hurleman stayed on the field for most of the contest, and even helped block for the screen game, which was working well. He was run blocking well to help open up outside lanes for Lew Nichols, who also had a quality game as he led the team in rushing. As an undrafted free agent, he has to do pretty much everything to have a chance at being on the team in Week 1. So far, it's working well.

It will be interesting to see if Hurleman gets any reps at running back in the future, or if the team decides to switch him to slot receiver full-time. At the very least, it seems like he could be a good receiver out of the backfield, especially for wheel routes down the sidelines. It's to be determined how well he can pass block while lining up next to the quarterback, but Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's usage of him in the next two games will show what he has confidence in for the undrafted rookie. 

Steelers Could Have A Spot Opened For Hurleman Soon

Robert Woods, who was brought in to show veteran presence, was almost invisible throughout the game despite playing with the second and third team offenses. If he continues to show his age and get cut, there's suddenly a spot open for Hurleman. He would have to fight for the WR5 spot with Roc Taylor and Scotty Miller, who both also performed well. Hurleman's versatility could help give him an edge. 

With how rough many of the backups played defensively, an extra spot could open up on the offense. Maybe the Steelers keep six defensive linemen as opposed to seven, or they could stay thin at safety with the lack of production there. A spot being released there could open up the possibility for a sixth receiver or a fourth running back, and Hurleman can fill both roles.

What do you think about Hurleman's performance against the Jaguars? Do you think he can make the 53-man roster? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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