The Pittsburgh Steelers got their first preseason game of the year out of the way on Saturday, defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-25. It was an exciting game from start to finish, with several players making strong cases for a spot on the final 53-man roster. The preseason is a crucial time for roster hopefuls, and many Steelers took full advantage of the opportunity.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' tight end Darnell Washington flexes in celebration after scoring a touchdown in a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Unfortunately, in the ever-competitive business that is the NFL, not everyone can make the cut. While no one had a truly disastrous outing, some players didn’t help their stock as much as they needed to. For a few, this game was a missed chance to stand out, and they may now find themselves fighting even harder for a roster spot in the coming weeks.
Overall, the win over Jacksonville was a positive step for the Steelers, but it also offered a clear look at where the team still needs improvement. Some players solidified their place, while others left more questions than answers. Here are the biggest winners and losers from Saturday night’s preseason victory.
Steelers Have Several Players Shine In Preseason Win Over Jacksonville
Several players in the victory over the Jaguars significantly boosted their stock. Skylar Thompson had one of his best showings in a Steelers uniform, completing 20 of 28 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. He saw extended playing time and made the most of it. Mason Rudolph, who played a little over a quarter, also had a highlight moment with a perfectly placed touchdown pass to tight end Darnell Washington.
Thompson is without question a winner from this game. After slipping down the depth chart behind rookie Will Howard earlier in camp, Howard’s preseason absence due to injury opened the door for Thompson to make his case for the No. 3 quarterback job. On Saturday night, he delivered a performance that will certainly make the coaching staff take notice.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Beanie Bishop (31) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL.
Defensive back D’Shawn Jamison also stood out, continuing a trend from training camp where insiders have praised his steady improvement. The undrafted cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. was thrown into action as a rookie and, despite some struggles, more than held his own.
Now in a crowded cornerback room for the 2025 season. Bishop has to keep making plays to avoid losing his footing on the depth chart. His night included a critical pass breakup that had Head Coach Mike Tomlin fired up on the sideline, a moment that could easily classify Bishop as a big winner of the night.
One of the more obvious winners was Max Hurleman. He had two catches for 29 yards and one touchdown. Though his best moment was his standing backflip celebration after the score. He's fighting for a roster spot and more outings like Saturday night would be great for his case.
Steelers See Some Players Hurt Their Stock As They Fight For Spot On Roster
As the race for the 53-man roster heats up, attention is turning to the fringe players in some of the Steelers’ most crowded position groups. The wide receiver room remains one of the most intriguing battles, with four of the five or six spots essentially locked in.
Veteran Robert Woods has not made much of an impact in training camp, and his extended playing time in the preseason game, combined with just one catch for four yards, did little to improve his standing. Woods can fairly be considered a player who did not help his case.
James Dotter / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers veteran wide receiver Robert Woods gets ready to make a catch during a training camp practice in Latrobe, Pa.
DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk were both relatively quiet against Jacksonville. Loudermilk’s roughing the passer penalty was also a costly mistake. Cornerback Kyler McMichael had a tough night as well, missing two tackles and hurting his stock in the process.
James Pierre also had a rough moment when he allowed a touchdown pass from Jaguars quarterback Nick Mullens. Performances like these will make it difficult for players on the bubble to secure a spot as final roster decisions draw closer.
With two preseason games left, the pressure will only increase for those trying to earn their way onto the team. Every snap from this point forward will carry even greater weight in shaping the Steelers’ final roster.
Who were your winners and losers Saturday night for the Steelers? Comment below!
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