The Pittsburgh Steelers' final preseason game Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers is going to be very telling to see how the final 53-man roster shakes up. Head Coach Mike Tomlin made it very clear that the third game is pivotal for players on the bubble of making the roster. Here is my prediction for the Steelers final 53-man roster.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Every year the last preseason matchup serves as a deciding factor for those players sitting on the edge of the roster. Tomlin has built a reputation for using this game as a true evaluation tool where one standout play or one costly mistake can be the difference between making the team or receiving a call to turn in equipment. Thursday will be no different and fans should expect to see bubble players get significant snaps in critical situations as the staff finalizes decisions.
When the dust settles, the 53-man roster will reflect not only talent but also versatility, reliability, and the ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game. Tomlin and his staff value players who can step into more than one role whether on offense, defense, or special teams. That is why the last look against the Panthers is so important. It is not just about who plays well, it is about who fits the bigger picture the Steelers want to carry into the regular season.
Steelers' Final 53-Man Roster Prediction
It is never easy to predict which players on the verge of making the roster will actually secure a spot. However, the best way to approach it is by looking at how many players the Steelers kept at each position ahead of the 2024 season. From there, you can make a more accurate guess at how the final roster might shape up. I have Pittsburgh keeping just five wide receivers to start the 2025 season. Though, of course, they could keep six.
Offense: 24 Players
Quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
Running Backs: Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell
Wide Receivers: DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller
Tight Ends: Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
Offensive Line: Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Andrus Peat, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Ryan McCollum
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (left) and Broderick Jones (right) sit in their lockers before a 2024 Week 1 contest against the Falcons in Atlanta, GA.
Defense: 26 Players
Defensive Line: Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Daniel Ekuale
Outside Linebackers: TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Inside Linebackers: Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson
Cornerbacks: Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, James Pierre, Brandin Echols, Beanie Bishop Jr.
Safeties: DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew, Chuck Clark
Specialists: 3 Players
Kicker: Chris Boswell
Punter: Cameron Johnston
Long Snapper: Christian Kuntz
Steelers' Thursday Night Game Against Carolina Will Shake Up Roster
We already discussed in this article how the third preseason game on Thursday night against the Panthers will be very telling. There are several players on this roster bubble fighting to earn one of the few remaining spots.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Max Hurleman (34) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL.
Steelers fans are eager to see how this 53-man roster finally shakes up. The players who do not make the initial roster will have a chance to continue on the practice squad and may eventually be promoted or claimed by another team. Some under-the-radar players have had really strong training camps and preseasons, but is it enough to make an NFL roster? Soon, Steelers fans will find out.
Which player on the bubble do you want to see make the Steelers final 53-man roster? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.
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