Abate: Steelers' 2026 Initial 53-Man Roster Prediction As Big Cutdown Day Nears

The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up exhibition play on Thursday night with a 28-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills. That doesn't mean that the coaching staff is done with offseason activities just yet, however. Mike McCarthy and Co. will need to have some serious discussions regarding who makes the initial 53-man roster and who will falls short. It won't be easy to let down certain guys who have been working their entire lives for an opportunity, but that's how the NFL world works. Now, it's time to try and predict what the collective will look like on Sunday at 6:01 p.m.

Steelers Offense

Quarterback (4) - Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, Drew Allar

This is a bit of a tricky one. The Steelers always seemed poised to keep four signal-callers, especially after McCarthy told the media that he didn't need to see anything else from Mason Rudolph. However, as far as the initial 53-man roster goes, Will Howard could make that cut, but then sooner after be put on Injured Reserve (IR) if whatever he sustained on Thursday was in any way serious. Placing him with that designation before the deadline would lead to his season likely being over.

Running Back / Fullback (4) - Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Travis Homer, Riley Nowakowski

McCarthy values versatility. Travis Homer has proven during his career that he can step in on offense in a pinch, but his main role comes on special teams. This is something that Kaleb Johnson has not done enough of throughout the new regime's short tenure. 

It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone if the former third-round pick is sent packing, despite what Omar Khan might want because he is the guy in charge of bringing him to the Steel City in the first place. Lew Nichols is a sneaky practice squad option who has flashed a ton.

Kicked aht: Johnson, Nichols, Eli Heidenreich

Wide Receiver (6) - DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Kaden Wetjen

There were a couple of potential camp darlings who could have made a shocking run at a spot in this category; however, it seems pretty set in stone that this group of six will be the pass-catching unit right off the bat. With that said, Ben Skowronek did get banged up versus the Bills so it will be something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Kicked Aht: Brandon Smith, Max Hurleman

Tight End (3) - Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Robert Tonyan

No real surprises at the tight end position. It seemed like Robert Tonyan was brought in to bring a veteran presence to the room, but also to appease quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Kicked Aht: Lake McRee

Offensive Line (9) - Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Broderick Jones, Brock Hoffman, Gennings Dunker, Max Iheanachor

This unit needs to figure it out, and quickly. While the projected starting grouping didn't get too much time together during the preseason, it didn't seem to matter who was at right tackle; there were constantly issues. There should be an asterisk next to Broderick Jones, as he could be dealt if a team comes calling prior to Sunday evening.

Kicked Aht: Ryan McCollum, Jack Driscoll

Steelers Defense

Defensive Line (6) - Cameron Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Keeanu Benton, Dean Lowry

Having veterans all over the place is only going to help McCarthy. The big cut here is Gabriel Rubio, the sixth-round rookie out of Notre Dame who has quietly had a very strong month of August. With that said, it is very likely that he would revert to the practice squad and be the first man up to the 53-man roster if someone were to experience an injury. Additionally, he could be the one signed to the 53-man group if Howard, or anyone else, lands on IR.

Kicked Aht: Rubio, Esezi Otomewo

Inside Linebacker (4) - Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Elandon Roberts, Carson Bruener

Can you play at the interior linebacker position and be an elite special teams threat? Carson Bruener can, and he might just get the nod as the fourth option here instead of Cole Holcomb. The Steelers might decide to keep five, which would lead to someone else losing a roster spot, but the one thing for certain is that Malik Harrison will no longer be wearing the Black and Gold.

Kicked Aht: Holcomb, Harrison

Outside Linebacker (4) - TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer

One of the more simple situations on the Steelers' roster comes on the edge. Jamin Davis deserves a shoutout for his impressive summer, but this unit is set in stone moving forward.

Kicked Aht: Davis

Cornerback (6) - Jalen Ramsey, Jamel Dean, Joey Porter Jr., Asante Samuel Jr., Daylen Everette, Brandin Echols

Brandin Echols suffered an injury that kept him out for a little bit of time, but returned on Thursday with a rather convincing showing in the Steelers' loss to Buffalo. The biggest storyline here isn't necessarily who makes the initial 53-man, but rather, when will Joey Porter Jr., if ever, ink a contract extension in Pittsburgh?

Safety (4) - DeShon Elliot, Jaquan Brisker, Robert Spears-Jennings, Rayshawn Jenkins

It'd be fair to say that the Steelers could be considering making a trade or adding to this room after Sunday. Robert Spears-Jennings is a solid story as a seventh-round rookie, and Rayshawn Jenkins was a mid-summer singing who was fantastic in the second week of the preseason, but the depth is thin here. Khan could be waiting to make a move.

Kicked Aht: Jack Henderson, Sebastian Castro

Steelers Special Teams (3)

Let's not think too much on this one. Pittsburgh has Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston and Christian Kuntz all slotted in at their respective positions. McCarthy has emphasized how important the third phase of the game is, and if Johnston continues to punt the ball well, the Steelers may have the best trio in the league when it comes to this category.

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