Tuesday was the big day. The Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the rest of the NFL, had to trim their rosters down to just 53 players. It is a tough task for all teams. Players that have tons of promise get let go and some potentially never play again. The Steelers final roster can be seen here.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Although this is a tough process, we know it is not the end for every player that was cut as a Steeler. Many of these guys will end up on the practice squad in the coming days. Some guys will end up elsewhere, but let's take a look at what the practice squad could look like based off of the cuts from Tuesday.
Predicting The Practice Squad
Quarterback: Everyone thought it was going to be cut and dry when rookie quarterback Chris Oladokun was cut from the team that he was essentially a shoe in for the practice squad job. However, he visited with the Kansas City Chiefs Tuesday, so there is some potential for him to go elsewhere. I believe unless he signs there however, he will be back with Pittsburgh. If he does sign elsewhere, names of note to watch include guys like Kellen Mond and Chris Streveler, who both played well in the preseason and were released by their respective teams.
Running Back: This one seems pretty straightforward. If Anthony McFarland clears waivers, he should be back with the team ASAP. He had a really promising preseason, and in my opinion did enough to make the team. However, the coaches felt differently. McFarland brings a different dynamic to the backfield, and would be great to have for practice and on hand if needed to be called up. In the event he does not make it through waivers, Mataeo Durant could be a potential option.
Wide Receiver: This one is tricky, because I don't believe all the receivers that were released will make it through the waiver wire. Out of the three released Tuesday, I believe Cody White has the best chance to make the practice squad. I believe Tyler Vaughns and Tyler Snead will be picked up by other teams, as they both had big plays during the preseason, especially Vaughns, who flashed lot of big play potential.
Offensive Line: There were a lot of cuts here, so there is a lot of guys to choose from, but I believe that the Steelers will try to get two guys out of this group. John Leglue will be a target for them after solid play down the stretch last season. Another guy they may try to retain from this unit could be Chaz Green.
Tight End: Based off the past, as long as he passes through waivers, Kevin Rader will come back to the team on the practice squad. However, it is worth noting that the Steelers hosted Dalton Keene Tuesday, per Field Yates:
The Steelers hosted free agent TE Dalton Keene for a visit.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 30, 2022
Defensive Line: The Steelers will have a lot of options here, and some familiar faces to choose from. If they have their pick of the litter, they would prioritize bringing Carlos Davis back. Davis was a guy with some flashes of serious potential that just never quite panned out. If he does not make it, his brother Khalil Davis could be a potential target. Henry Mondeaux is someone they could bring back as well. They could elect to bring two guys for this unit.
Linebacker: This is a tricky one, depending on if they wish to bring both an inside and outside backer. I believe they could this season. They may want to bring back 2021 fourth round draft pick, Buddy Johnson, who was overtaken by rookie sensation Mark Robinson this preseason. They could also attempt to bring back another 2021 draft pick they cut last year in Quincy Roche, who was just cut by the New York Giants. I could see them going this route if they can get both of these guys to clear waivers. Roche had some success last year with New York, and could draw interest from other teams.
Defensive Back: Another position where the Steelers will have some options. The team will look to see who falls through the waivers, but I believe if Elijah Riley clears, that will be their guy. He had himself a solid preseason and could even end up back with the team after some IR moves this week. Linden Stephens is also a potential option if Riley were to not clear waivers.
Final Lineup Prediction
Quarterback: Chris Oladokun
Running Back: Anthony McFarland
Wide Receiver: Cody White
Tight End: Kevin Rader
Offensive Line: John Leglue, Chaz Green
Defensive Line: Carlos Davis, Khalil Davis
Linebacker: Buddy Johnson
Defensive Back: Elijah Riley
This is just my prediction, but I genuinely believe these are guys the team would love to hold on to if given the chance. The following days will tell how accurate the prediction is, and who the Steelers will retain from their cuts heading into the 2022 regular season.
What do you think? Will this be the practice squad roster? Any surprise additions? Let us know in the comment section below!
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