The wait is over for fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team will officially play a competitive game for the first time since January when the Seattle Seahawks visit Acrisure Stadium for the first preseason of the year on Saturday night. This will be the debut for rookies like Kenny Pickett, George Pickens and DeMarvin Leal. Every player will be evaluated, but some may have more to lose than others simply based on the pressure that certain guys are facing. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will have their eyes on certain players and those players' positional competitions on Saturday.
The three players with the most to lose are listed below.
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1.) Steelers LB Devin Bush
Robert Spillane is already making a push to take the starting spot from Bush who is coming off a season of underwhelming performances. The Steelers declined Bush's fifth-year option and are clearly not satisfied with his play ever since he tore his ACL during the 2020 season. If the former first round pick has a subpar showing and Spillane and others perform well, it may be a very easy decision for Tomlin to demote Bush and give the full-time duties to Spillane.
It would be awesome to see Bush back to same way he was during his rookie season and the first few games of 2020 before the injury. Steelers fans were extremely excited after his first year, but the knee injury he suffered clearly slowed him down and removed key parts of his game: speed and agility. He has a lot on the line the next few preseason match-ups.
2.) Steelers OG Kevin Dotson
How could a guy not even playing have a lot to lose on Saturday? Dotson suffered an ankle injury and will not play versus the Seahawks. Both Dotson and second-year lineman Kendrick Green are battling it out at left guard. Dotson missing the game immediately gives Green a platform to perform well and take over sole position of the first team on the depth chart.
While Dotson expects to be back soon, the Steelers are clearly invested in Green, giving him a legitimate shot to be the starting left guard after a less than impressive first season at center. Dotson's absence will allow the former third-round pick to prove his worth at his new position and Green knows the opportunity he has in front of him. Dotson is the front-runner, but in a close race, missing out on the first preseason action could seriously threaten his expectations to be the starting left guard.
3.) Steelers QB Mason Rudolph
Rudolph has had a great camp thus far. He has not only been the most accurate quarterback, but most efficient as well. The issue with his position as the backup is strictly politics. The Steelers brought in Mitch Trubisky in free agency and drafted Pickett in the first round. Rudolph needs to be flawless in order to keep his spot as the backup, let alone jump Trubisky for the starting job.
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One small mistake from the veteran could trigger a shuffle on the depth chart and Rudolph could see himself being inactive on game days come September. These three preseason games have the legitimate chance to make or break Rudolph's career in the NFL. He needs to be perfect and mistakes from both Trubisky and Pickett to raise his stock in the quarterbacks' room. Good play could improve his trade stock and give him a fresh start elsewhere. Regardless, less than perfect will not help Rudolph's argument to start or backup.
Who do you think are the Steelers with the most to lose during Saturday's preseason game? Let us know in the comments below!
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