The Pittsburgh Steelers roster has been cut down to the mandated 53 players after yesterday’s final cut down. Here is our initial thoughts about what this roster looks like now, and what it might look like come opening day:
1. Seven wide receivers:
This is by far the deepest wide receiver group the Steelers have had in years. It should come as no surprise anyone that the team kept more than the six they normally keep at this position. Steven Sims has been a favorite of ours all off-season, so its great to see he has made the roster. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1981237/11219219
Still, we can’t help but wonder of the team kept an extra wide receiver on the roster because of an impending IR move. Calvin Austin has not seen a preseason snap due to injury, and is certainly a candidate for such a move. This is something to keep an eye on.
2. Mason Rudolph lives….for now:
We have maintained all along that Mason Rudolph would be traded at some point this off-season. Well as of now, the Steelers have not pulled the trigger on such a move. It is still hard to believe Rudolph will accept a role as this team’s third quarterback. Pittsburgh’s third string quarterback does not dress on game days, a scenario we have a hard time picturing Rudolph accepting. At some point a trade demand has to becoming.
3. Offensive line in flux:
The Steelers have already made five additions to the offensive line since late May. Players that have come and gone include Ryan McCollum, Trent Scott, Adrian Ealy, William Dunkle, and the latest addition Jesse Davis. Omar Khan is clearly uncomfortable with his offensive line room, and he should be. Of the eight players currently on the team, don’t be surprised if one or more are not there come week one.
If it seems like we have been killing this offensive line for years, its because we have….Will the Steelers offensive line be their undoing in 2021?
4. Seven defensive lineman:
This is an exact parallel to the wide receiver position. The Steelers generally only keep six, and they have two possible IR candidates at this position. Isaiahh Loudermilk and Montravius Adams both missed the preseason finale due to injury. Of the two, Adams is the more serious as he hasn’t seen action in some time. It would not be surprising at all if he were to start the season on injured reserve.
5. Who will take the Demontae Kazee spot?:
One player we know for sure who will be headed to the injured reserve is Demontae Kazee. Kazee injured his wrist in the preseason finale versus the Lions. The first thought is the Steelers will bring back newly acquired Elijah Riley who the team claimed off waivers from the New York Jets last week. It may not be that cut and dry as the team still has four other safeties on the roster. This is definitely a spot on the Steelers roster can be used on whatever position they choose.