The Steelers final preseason game is in the books.  That means it’s time for my final Steelers 53 man roster prediction.  Not much happened last night to sway things in either direction for any one player.  Some injuries from last night may affect the final roster however.  Let’s get into it:

Offense: (25)

Quarterbacks: (3) Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Drew Allar

No, Mike McCarthy was not lying to you when he said keeping four quarterbacks was “accurate”.  I am predicting Will Howard will be placed on the IR with the head injury he sustained Thursday night.  They now have four weeks to postpone the decision on keeping 4.

Running backs: (3) Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Travis Homer

It’s been these three from the day they signed Travis Homer.  His special teams ability combined with Mike McCarthy’s familiarity with the player gives Homer the edge.  Lew Nichols, and Eli Heidenreich will both land on the practice squad.

Fullback: (1) Riley Nowakoswki

Being the only fullback on the roster made Nowakowski a lock from day one.

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

Tonyan is an easy choice for a lot of the same reasons Travis Homer is.  Good depth piece who played for McCarthy in the past, with special teams ability as well.  It doesn’t hurt that Tonyan played the best out of any of the fringe tight ends.

Wide Receiver: (6) DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman, Germie Bernard, Roman Wilson, Kaden Wetjen, TBD

We have another IR candidate in Ben Skowronek who suffered a possible concussion against the Bills.  The Steelers opened up a sizable amount of cap room with the DK Metcalf restructure.  I believe that was in part to have the cap space if a wide receiver shook loose during cut down day on Sunday.  That becomes even more urgent with Skowronek injured.  Roman Wilson will have four weeks to prove he belongs on an NFL roster before the Steelers have to make a decision.  He could be the odd man out if the Steeler hit on a veteran free agent after cutdowns.  Max Hurleman did more than enough to earn a practice squad spot.

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

This was my nine from start to finish in this process.  Dylan Cook wins the right tackle position by default, but he’s only keeping it warm until Max Iheanchor is ready.  Broderick Jones nearly played himself off this roster.  He may never see the field again in a Steelers uniform if they can help it.

Defense: (25)

Defensive Line: (6) Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yayah Black, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Gabe Rubio

This is a close one between Rubio and Dean Lowry.  Rubio played well enough to deserve a roster spot.  Dean Lowry should make it to the Steelers practice squad for some quality depth.

Inside Linebackers: (5) Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener

Malik Harrison was a dead man walking the minute the Steelers signed Elandon Roberts.  This is by far the deepest position groups on the team.

Outside Linebackers: (4) TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Saywer

Another position group that stayed the same wire to wire this offseason.  Jamin Davis may have done enough to remain with the team on the practice squad.

Corners: (6) Joey Porter Jr, Jamal Dean, Asante Samuel Jr, Jalen Ramsey, Brandon Echols, Daylen Everette

The only thing that could change here is Joey Porter Jr remaining on the PUP list because of the contract dispute.  If that happens, look for the Steelers to add a veteran on cut down day.  This saga seems to have just started with both sides far apart by all reports.

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

This is another position to keep an eye on should a quality safety get cut on Sunday.  Rayshwan Jenkins is the pick for now, but he best keep renting for the time being.

Specialists: (3) Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz

Not much to say here, this was always going to be the three.

Practice Squad:

RB – Eli Heidenreich

RB – Lew Nichols

TE – Lake McRee

WR – Max Hurleman

WR – Brandon Smith

OL – Doug Nester

OL – Steven Jones

DL – Dean Lowry

DL – Kyler Baugh

OLB – Jamin Davis

CB – Devin Boykin

CB – Daryl Porter

S – Sebastian Castro