The clock is ticking for NFL teams to trim their 90-man rosters down to a lean 53, with cutdown day hitting fast on Sunday, August 30. For the Steelers, who still have one preseason game to go, the picture is mostly clear, but there are definitely some battles still raging and some tough calls coming.
No Drama For Specialists, But QB Race Heats Up After Friday’s Performance
Let’s get the no-brainers out of the way first: the specialist crew is locked in. Chris Boswell, Cam Johnston, and Christian Kuntz are absolute roster locks. No camp competition, no disagreements, just solid pros heading into the season. It’s rare to have that kind of certainty at any position, so that’s a nice easy win for Pittsburgh.
But oh boy, the quarterback room? That’s where the real action is. Aaron Rodgers is a given, obviously. But behind him, the fight for QB2 has taken a dramatic turn. Mason Rudolph has snatched a clear lead in that race, especially after Will Howard’s brutal two-interception performance on Friday night. That kind of outing just slams the door shut on a second-year quarterback’s chances when the roster is already tight. While some might not rule Howard out entirely until that final preseason snap, Rudolph’s lead feels pretty solid right now. Don’t sleep on Drew Allar either; he might challenge for that QB2 spot sooner than anyone expects. One thing is for sure, though: this team won’t be carrying four quarterbacks on the initial roster, and definitely not by Week 1.
Warren and Dowdle Lead a Deep Running Back Room
The Steelers’ running back duo of Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle is as rock-solid as it gets. While they might not be plastered on national highlight reels as “superstars,” these two are well-rounded, reliable players who can absolutely carry a “workhorse” load whenever the team needs them to. They complement each other perfectly, giving the Steelers a versatile one-two punch in the backfield.
Filling out that depth, Travis Homer is making the roster thanks to his critical special teams contributions, showing just how much value that can add in a tight roster battle. Riley Nowakowski is also in, perfectly fitting the fullback/H-back role that past rosters have always used. What’s even better? He’s skilled enough to play tight end, even if he’s a bit smaller than you’d expect for the position. That kind of versatility is gold. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a spot. Kaleb Johnson, a 2025 third-round pick, just hasn’t shown enough. His lack of special teams play, coupled with a noticeable lack of burst on his carries, puts him behind Warren and Dowdle on a roster that’s already incredibly deep at running back. It’s a tough break for a high draft pick, but it seems like his time is up, at least for now.
The final preseason game is the last chance for some of these guys to make an impression before the chopping block comes down on August 30. Every snap, every tackle, every block counts, because by Sunday, this team’s initial 53-man squad will be set, shaping their season from Week 1.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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