The clock is ticking for the Pittsburgh Steelers with just one preseason game left, and for some veterans, this Thursday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills is their last shot. We’re talking about five names who are absolutely fighting for their livelihoods, and for quarterback Will Howard, things are looking grim after a rough outing against the Jets. He’s first in line to be cut if Pittsburgh decides to move on from a signal-caller.
QB’s On The Hot Seat, Rookie RB’s Special Teams Problem
Will Howard’s first start against the New York Jets was a disaster, plain and simple. He coughed up two interceptions on just 10-of-15 passing. Think about it: Mike McCarthy gave Mason Rudolph the night off, which means Rudolph’s spot is basically locked in. McCarthy has *never* kept four quarterbacks on a 53-man roster, and with Drew Allar’s solid performance through two games and his draft status, Howard’s bad showing has probably sealed his fate. It’s a brutal business, but those two picks might have just sent him packing.
Running back Kaleb Johnson is also in a tricky spot. He finally got a real chance against the Jets with 12 total touches, way up from his paltry two touches in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. Here’s the kicker, though: he barely gets any special teams usage. That’s a huge problem when you’re fighting for a reserve back spot. Will the Steelers keep him over Lew Nichols or Travis Homer, who likely bring more special teams value? After a lackluster rookie season, Johnson needs to show something special.
Wilson’s Camp Hype Fades, Offensive Line Woes Mount
Roman Wilson’s situation is tough because he’s popped in camp two years straight. But through two preseason games, he’s showing the same concerning characteristics that have plagued him his whole career. Remember one of Howard’s interceptions? Wilson drifted too far upfield, making it easy for Samuel Womack to pick it off. He needs extended playing time against the Bills to show some real impact, otherwise, Gabe Davis or Curtis Samuel could easily jump him for that WR4 spot.
Then there’s offensive tackle Broderick Jones, who had some rough tape against the Jets. David Bailey just plowed through him to sack Howard. He also let Drew Allar get sacked late in the second half. Jones is coming off a neck injury and didn’t get any practice reps in the spring, so it was a surprise he was even cleared for training camp. With Max Iheanachor’s injury, the Steelers might want to keep Jones for depth, but his play has been less than optimal, to say the least. Finally, linebacker Malik Harrison looks like a goner. Elandon Roberts played fantastic in his return, and Carson Bruener has had a strong preseason. Plus, the Steelers can save almost $5 million by letting Harrison go. That kind of money talks.
The Bills game on Thursday isn’t just another exhibition. For these guys, it’s everything. It’s their chance to make one final statement before the roster cuts come down. Who’s making it? Who’s packing their bags? We’ll know soon enough, but the tension is real.
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.
Leave a Reply