According to roster projections for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ initial 53-man roster ahead of the Sunday cutdown deadline, head coach Mike McCarthy and the front office face critical personnel decisions across several position groups. The roster decisions shape the team’s depth chart at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver as the regular season approaches.
Offensive Depth and Quarterback Decisions
The Steelers enter the cutdown period carrying four quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Drew Allar, and Will Howard. According to team analysis, Mike McCarthy acknowledged that all four signal-callers warranted a spot, though Howard’s status is complicated by a potential head injury sustained during the preseason finale. While placing Howard on injured reserve was evaluated as a possible escape hatch, the initial plan avoids an IR stint to prevent stalling his development.
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At running back, the team leans toward keeping just two players initially—Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle—alongside fullback Riley Nowakowski. According to roster evaluations, veteran Travis Homer is expected to serve as a frequent “yo-yo” candidate, getting cut and re-signed to the practice squad before being elevated 24 hours prior to the Atlanta Falcons game. The wide receiver room features six players: DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, and Kaden Wetjen. Wetjen secured his spot by returning a punt 45 yards for a touchdown in the preseason finale, a performance highlighted by CBS Sports, which noted he gained 61 yards and a touchdown on four punt returns.
Defensive Line and Linebacker Roster Battles
Defensively, the Steelers kept six linemen: Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Sebastian Joseph-Day, and Gabriel Rubio. Joseph-Day spent most of the summer managing an injury, but reports from
Pro Tip: Roster flexibility in the NFL often relies on veteran “yo-yo” transactions, where players with vested status are released and quickly re-signed or elevated from the practice squad to manipulate game-day active limits without exposing young talent to waivers.
Inside linebacker features five players: Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Elandon Roberts, Carson Bruener, and Cole Holcomb. Holcomb’s position on the roster faced late uncertainty after logging extensive snaps late in the preseason finale. Meanwhile, the cornerback room stands at six players with Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Jalen Ramsey, Asante Samuel Jr., Daylen Everette, and Brandin Echols.
Special Teams and Practice Squad Construction
Special teams remain stable with kicker Chris Boswell, punter Cameron Johnston, and long snapper Christian Kuntz locking down their respective roles. Kuntz showcased additional utility by recording a solid open-field tackle during the final preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Did you know? Kaden Wetjen recorded six kick return touchdowns during his three-season collegiate career at Iowa before translating that open-field explosiveness into a roster-clinching punt return score in the NFL preseason finale.
The initial 17-player practice squad accommodates key bubble performers such as running back Travis Homer, wide receiver Max Hurleman, and offensive lineman Ryan McCollum. Meanwhile, injuries placed Sebastian Castro, Logan Lee, and Daequan Hardy on injured reserve, while Donte Kent transfers to the Reserve/PUP list as he continues recovering from a December 2025 ACL tear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quarterbacks did the Steelers keep on their initial 53-man roster?
According to team projections, the Steelers kept four quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Drew Allar, and Will Howard.
Who secured the primary return specialist role at wide receiver?
Kaden Wetjen secured his roster spot following a standout performance in the preseason finale, which included a 45-yard punt return touchdown.
Which players were designated for the Reserve/PUP list?
Cornerback Donte Kent was placed on the Reserve/PUP list while recovering from an ACL tear sustained in December 2025.
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