The Pittsburgh Steelers have some tough decisions to make the next few weeks in order to submit a full-fledged 53-man roster.
Pittsburgh has some critical roster battles looming in the trenches, skill positions and even quarterback. Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan received rave reviews this offseason for building upon their strengths, and addressing areas of need like the interior defensive line, and the lack of consistent pass blocking for Kenny Pickett.
It remains to be seen just how this roster comes together as a cohesive unit come Week 1, but Pittsburgh's philosophy is to put the best product on the field, regardless of a player's salary or draft stock.
That puts some players on the chopping block as early as this week against the Buffalo Bills. Preseason is an exciting time for the fanbase, but for fringe roster players, it's a fight for survival.
NFL Rumors: Steelers QB Mason Rudolph is on thin ice
Mason Rudolph is on thin ice because he's a valuable asset at a position of strength. While Rudolph should not be starting in this league — he's proven that on several occasions — he's a worthwhile backup who has been through the wars of critical regular-season games. Surely, some team would rather have a player like Rudolph backing up their QB than, say, an unproven rookie.
Rudolph claims to be comfortable in his role, and we have no reason to believe anything otherwise. He values being on a contending team, and as a third-string veteran QB, is merely a fly on the wall rather than a key contributor. It's not a bad place to be.
"We're blessed to be here, to be in the NFL. I'm not taking it for granted. I don't think I ever did. But you go through free agency, and to be able a part of this franchise, you really enjoy every moment. The camaraderie with the guys, the informal time in the locker room, it's priceless. I really enjoy it," Rudolph said.
Khan, meanwhile, has preached the importance of continuity for a young QB like Kenny Pickett. Perhaps this is why Rudolph is still around, as a shoulder to lean on. But if Pittsburgh can get a late-round pick for the Oklahoma State product, they should jump at the chance.
NFL Rumors: Steelers could cut Kendrick Green
Kendrick Green entered training camp as a viable option at backup center, but has largely struggled in joint practices and the team's first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Green had a noticeable penalty in that game, and was routinely on the wrong end of some QB pressures.
The Steelers have been using Green as a fullback of sorts, even handing him the ball in practice. It's unclear if Pittsburgh intends to employ this strategy in any preseason games, but it feels a little forced. Green was a third-round pick in 2021, and giving up on high selections is never easy. The Steelers clearly still see some potential in Green but it won't come in Pittsburgh.
As Still Curtain's Ryan Pawloski noted heading into the Bills preseason contest, Green is currently on the outside looking in:
"It is going to take Green to pull a complete turnaround and show a solid next couple of weeks at center if he wants a realistic shot at sticking in Pittsburgh. His time at fullback is interesting, but it's a failed roster spot if he cannot also be a quality backup in the interior of the offensive line. Green is currently on the outside looking in and he has a steep hill to climb to turn that around."
Such a turnaround would be surprising given what we've seen of Green thus far.
NFL Rumors: Is Gunner Olszewski on the outs in Pittsburgh?
Gunner Olszewski is in the final year of his contract. As a former All-Pro on special teams, he signed with Pittsburgh because they offered him a larger role. Yet, Olszewski has done very little to prove he's a legitimate threat as a wide receiver or even return man. The Steelers view Olszewski as a backup return specialist, and primarily a special teams player at this juncture. He just hasn't formed a camaraderie with Kenny Pickett.
So, could the Steelers actually cut Olszewski before the start of the regular season? That would seem relatively unlikely, given it would come with a cap hit. But a trade is certainly within reason if a team values what Olszewski brings to the table and is in need of some help on special teams.
I wrote about Olszewski's hurdles to make the roster just a few days ago. It doesn't look good:
"The only problem was a simple one — Olszewski and the Steelers thought he could be something he's not. Olszewski isn't the first player to take on a role that doesn't necessarily fit him. As a punt and kick return man, Olszewski was productive enough to receive consistent playing time. As a slot receiver, though, he simply did not fit in Matt Canada's offensive scheme.
Now with a crowded wide receiver room, it's tough to see Olszewski receiving reps ahead of Calvin Austin, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Diontae Johnson and more. The Steelers have a solid group. Not to mention, Austin is listed as the primary punt and kick return man."
This isn't to say he doesn't have value, but Olszewski faces an uphill climb without much time left.
NFL Rumors: Calvin Austin III shows promise for Steelers
Calvin Austin III isn't on the cut line, and for good reason. However, Pittsburgh is relatively loaded at wide receiver.
Austin should start on special teams as a return specialist, which will get him on the field. He can also shine in Matt Canada's offense as a primary runner on the jet sweep, and potentially as a deep threat for Kenny Pickett. We already saw him reel in a tough catch last weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Pittsburgh's offense should have more big-play ability with Pickett in year two. Ideally, Canada will have more trust in his quarterback to execute on play-action. Austin serves as an extension of that, and has the speed to burn just about any opposing defensive back 1-on-1. For Austin, a player who was injured for the majority of last season, even getting on the field is a blessing.
"It was important for me to have that Steelers uniform on and go out and compete," said Austin. "Just doing that was enough. This is just the beginning. That's behind us now. We have to move on."
Hopefully, last week's outing was the first of many.
