Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was forced to make some tough decisions on Tuesday as the Steelers cut their roster down to 53 players. This article will be updated with live roster cuts, but the Steelers are in a precarious positions at some crucial roster spots, including offensive line, wide receiver (thanks Aiyuk!) and even quarterback.
Heck, Tomlin has yet to name a starting QB, seemingly making Russell Wilson sweat out what remains of his career. Justin Fields is the backup in Pittsburgh, but he’s an unproven commodity in the regular season, and far too turnover-prone for comfort.
So, the Steelers have cut down their roster considerably, though the toughest calls are yet to come.
Who have the Pittsburgh Steelers cut so far? A complete list
|
Steelers player cut |
Position |
|---|---|
|
Diajun Edwards |
RB |
|
Matthew Wright |
K |
|
Jacob Copeland |
WR |
|
TJ Luther |
WR/KR |
|
Kyler McMichael |
CB |
|
Quez Watkins |
WR |
|
Kiondre Thomas |
CB |
|
Devery Hamliton |
OT |
|
Kyahva Tezino |
LB |
|
Anderson Hardy |
OT/OG |
|
Marquiss Spencer |
DT |
|
Kyron Johnson |
OLG |
|
Luquay Washington |
LB |
|
Jacoby Windmon |
LB |
|
Marcus Haynes |
LB |
|
Zyon Gilbert |
CB |
|
Thomas Graham |
CB |
|
Willington Previlon |
DL |
|
Jacob Slade |
DL |
|
Tykeem Doss |
OL |
|
Joey Fisher |
OL |
|
John Rhys Plumlee |
QB |
|
Aaron Shampklin |
RB |
|
Jack Colletto |
RB |
|
Matt Sokol |
TE |
|
Rodney Williams |
TE |
|
Jaray Jenkins |
WR |
|
Duece Watts |
WR |
|
Dez Fitzpatrick |
WR |
|
La’Mical Perine |
RB |
|
Jonathan Ward |
RB |
Quez Watkins didn’t make the cut for Steelers
The Steelers signed Quez Watkins this offseason as a speed threat who had the chance to separate himself in training camp. Instead, Watkins failed to establish much of a presence in a lite receiver room, notably dropping passes in training camp and preseason games. Watkins would’ve had a ton of pressure on him from the jump had he made the team, as his first impression on Steelers fans was not a good one.
Watkins has a chance to sign on elsewhere given his vertical ability. However, the Steelers require a little more than that given the state of their receiving corps and quarterback room. Working with Wilson and Fields wouldn’t have been easy for a one-trick pony.
Where do the Steelers go from here? A full 53-man roster breakdown
The Steelers official 53-man roster is not set, but when it is we will update the post. There are a couple of unknowns remaining. Will Pittsburgh roll with three quarterbacks, or just Wilson and Fields? Is Dan Moore Jr. still a fit with the offensive line, and can injuries save him this time around?
Despite the release of Watkins, wide receiver is still a question mark. Pittsburgh passed on a JuJu Smith-Schuster reunion, but they need a WR2. If I know Omar Khan like I think I do, he is checking the bargain bin every hour and then some. Jefferson is not a capable WR2, nor is any other player on the Steelers roster.
We’ll have more on this story shortly.