PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers’ latest preseason depth chart didn’t exactly clear anything up before their trip to Buffalo.
With the final preseason game coming against the Bills, head coach Mike McCarthy has already made it sound like just about everyone on the roster could get a look. That doesn’t mean the veterans are suddenly expected to pile into the lineup - Aaron Rodgers and Cam Heyward still seem unlikely to play - but McCarthy left the door open for a few experienced players to see some series.
The official depth chart, though, only adds to the fog.
At quarterback, there’s no movement at all. Aaron Rodgers remains first, Mason Rudolph is still next, Will Howard follows, and rookie Drew Allar is listed last. That has been the order throughout the preseason, and it stays that way with one exhibition game left.
There have been reports suggesting all four quarterbacks will make the team. McCarthy also recently said he would keep six quarterbacks if that were possible, which makes it clear he isn’t shy about carrying four into the regular season.
Howard’s situation has drawn the most attention. After he threw two interceptions in the second preseason game, plenty of people assumed his chance in Pittsburgh had slipped away. The depth chart says otherwise, and that alone may be a sign McCarthy has already settled on his plan.
The same kind of disconnect shows up in a few other spots.
Inside linebacker Elandon Roberts is a recent defensive addition and appears set for a major role, but he’s listed behind Jacoby Windmon. At safety, Rayshawn Jenkins - a nine-year NFL veteran who has flashed as an unexpected pass rusher - sits fourth, behind Jaquan Brisker, Jack Henderson and Devan Boykin. On offense, Travis Homer is also slotted fourth, behind Kaleb Johnson.
In all three cases, the veteran names feel like the more likely 53-man roster choices. The depth chart doesn’t reflect that, though, and that’s why it leaves the Steelers with more questions than answers as the regular season approaches.
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