The Steelers’ practice squad is loaded with players who still have a path back onto the 53-man roster, and a few names stand out as the most likely to force their way into the conversation during the season.
Travis Homer looks like one of the safest bets. Pittsburgh’s decision to keep Eli Heidenreich on the roster this summer may have surprised some people, but it doesn’t close the door on Homer. His track record as a special teams contributor gives him a clear lane to be elevated on game days, and the Steelers could use that kind of steadiness in the third phase.
Esezi Otomewo also has a realistic shot to get called up. The Steelers have plenty of bodies in the trenches, but several of them are still unproven. If the young defensive linemen don’t build on what they showed in the preseason, Pittsburgh could decide to look for a more reliable veteran option, which would put Otomewo in play.
Max Hurleman is another practice squad player worth watching. He has shown flashes over the last two summers, even if that hasn’t been enough to secure a roster spot yet. Special teams may end up being his best route forward, especially if Eli Heidenreich and Kaden Wetjen struggle as returners and receivers.
Doneiko Slaughter belongs in that same group. He entered the preseason with modest expectations, but he kept making plays throughout the process. He may not be ready to start, but he could handle meaningful depth snaps, and injuries in the secondary could open the door for him.
Not every practice squad player has that kind of momentum. Julius Welschof remains the international pathway player for Pittsburgh, but his production still hasn’t taken the step forward the team would want.
His place on the practice squad makes sense, but there doesn’t appear to be room for him on the 53-man roster. Next summer could be the defining camp for him in Pittsburgh.
Kyler Baugh is in a similar spot, even after an impressive first preseason game. He faded as the games went on, and while the defensive line could still see changes, he doesn’t look like a likely candidate for elevation.
Car’lin Vigers is one of the new faces on the practice squad, but the crowded secondary makes his path difficult. His chances of getting a roster bump this year appear slim, and he may have a better shot at sticking next summer than making a real impact now.
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Steelers 53-Man Roster Already Has A Few Unstable Spots
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Kevin Jobity Jr., Ryan McCollum, Eli Heidenreich and Gabriel Rubio are the four names drawing the most attention as the season approaches, each for a different reason tied to performance, versatility or the shifting needs of the roster. None of that means a change is imminent, but it does mean the Steelers already have a few decisions hanging over them as the opener gets closer. [Read more 🡒]