Two games into the preseason, the Steelers’ roster picture is coming into focus fast - and it’s forcing some uncomfortable choices.
The biggest issue is at quarterback, where the numbers are starting to squeeze the rest of the roster. That ripple effect shows up everywhere else, from the defensive line to the secondary. The team seems determined to keep extra bodies in a few spots, even if it means trimming elsewhere.
QB (4): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, Drew Allar
This is the part of the roster that feels the most excessive. Carrying four quarterbacks doesn’t make much sense, but that’s where this appears to be headed, and it will cost the Steelers depth at other positions.
Will Howard was given a chance to win the backup job, but that opportunity seems to have slipped away. Mason Rudolph looks like the fallback option, though there’s still a case for moving him and leaning into the younger passers instead.
If the Steelers don’t trust Howard as the No. 2, then keeping him becomes hard to justify. Drew Allar’s strong play only complicates things more, and there’s a fair argument that he should be the one in that spot.
Still, if the Steelers keep all four, two quarterbacks will be inactive, and that decision will echo through the rest of the roster.
RB (3): Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Travis Homer
Running back has turned into a surprise. Kaleb Johnson has struggled again, and Eli Heidenreich hasn’t shown the big-play juice he flashed in school.
For now, Travis Homer gets the nod because of what he brings on special teams. Even so, Lew Nichols is still one to watch, because he has a real path to the final roster.
WR (6): D.K. Metcalf, Michael Pittman, Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Kaden Wetjen
This group looks settled. There’s been some chatter that Kaden Wetjen could be cut, but that would be a major misstep if it happened after camp.
The only real question is who lines up as the third receiver, Roman Wilson or Germie Bernard. Wilson has shown more in camp, while Bernard has been better in games. Outside of that, the group appears locked.
TE (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Riley Nowakowski, Robert Tonyan
Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington give the Steelers one of the better tight end tandems around. Riley Nowakowski also stands out as a piece who could matter more than people expect in 2026, the kind of versatile player who can move around the offense.
Robert Tonyan could be a temporary cut if the Steelers need to manage injured reserve early, but the expectation here is that he’s back on the active roster by Week 1.
OL (9): Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Zack Frazier, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Brock Hoffman, Max Iheanachor, Gennings Dunker, Broderick Jones
Nine names feel like the starting point, though there’s a decent chance the Steelers begin with eight and stash one rookie on injured reserve. If that happens, the practice squad should be lined with linemen.
The starting five look set, but the preseason work hasn’t been clean. The hope is that the unit settles in once the regular season starts.
DL (6): Cameron Heyward, Yahya Black, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Gabriel Rubio
This is another spot where the roster squeeze shows up. Seven would have made sense, but the quarterback situation makes that tough, so the practice squad may need to carry the overflow.
The top five bring plenty of talent and experience. Yahya Black working as a traditional nose tackle also gives Keeanu Benton more freedom to move around. Gabriel Rubio gets the last spot here after a solid preseason, while Dean Lowry looks like a candidate to be hidden on the practice squad.
Edge (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
No surprises here. This group feels locked in. Jamin Davis has shown some flashes, but he can be kept around on the practice squad or the Steelers can search for depth elsewhere.
LB (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Carson Bruener
This group also looks largely set. Malik Harrison is the easiest cut on the roster, and these five feel like the safest bets.
The only real debate is how many linebackers dress on game day. If it’s four, somebody gets left out.
Cole Holcomb seems to be ahead of Elandon Roberts at the moment, though Roberts may be the stronger defender. If only four make the active list, both should be nervous.
CB (5): Joey Porter, Jamel Dean, Asante Samuel, Brandon Echols, Daylen Everette
There’s a chance one of these corners begins the season on injured reserve, which could open the door to carrying four true corners, with Jalen Ramsey also an option there, or possibly keeping someone like Doneiko Slaughter around for a short stretch.
Even so, the top five look secure based on investment and performance.
S (5): Jalen Ramsey, DeShon Elliott, Jaquan Brisker, Rayshawn Jenkins, Robert Spears-Jennings
This is a strong five if the Steelers really do keep that many. Ramsey fits better at safety, while DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker give the team quality options to rotate and match up.
Rayshawn Jenkins has been excellent and brings special teams value along with veteran experience. Robert Spears-Jennings has had a strong summer and would be difficult to cut. Keeping both would make plenty of sense.
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