With the 2024 preseason in the rearview mirror, NFL teams are fully focused on making those final roster cuts to get down to the 53-player requirement by 4 PM on Tuesday, August 27th. The Steelers have been on a rollercoaster throughout training camp and preseason, leaving them with more than a few questions about the roster. With the deadline quickly approaching, the Steelers may have to admit that in-house isn’t the best option.
Steelers Offensive Line Depth
Injuries are simply a part of the game in the NFL, but they always take a toll when they occur. The Steelers, with a heavy investment in the trenches over the last three seasons, came into training camp with an apparent wealth on the offensive line with both starting and depth players. However, an early injury to 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu led to 2023 first-round selection Broderick Jones looking awkward and slower with a brace on his right arm.
Nate Herbig, who was running with the first team as a center at the start of camp, is done for the season with a torn rotator cuff. Zach Frazier, Pittsburgh’s 2024 second-round pick, was tapped to become the starting center at some point during the 2024 season, but this removes a key depth piece for the Steelers in Herbig. Ryan McCollum will most likely be the backup to Frazier, with rookie Mason McCormick also having collegiate center experience if it comes to that.
A slew of cuts removed Anderson Hardy, Tyler Beach, and Devery Hamilton. Now, Pittsburgh’s offensive line depth chart will likely include Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook. Cook was seen in a walking boot and could begin the year on IR if he isn’t released. Nothing is set in stone, though. With every other NFL team going through the roster and making the necessary cuts ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, the Steelers could sign someone else who fits the desired role better. Considering how frustrating the offense has been this preseason, the Steelers will have more pressing issues than line coach Pat Meyer and their linemen’ depth when the regular season begins.
Steelers Admit Nickel Is A Concern
When training camp began for the Steelers, it seemed undrafted rookie free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. would take the nickel role. That was a kneejerk reaction, as Bishop’s practice ability didn’t translate to the football field. His performance in the preseason opener against the Houston Texans didn’t just show a rookie player who needs to continue growing; Bishop was a liability in every facet of the game. Head coach Mike Tomlin had seen enough from the West Virginia rookie in camp that the team wanted him to go out and earn the spot. However, Bishop didn’t play in the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills and was relegated to the second half against the Detroit Lions.
Cam Sutton, who returned to the Steelers after one subpar season in Detroit, is suspended for the first eight games of 2024, leaving a void at the nickel position until then. Thomas Graham Jr. played passably in place of Bishop, but it seems much more likely that the Steelers front office is watching like a hawk for the defensive backs cut by other teams, which would be an upgrade over what they currently have. That doesn’t mean Bishop or Graham won’t eventually be a player who could be trusted in the slot against the more shifty receivers in the league, but that moment isn’t now.
Ryan Watts doesn’t have the speed for nickel. While Darius Rush and Cory Trice Jr. can play depth cornerback, it isn’t what they excel at nor how the team would choose to utilize them. Pittsbur should have one of the more dangerous defensive front seven’s in the NFL. However, if the secondary has gaps in vital spots, it could frustrate their pass rushers. Pittsburgh has had enough time to see if they have a reliable nickel option. From everything on tape and what is being said by the players and staff, Steelers fans should expect the team to bring in an outside name to fill that spot instead, at least in a starting role until Sutton returns from suspension.
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