As We Say in Texas, “It’s getting down to N*T Cuttin’ Time!!!” (Figuratively and Literally for some Players)

Rob Simpson

With only one preseason game left and the biggest player cut down looming, many players are battling “TO GET IN WHERE THEY FIT IN”. Some are battling to start, others are scrapping it out for roster spots, practice squad spots, and some just to stay viable in the league. On August 30^th, each team will cut their rosters from 80 to 53 players. Deadline for cuts is 4pm ET.

Many players will get that proverbial call into the coach’s office and asked to bring their playbook. Some of those will get a reprieve, as they will remain on the practice squad. Many others will be left sweating it out until 4pm. Many players know that they were camp bodies and are in camp to try to make a name for themselves for next year, or to put good tape out there for another team to spot them (even XFL & USFL teams). With all that being said, lets get into some of the key camp battles going on for roster spots.

At the QB position, Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett are in a battle to start as QB1 on opening day. If Pickett has another excellent outing, it’s going to make that decision that much tougher to sit him on opening day. I would start him and get this inevitable train to rolling, but with the Steelers history on QBs, they probably will ride with Trubisky on day one.

Kevin Dotson and Kendrick Green are locked in a wrestling match for the starting Left Guard position. It appears Dotson is in the driver’s seat. He took all of the first team reps this week in practice. Not surprising if you looked at the game last week for Green. It appears he almost looks as lost as he did last year while playing the Center position.

Devin Bush and Robert Spillane, this is a curious case of camp competition. Bush is playing on the last year of his contract in which the Steelers did not pick up his 5^th year option (not good). His play last year, coming off an ACL injury in year 3, was below standard. And that’s being nice. And it seems that he has picked up where he left off from the end of the season last year. NOT GOOD AT ALL!!! However, Spillane is very capable and steady, but doesn’t give you the speed and athletic ability that the Steelers really like for their inside linebackers to have. And we do have a wildcard at the position. Rookie, 7^th round draft pick, Mark Robinson. He has the athletic ability and has shown a willingness to hit everything close to him. Its going to be interesting to see if the Steelers attempt to bring in a player after the final cut downs. If not to push the starters but then to add much needed depth at the position.

Here is my prediction of the final 53 roster.

Offense(3WR, 1TE)

QB: Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph

RB: Najee Harris, Benny Snell Jr., Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland Jr.

WR: Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III,

Gunner Olszewski, Miles Boykin

TE: Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Kevin Rader

FB: Derek Watt

LT: Dan Moore Jr., Joe Haeg

LG: Kevin Dotson, Kendrick Green

C: Mason Cole, J.C. Hassenauer

RG: James Daniels, John Leglue