Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) reacts on the sidelines against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Houston won 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The 2024 NFL draft and free agency went well for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now one week into the preseason, it is time for an updated 53-man roster projection. The Steelers lost their first preseason game 20-12 against the Houston Texans. But despite the outcome, there was plenty of good information to pull from the game on which players are working toward a spot on the roster and which ones are not.
We still expect the Steelers to add a handful of guys who aren't currently on the roster once other teams. The Steelers still need help at cornerback, wide receiver and edge defender but using who we have, here's our latest prediction for the start of the year.
1. QB Russell Wilson
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 9: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
2. QB Justin Fields
Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
3. QB Kyle Allen
Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
4. RB Najee Harris
Jan 15, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) runs the ball in the first half against the Buffalo Bills in a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
5. RB Jaylen Warren
Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
6. RB Cordarrelle Patterson
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) run in the open field against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
7. WR George Pickens
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 31: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs for a first down against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
8. WR Roman Wilson
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Roman Wilson (1) runs with the ball against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
9. WR Van Jefferson
Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
10. WR Calvin Austin III
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 24: Calvin Austin III #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
11. WR Dez Fitzpatrick
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 09: Dez Fitzpatrick #82 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs after the catch against Kris Boyd #17 of the Houston Texans in the first half on August 9, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
12. WR Scotty Miller
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 09: Scotty Miller #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a catch in the second half during the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
13. TE Pat Freiermuth
Nov 26, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals safety Nick Scott (33) after a catch a in the first quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
14. TE Connor Heyward
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 16: Connor Heyward #83 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball against Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a first down during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
15. TE Darnell Washington
CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 26: Darnell Washington #80 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball during the first half of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
16. TE MyCole Pruitt
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
17. OT Broderick Jones
Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy (right) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
18. OT Troy Fautanu
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 19: Troy Fautanu #55 of the Washington Huskies in action during the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Husky Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
19. OT Dan Moore Jr.
Pittsburgh Steelers Dan Moore Jr. (65) signals for a first down during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on December 24, 2022. Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Las Vegas Raiders Week 16
20. IOL Isaac Seumalo
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
21. IOL James Daniels
Dec 11, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard James Daniels (78) pass blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
22. C Zach Frazier
Oct 30, 2021; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers offensive lineman Zach Frazier (54) before a snap during the second quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
23. IOL Mason McCormick
Iowa defensive lineman Yahya Black (94) blocks against South Dakota State offensive lineman Mason McCormick (60) during a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. 220903 Sdsu Iowa Fb 030 Jpg
24. C Ryan McCollum
Dec 19, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions center Ryan McCollum (74) walks down the tunnel to the field before the start of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
25. OL Spencer Anderson
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Spencer Anderson (74) reacts on the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
26. DL Cam Heyward
Nov 2, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward watches the game against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
27. DL Keeanu Benton
Nov 2, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Keeanu Benton (95) stretches before playing the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
28. DL Larry Ogunjobi
Dec 24, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) takes the field against the Las Vegas Raiders at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
29. DL Montravius Adams
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 16: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass as Montravius Adams #57 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends in the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
30. DL Logan Lee
Iowa defensive lineman Logan Lee puts on a championship hat after defeating Kentucky in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. Syndication The Tennessean
31. DL DeMarvin Leal
Aug 20, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) reacts after a sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
32. OLB T.J. Watt
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 24: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the Las Vegas Raiders avoids a sack by T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of their game at Allegiant Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
33. OLB Alex Highsmith
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 12: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers attempts a pass while being tackled by Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
34. OLB Jeremiah Moon
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 09: Jeremiah Moon #49 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack in the second half during the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
35. OLB Nick Herbig
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 23: Nick Herbig #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
36. ILB Elandon Roberts
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Elandon Roberts #50 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
37. ILB Cole Holcomb
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
38. ILB Payton Wilson
Oct 28, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on an interception during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
39. LB Patrick Queen
Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen (6) against the Las Vegas Raiders during Monday Night Football at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
40. LB Tyler Matakevich
Jun 12, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) participates in drills during minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
41. CB Joey Porter Jr.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 31: Joey Porter Jr. #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends a pass intended for DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
42. CB Donte Jackson
Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
43. CB Darius Rush
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Rush (21) reacts to nearly making an interception against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of their their game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Penn., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.
44. CB Beanie Bishop Jr.
Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
45. CB Cory Trice Jr.
Jul 27, 2023; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cory Trice (27) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
46. DB Ryan Watts
Texas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Watts (6) warms up before competing against TCU Horned Frogs of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Austin, Texas.
47. S Minkah Fitzpatrick
Joe Sargent/Getty Images
48. S DeShon Elliott
Rich Storry/Getty Images)
49. S Damontae Kazee
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball while defended by Damontae Kazee #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
50. S Miles Killebrew
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 12: Derek Watt #44, Miles Killebrew #28, and Jamir Jones #40 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate after a returned blocked punt for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
51. K Chris Boswell
Sep 22, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) kicks an extra point after a Steelers touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Nate Tice is joined by Matt Harmon to give their takeaways from NFL Week 5 and deep dive on some underperforming NFL offenses & defenses to decide if they're broken beyond repair — or just need a patch job.
6x Pro Bowl DT Gerald McCoy and 2x Super Bowl winner Kyle Van Noy recap their favorite moments from week 3 in the NFL, give their perspective on Antonio Pierce calling out his Raiders players and make their week 4 picks.
Could there be more downfield passing for Rodgers? It’s too soon to say. But the Jets want to see change — now. What this means for OC Nathaniel Hackett and his role is unclear.
