PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 23: Joey Porter Jr. #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates during the second quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Last week against the Houston Texans, the Pittsburgh Steelers played 33 different players on defense. Most of them were guys who were fighting for a spot on the depth chart or just a spot on the 53-man roster.
The Steelers sat out several key starters on defense last week against the Houston Texans and we don't think that will change to a great extent against the Buffalo Bills. Edge Alex Highsmith is dealing with a minor injury and veterans T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick weren't in need of extra reps.
Since the second preseason game is the most important of the schedule, will we see any or all of those guys on the field versus the Bills? It remains to be seen but here is my prediction.
Defenisve tackle - 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
Nose tackle - Montravius Adams
Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) scrambles with the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Houston won 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive end - Larry Ogunjobi
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 16: Larry Ogunjobi #99 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Outside linebacker - 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)
Outside linebacker - Nick Herbig
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 31: Nick Herbig #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on after beating the Seattle Seahawks 30-23 at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Conor Courtney/Getty Images)
Inside linebacker - Elandon Roberts
Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) runs with the ball after a whistle during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Inside linebacker - Payton Wilson
Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Texans running back J.J. Taylor (38) runs against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback - Joey Porter Jr.
Jul 28, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) signs autographs for fans during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback - Donte Jackson
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 22: Cornerback Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. It was Jackson's second interception of the game. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
Cornerback - Beanie Bishop Jr.
Sep 11, 2021; West Point, New York, USA; A September 11th memorial ribbon decal is seen on the back of the helmet worn by Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Beanie Bishop (21) during the second half against the Army Black Knights at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Safey - DeShon Elliott
Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (3) eludes Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (250 to score a touchdown during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
Safety - 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)
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