Offense (24)
Quarterback (3) - Ben Roethlisberger, Bruce Gradkowski, Landry Jones
Running backs (5) - Le'Veon Bell, LeGarrette Blount, Dri Archer, Will Johnson, TBD
We mentioned this last time, "anyone want on the Stephen Houston Bandwagon? It's coming." He's gonna get a lot of carries Thursday against Carolina, making a late charge at the Redman Award (ok maybe not) and possibly even avoiding the yearly trend of an unheralded running back doing well in the final game, only to be released two days later.
We're still of the belief the team wants to bring in a veteran, but it's possible they'll just go with four.
Offensive tackles (4) - Marcus Gilbert, Kelvin Beachum, Mike Adams, Wesley Johnson
Offensive guards (3) - Ramon Foster, David DeCastro, Cody Wallace
Centers (1) - Maurkice Pouncey
Not that the rookie Johnson was in much danger for the first cut, but he'll likely get looks at multiple positions Thursday and, in that, seal his spot on the team. The release of Chris Elkins likely means Johnson will play largely at center, behind Wallace.
Tight ends (3) - Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, Michael Palmer
We'll say it again, "this is a big game for Rob Blanchflower, the team's seventh-round pick. He'll likely make it through Tuesday's cuts but he's going to have to show something Thursday. They're giving him every chance to take Palmer's spot, but I don't think he's done that yet." It's no different today.
Wide receivers (5) - Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Lance Moore, Justin Brown, Martavis Bryant
ESPN's Scott Brown opined the special teams contributions of Darrius Heyward-Bey may compel the team to keep a sixth receiver. If a veteran receiver is the best punt-gunner they have, the team's defensive secondary is a bit more shallow than we initially thought. We're staying with five but Heyward-Bey is one to watch Thursday.
Defense (25)
Nose tackles (2) - Steve McLendon, Dan McCullers
Defensive ends (5) - Cameron Heyward, Brett Keisel, Cam Thomas, Stephon Tuitt, Nick Williams
Still the position to watch. The somewhat unexpected early release of Hebron Fangupo nudges McCullers into his former role - goal line and special teams. This really is now about Josh Mauro and Ethan Hemer vs. Williams. We're giving Williams the edge due to positional flexibility, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Mauro find his way onto this team initially.
Inside linebackers (5) - Lawrence Timmons, Ryan Shazier, Sean Spence, Vince Williams, Terence Garvin
Outside linebackers (4) - Jason Worilds, Jarvis Jones, Arthur Moats, Chris Carter
As compelling as Howard Jones' story is, he's going to have to show beast-like ability on special teams to make the team over Carter. He'll have to dress on game day and it's a wonder if he's ready to do that. The team may keep a 10th linebacker, but that's an extreme case and one not likely worth an undrafted rookie.
Then again, we wrote the same thing about Adrian Robinson two years ago.
We've heard repeatedly Jordan Zumwalt may be a surprise keep here, providing more evidence the team may keep 10 linebackers, or even just flat-out cutting Carter or Terence Garvin. We'd rather have either of them than the oft-injured Zumwalt right now, but Zumwalt is practice-squad eligible and injured. Perhaps a redshirt-IR move is in the works here.
Cornerbacks (5) - Ike Taylor, Cortez Allen, William Gay, Brice McCain, Antwon Blake
Safeties (4) - Troy Polamalu, Mike Mitchell, Shamarko Thomas, Robert Golden
Ah, now I remember why Mike Mitchell blocked us on Twitter. We suggested a motivational "co-starter" designation for Shamarko Thomas. That wasn't meant as an "anti-Mitchell" statement as much as it was "pro-Thomas." Competition is good. Soapstone sharpens soapstone.
With Dangerfield out of the picture now, it's going to come down to Golden and Will Allen, and that could go either way. Allen is the better safety, Golden is stronger on 'teams. We love what Thomas has been doing and feel he could back up both positions to the point he'd be their guy in case of injury, leaving Golden to be the special-teams captain this season.
Specialists (4)
Kicker (1) - Shaun Suisham
Punter (1) - TBD
Long snappers (2) - Greg Warren, Bryce Davis
Reports suggest Warren is on track to be able to play in Week 1 and beyond. We think the final roster will change after the final cuts and Davis will be kept for insurance. They'll tell him to keep his bags packed because more of the issue here isn't Week 1, it's the Week 1 and Week 2 Combo Platter. The Steelers have to turn around and play on Thursday Night (at Baltimore) in Week 2, and if Warren isn't ready for Week 1, it's really hard to say he'll definitely be ready for Week 2. They may have to keep Davis through Friday before Week 1.
Whether Adam Podlesh comes back next week or whether the Steelers look elsewhere, Wing has missed a few too many times to think an upgrade isn't coming. Don't look so much at his net average since he's put a few really nice ones inside the 20 and showed good hang time. But he doesn't have the long-field leg strength. We're on the fence here, but considering the team's track record with punters, we think they're going to kick a few tires come cut day.