The Steelers made their cuts, and it's time to analyze who's gonna stick around to practice with the team.
The team can have up to 10 players, a new rule this year that passed. Here are some players the Steelers are hoping can pass through waivers so they can sign them to their practice squad:
Howard Jones most certainly could top this list. The very raw linebacker could be the player the Steelers are holding their breath will pass waivers so they can keep him for another year and help develop him inside their own building. Jones has made plays when they presented themselves this preseason, but his inexperience most likely kept him off the 53-man roster.
After Jones, the other player the Steelers are keeping their fingers crossed to make it through waivers is defensive lineman Josh Mauro. Mauro had to be a difficult decision for the organization, but with the team signing Brett Keisel, the writing was on the wall for any real chance Mauro had to make the 53-man roster. If Mauro passes waivers, there's no doubt the Steelers sign him to the practice squad.
Shaquille Richardson didn't have much of a chance to show the Steelers or any other NFL team what he's capable of due to injury this preseason, but don't think the Steelers don't want this cornerback to remain within the organization. Richardson's lack of film for other teams will certainly make him available to be signed to the practice squad.
Rob Blanchflower was another rookie that was hampered by an injury this preseason, but with Heath Miller aging and Matt Spaeth not as complete a tight end, the Steelers will want to sign Blanchflower after he clears waivers to let the UMass product develop.
Joining linebacker Jones on the practice squad very well could be Dan Molls. Molls showed evidence that he could play linebacker at the NFL level, but with a roster riddled with talent at this position, another year for him to develop would certainly improve his prospect for making the 53-man roster next year.
Cornerback Isaiah Green might also find himself on the practice squad if he clears waivers. Green has experience on the active roster and is a special teams player with capabilities to make an impact on the team.
Other players likely to find themselves back within the organization on the practice squad could be offensive lineman Will Simmons, running back Stephen Houston, quarterback Brendon Kay, and defensive tackle Nick Williams.
Players will be able to be signed to the practice squad on Sunday, August 31st at 12 p.m. ET.