Steelers 53 man roster projection heading into preseason Week 2 game against Redskins

QB (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Bruce Gradkowski, Landry Jones Pretty simple. Let's see how well the unit performs against Washington.

RB (4): Le'Veon Bell, Isaac Redman, LaRod Stephens-Howling, Will Johnson

The needs at other positions force the Steelers to keep just three running backs and one fullback.

TE (4): (Heath Miller), David Paulson, Jaime McCoy, Michael Palmer

Keep an eye on the status of David Johnson as well. If either he or Miller are placed on the regular season PUP, it may save another running back, but even then the extra spot could be used elsewhere.

WR (5): Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Jerricho Cotchery, Markus Wheaton, Justin Brown

Justin Brown looks to be the front-runner over J.D. Woods at this point, but that could easily change. Steelers may go with just four receivers again, too.

OT (4): Mike Adams, Marcus Gilbert, Kelvin Beachum, Guy Whimper

Joe Long has an outside chance here, but for the sake of keeping a deep linebackers and cornerbacks group for special teams, they may start the season with seven offensive linemen.

OG (3): Ramon Foster, David DeCastro, John Malecki

C (1): Maurkice Pouncey

Defense - 26 players

LE (2): Ziggy Hood, Al Woods

Woods' versatility and outstanding training camp can't be ignored.

RE (2): Brett Keisel, Cameron Heyward

NT (3): Steve McLendon, Alameda Ta'amu, Loni Fangupo

The Steelers can get deep with their defensive linemen, something they like to do when the weather is hot.

OLBs (5): LaMarr Woodley, Adrian Robinson, Jason Worilds, Jarvis Jones, Chris Carter

Robinson and Alan Baxter are still battling, and Chris Carter's experience can't be discounted here.

ILBs (5):Lawrence Timmons, Larry Foote, Marshall McFadden, Vince Williams, Brian Rolle

Rolle is something of a surprise but his athleticism make him a more viable option than Sylvester.

CB (5): Ike Taylor, Cortez Allen, William Gay, Curtis Brown, Terry Hawthorne

FS (2): Ryan Clark, Robert Golden

Missed assignment on punt block last week gets Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith cut.

SS (2): Troy Polamalu, Shamarko Thomas

Specialists - three players

K: Shaun Suisham

P: Brian Moorman

In the end, they signed him for a reason. Butler hasn't done enough to fend the veteran off.

LS: Greg Warren

More from Behind the Steel Curtain:

• Steelers vs. Redskins StoryStream
• Young WRs looking up to Antonio Brown
• Steelers Madden 25 offensive ratings
• Le'Veon Bell gets start vs. Redskins
• Tomlin: Observing in prime time spotlight
• Polamalu healthier, wiser
• Steelers organization greater than the sum of its parts
• Steelers roster bubble: Moorman vs. Butler
• Steelers vs. Redskins: 5 things to watch
• Steelers roster cheat sheet
• Steelers vs. Redskins: How to watch tonight's game
• Report says Heath Miller may miss first month of season
• Are the Steelers injury-prone? An in-depth look at the answer

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