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Pittsburgh Steelers Fact or Fiction: Midway through the preseason edition

BTSC takes five bold statements surrounding the current state of the team and labels them as Fact or Fiction.

NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers ar midway through the preseason and the game against Tennessee will be the truest example of what the 2019 season may offer. A big part of the narrative will be written in the Music City. BTSC anticipates big storylines and issues bold statements regarding each one of them. Let’s take a look and deem them as fact or fiction.


The money will not be right for Joe Haden to sign an extension before the opener.

Fact

While signing Haden is a priority for both the franchise and the Steeler corner, however how much of a team-friendly discount will Haden give. While I’m hoping this deal gets done, I’m thinking that the two sides might not be close enough to get the deal done right away.


Ryan Switzer will not get cut, but he could get traded.

Fact

Switzer is the kind of player that could fetch a fifth or a sixth-rounder from a receiver-needy team, but I still think that Ben Roethlisberger values his services enough that he remains with the Steelers. Should they go in a different direction, I would expect the Steelers to still not release him. They would want return for No. 10.


Tyler Matakevich will be a casualty when the 53-man roster is announced.

Fiction

“Dirty Red” is diligently playing for his Pittsburgh-football life and it has shown on the field of play.The team values his contributions on special teams and despite Ulysses Gilbert III and Robert Spillane playing inspired ball, I expect No. 44 to stick around this fall.


Bud Dupree will not be a Steeler next season.

Fact

It just isn’t going to happen. Bud claims to be betting on himself and wants to explore the open market. If he has a blockbuster season, Dupree will price himself out of range for the team from the Steel City. If he is merely mediocre to decent, the Steelers won’t be likely to bring him back.


Devin Bush’s shoulder injury isn’t much of a concern.

Fiction

While it’s true that the Steelers are being cautious if they hold out their top-choice from Michigan out of the Tennessee game in order to be ready for the regular season, I’m holding my breath that this injury doesn’t linger. The Steelers desperately need a healthy Bush this season.


Will these statements identify more as, to quote Bill Murray as John Winger in Stripes, “That’s a fact...Jack!” or will they identify more with the Albert Camus quote “Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.”? What matters most is your opinions on the matter. Please state them in the comments below.