STEELERS

6 Steelers who earned a roster spot but probably won't make it

Curt Popejoy
USA TODAY Sports

I cannot recall a time when there were as many Pittsburgh Steelers position battles coming right down to the wire as there are this season. For most of these guys, it is less about ability and more of a numbers game. This means the guys on this list, if they don't make the Steelers could quickly find themselves on another roster. Here are the six we will be watching.

OT Dylan Cook

(AP Photo/Peter Joneleit) ORG XMIT: NYOTK

Cook has looked strong in limited action, so much so he was working with the second team Thursday against the Falcons. If he doesn't make the team, Pittsburgh will only have one true offensive tackle as a backup for both sides.

G Nate Herbig

Jul 27, 2023; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Nate Herbig (71) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Herbig has been very good in training camp and the preseason but a shoulder injury could keep him off the initial 53-man roster.

DB Tre Norwood

Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers

Tre Norwood was a longshot to make the team with the additions at safety but being hurt did him no favors.

CB James Pierre

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 16: James Pierre #42 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after breaking up a pass during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

I really hope James Pierre makes the team. But his spot will depend on how many inside linebackers and/or safeties the Steeles keep on the roster.

NT Breiden Fehoko

TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 11: Breiden Fehoko #96 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers react after a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

I've seen multiple projections where the Steelers opt to keep Montravius Adams or Armon Watts over Fehoko. This would be a tough call to make given how strong Fehoko is against the run.

S Kenny Robinson

Aug 11, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Kaylon Geiger (80) runs with the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kenny Robinson (41) defends during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest surprises from training camp was the exceptional performance of Kenny Robinson. Unfortunately, the special teams production of Miles Killebrew will keep Robinson from making the team.

TE Zach Gentry

Dec 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) runs after a catch against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

If the Steelers don't use the fullback roster spot for Connor Heyward, Zach Gentry will be out and Connor will take his spot on the depth chart.