The Pittsburgh Steelers had a successful first preseason game of 2023, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 27-17. Kenny Pickett shined in his first and only possession of the contest while several players stood out and will look to build momentum in the team's second matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. It won't be an easy task, especially early on, as quarterback, Josh Allen and several other Buffalo starters are expected to play for more than just one possession. The Bills are one of the best teams in the AFC entering the 2023 season and it will be a good test for the Steelers in all three phases of the game.
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett rolls out to look for an open receiver after taking a snap during a 2022 regular season game against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X:JSKO_PHOTO)
Preseason games may give fans a little bit of excitement as the regular season quickly approaches, but the contests aren't as hyped up as the games that really matter. This doesn't mean that they aren't important, however. The preseason gives players on the roster bubble a chance to prove what they are worth. The NFL moved to just three exhibition games (from four) in 2021 (aside from teams playing in the annual Hall of Fame Game). This limits the opportunities for guys fighting for their jobs.
The Steelers have several players looking to hang around into September and the amount of competition brought in throughout the 2023 offseason is going to make it difficult for some returning guys to land a roster spot. Saturday's matchup against Buffalo will be critical for the players below if they want to remain in Pittsburgh going forward.
1.) Kendrick Green, OL
Despite making fans go crazy throughout training camp when Kendrick Green has worked as a fullback, that's not his natural position and it likely won't be the reason he makes the 53-man roster in 2023. The Green experiment has not been a good one and with several new additions to the offensive line, he may be on his way out if he can't prove that he still has value as the team's backup center.
Steelers offensive lineman, Kendrick Green (#53) prepares to snap the football during a 2021 training camp practice at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
One thing going for Green is that Ryan McCollum probably isn't the answer to back up Mason Cole either, but Nate Herbig may be able to handle the duties if the Steelers don't bring in an external option. Green did not look great in the team's preseason opener and if he has another poor performance against Buffalo, it may just be the last straw. His seat is boiling hot.
2.) Gunner Olszewski, WR
If the Steelers decide to keep only five receivers on the initial 53-man roster, Gunner Olszewski is not going to be one of them. His hope for employment is dependent on the coaching staff wanting to keep six instead of five and even then, he has his work cut out for him. Calvin Austin III and Anthony McFarland Jr. will handle returning duties against the Bills and if they display the kind of athleticism everyone already knows they have, Olszewski is quite expendable.
Hakeem Butler has a much higher ceiling as a receiver and if Olszewski isn't providing value on special teams as a return man, the Steelers could elect to make Butler the sixth pass catcher who makes the cut. Olszewski will get plenty of offensive snaps on Saturday and he is in a head-to-head duel with Butler. Time is ticking and the former All-Pro returner may be out of luck.
Steelers wide receiver, Gunner Olszewski (#89) points to his right while on the field at Acrisure Stadium during warmups prior to a 2022 preseason game in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
3.) James Pierre, DB
It's hard to imagine James Pierre not making the regular season roster, but he was bullied against the Buccaneers. While Pierre is a cornerback the emergence of versatile safety Elijah Riley throughout training camp could lead to the team keeping one less natural cornerback because Riley can play the slot corner spot.
Another player who isn't playing and is on the bubble is defender, Tre Norwood. He, like Riley, also has more versatility than Pierre and depending on the performances from the two, the edge could swing in Norwood's favor by the time the preseason wraps up. Riley is still on the bubble as well, but after solid showings recently, the final cut in the defensive backfield may be a challenge.
Which Steelers player from 2022 do you think is on the roster bubble right now? Let us know in the comments below!
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