Tone Of Steelers' Mike Tomlin Hints At A Rapidly Approaching Breakup With Offensive Lineman Kendrick Green

The Pittsburgh Steelers are quickly throwing themselves into the conversation in the AFC. The preseason doesn't mean too much, but after a convincing 27-17 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1, the team took on the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night. It was never really a contest as Pittsburgh was firing on all cylinders early. The group is far from perfect, but Head Coach, Mike Tomlin has to be pleased about what he has seen from his team in 2023 thus far. They will have one more tune-up against the Atlanta Falcons before preparing for the real Week 1.

The NFL preseason is a fantastic time for players on the roster bubble to earn a spot on the team. Several guys have their spots secured, but there are dozens that won't make the 53-man roster come September. It is pivotal for borderline players to prove their worth during the exhibition matchups if they don't want to be looking for a new home.

The Steelers front office made it clear throughout the 2023 offseason. The team wants to have a significant amount of depth in order to increase the level of competition and competitiveness. All three phases of the game have positional battles that are going on and it's not unfair to say that the team is getting better very quickly because of it.

One of the more interesting situations, however, is at the position where depth is lacking. There is no doubting that Mason Cole is the starting center for quarterback, Kenny Pickett and the offense. Everything going on behind Cole is a mystery. One injury could potentially derail an offense that is currently looking much better than 2022.

Tomlin spoke with the media after the team's beatdown of the Bills on Saturday evening and was as stoic and blunt as he normally is. He didn't seem overly impressed with the 27-15 win, but answered several questions from local and national media. Tomlin's press conferences are always somewhat entertaining and a simple question from a reporter resulted in an answer that may have hinted at a soon-to-be cut of a highly criticized player. 

Kendrick Green didn't dress or a single game in 2022 and if he does in 2023, it's looking like it won't be for the Steelers. He has gotten significant playing time in the team's two preseason games and it's not by accident. The coaching staff, and Tomlin in particular, are probably trying to figure out if the former third-round pick is deserving of a roster spot.

Steelers' Tomlin Extremely Displeased With Backup Center's Play

Green was extremely inconsistent once again on Saturday and did not perform well at center. He had multiple errant snaps, one of which led to a turnover and a BIlls touchdown. Tomlin wasn't too please when a reporter asked him about Green's efforts.

"Not good enough. Routine things routinely, is what we expect. It doesn't get more fundamental than [quarterback center] exchanges."

The writing might be on the wall for Green. Tomlin was direct and to the point when asked about his play at center on Saturday. Anyone watching probably could have noticed that he wasn't a guy worthy of a spot on September's roster.

The Steelers don't have many options behind Cole at center. Green might not be the answer, but Ryan McCollum and Nate Herbig might not be either. The team needs to decide quickly if Green can remain second on the depth chart. If not, a free agent could be brought in to make Pickett and co. much more comfortable if Cole were to go down.

Do you think the Steelers will keep Green come September? Let us know in the comments below!

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