Steelers Dynamic Rookies Are Already Moving Up On The Depth Chart

The Pittsburgh Steelers are known to bury their rookies on the depth chart, and the team obviously went that direction again in 2023. While many rookies were listed on second team, most did not play on the second team in their first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Guys like Broderick Jones and Darnell Washington played with the third and fourth teams in that game. In their second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, it has become obvious that the depth chart has changed despite the official depth chart on the team's official website not being updated yet. 

Jones played with both the third and fourth team offenses against the Buccaneers behind Dan Moore Jr. and Spencer Anderson, who is also a rookie. Besides one bad play where he allowed a pass rusher to strip-sack Mason Rudolph, he had a solid game. Despite that good game, it is obvious that Jones is not content with being a third-string tackle. 

Jones quickly made his way to second-string tackle while rotating with Le'Raven Clark, while also rotating on the third team. Once Mitchell Trubisky came out to lead the second-team offense, Jones came out with him to protect his blind side. Now, his goal is to take the starting role from Moore Jr., although that is easier said than done, especially after what Kevin Dotson saw before training camp. 

Joey Porter Jr. missed the first preseason game due to an ankle injury. However, he was good to go against the Bills and played with the second-team secondary in the first half as a part of the hybrid first/second-team defense. He was only targeted twice in the game, and even hauled in an interception near the end of the first half, which set up a Steelers touchdown. 

Darnell Washington specifically played on the third-team offense led by Mason Rudolph during the Buccaneers game, but he rotated with Zach Gentry and Connor Heyward at the second-string tight end position. Even though Heyward will likely be a utility player and a fullback first, getting Washington competing with Heyward for reps is still notable due to the Steelers normally burying rookies in the depth chart.

Even though Calvin Austin III is not technically a rookie, he is still getting the rookie treatment since he missed his entire first season due to injury. Against the Buccaneers, Austin proved that the 2022 ailments will not hinder him for the 2023 season after a 67-yard touchdown on a catch and run from Rudolph. That helped give Austin more reps in more ways than one.

The first way is Austin moving up to second-team receiver, where he made two catches, although one was called back via penalty. He also started at punt returner like the depth chart says. He returned one punt for 54 yards, setting up a one-play scoring drive from the 25-yard line. While he's still part of the second-team offense, it looks like he won the starting returner role, especially with his competition being guys like Anthony McFarland and Jordan Byrd. 

Which Steelers Players Fell On The Depth Chart?

Spencer Anderson got the second-team nod over Jones at left tackle against the Buccaneers, then switched to left guard for the third-team offense so Jones could play tackle. As opposed to dropping to third string, he didn't get any time at left tackle against the Bills with Clark and Jones rotating. Anderson stayed in as third-string guard while also moving over to center late in the game. Anderson may be competing with Clark and Kevin Dotson for the last offensive lineman spot on the roster.

What do you think about the Steelers' rookies making leaps on the depth chart after (mostly) positive performances from the first two preseason weeks? Let us know down in the comments below.

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