The Pittsburgh Steelers are finalizing their roster for the 2024 season, as they look to cut down the roster from 90 men to 53 men. There have already been some moves made to release some of the more obvious "camp bodies." They also recently released Quez Watkins after a less than desired showing during the preseason. However, their next wave of cuts was for players that started in the preseason and worked with the first-team offense and defense throughout training camp and/or preseason.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
One of their releases was Jack Colletto, a fullback. Even though the fullback position is dying out in the NFL, it seemed like the Steelers were considering using one again. They opted to not use one during the 2023 season, as Connor Heyward stayed at the tight end role as opposed to moving around as a versatile H-back. With this move, it seems like the Steelers may continue to not incorporate the fullback role in their offense.
Steelers have released FB Jack Colletto, per source. If he clears waivers, he'll be a good practice squad candidate.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 27, 2024
Colletto ran with first-team offense as fullback on multiple occasions, while Heyward mostly played with the third team as a tight end only. The Steelers did not have anyone at the fullback position when Colletto was on the bench. With that in mind, it seems like Heyward will likely stick with the same role that he had during his first two seasons in the NFL, although his place on the tight end depth chart could be up for debate.
USA Today
Steelers' Connor Heyward running with the ball.
Steelers Lose Defensive First-Teamer
Shortly after Colletto was released, it was announced that the Steelers also let go of Thomas Graham Jr. Graham was given the top spot in the team's final preseason game after Mike Tomlin announced that Beanie Bishop Jr., the favorite to win the spot, did not deserve it yet. Because of that, Graham got the best chance to prove himself in Week 3 of the preseason, but he obviously did not deliver in the eyes of his coaches.
The #Steelers released DB Thomas Graham Jr., per @AaronWilson_NFL.
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) August 27, 2024
After Grayland Arnold was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve, Bishop himself struggled with injuries. He missed the second preseason game as well. Graham was given many chances to win the spot by default. Instead, Bishop sticks around as the last true slot corner on the roster. Whether or not the Steelers actually roll with him or look for someone else in free agency is still to be determined.
TAYLOR OLLASON / pittsburgh STEELERS
Steelers' Beanie Bishop Jr. working with the team during camp.
There are still more cuts to come, as the Steelers have not made it all the way down to 53 players yet. Colletto and Graham could both make it back to the practice squad if no other team signs them. Graham especially would make a great addition in that front, as the Steelers will want some slot corner depth in case Bishop doesn't work out for them. It's always unfortunate to see a young, hopeful player lose his job like this, but that's the cruel nature of the business of the NFL.
What do you think about the Steelers releasing players that spent a good chunk of training camp and preseason with their respective first-team units? Let us know in the comments.
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