Pittsburgh Review

The Steelers, along with the other 31 NFL teams, trimmed their roster to the league's 53-man limit by 4 p.m. Tuesday in preparation for the start of the 2024 season.

The most significant part of this process involved releasing dozens of players as teams reduced rosters from the 90 participants in training camp to the streamlined 53-man roster. The Steelers' initial roster includes 22 new players who were not on the active roster at any point in 2023.

A major change is seen in the quarterback room, where all three players are new to the team. The Steelers retained three quarterbacks: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen, all acquired this offseason.

Rookie John Rhys Plumlee, who led kick returns in preseason, was among those released but could return on the practice squad.

The team also placed offensive tackle Dylan Cook and outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon on injured reserve with a designation to return later this season. According to league rules, these designations mean Cook and Moon must miss at least four games before resuming practice. They will then have 21 days to practice before a decision is made regarding their active roster status or placement on season-ending injured reserve.

With Moon designated to return, the Steelers kept just three true outside linebackers: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. Defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal was utilized as an outside linebacker during training camp and preseason games.

Consequently, eight defensive linemen were included in the initial roster: Leal, Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and rookie Logan Lee. This number is up from seven defensive linemen last year.

At tight end, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward and MyCole Pruitt made the roster under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's preference for multiple tight end sets. The release of fullback Jack Colletto aligns with this strategy.

The team kept five cornerbacks and five wide receivers—one fewer than last year's initial roster—indicating potential future additions after evaluating available options. Cordarrelle Patterson was added this offseason as both a running back and top kick returner with experience as a wide receiver.

Rookie Beanie Bishop leads candidates for nickel corner while strong safety DeShon Elliott has also played that role when employing a three-safety package including Damontae Kazee and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Defensive back Ryan Watts was placed on season-ending injured reserve following an injury in the team's preseason finale. Veteran Jalen Elliott made the roster as a safety and special teams player instead.

Two other rookies who were injured in preseason—first-round pick Troy Fautanu and third-round selection Roman Wilson—made the initial roster suggesting they are expected back soon. Fautanu suffered a knee sprain while Wilson sprained his ankle during training camp.

Fellow rookie Payton Wilson missed the preseason finale due to concussion evaluation but remained one of five inside linebackers on the roster along with Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Tyler Matakevich and Mark Robinson. Cole Holcomb remains on physically unable to perform list but could return later in season bolstering inside linebacker depth.

•Dale Lolley is co-host of "SNR Drive" on Steelers Nation Radio. Subscribe to the podcast here: Apple Podcast | iHeart Podcast

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