Steelers Entering Crunch Time On Roster Moves

The Pittsburgh Steelers face tough roster calls before Tuesday’s 53-man deadline.

General manager Omar Khan has options thanks to a rule change that allows teams to place up to two injured players on reserve with a designation to return before final cuts.

In the past, players had to be carried onto the roster first, often forcing clubs to risk others on the waiver wire. Any IR placement means missing at least four games, though teams can bring back as many as eight during the year.

Pittsburgh has several candidates for that list, including rookie quarterback Will Howard, who fractured a bone in his throwing hand on Aug. 5 and has yet to practice. Cornerbacks Cory Trice Jr. and Donte Kent remain sidelined, and receiver Calvin Austin III has only just returned in a limited role.

Howard’s absence has opened the door for Skylar Thompson, who has completed 30 of 43 passes for 346 yards, three touchdowns and one interception this preseason.

Thompson and the team’s depth at the position have impressed offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who said, “That’s a deep quarterback room… very impressive the way he’s operated,” as transcribed by Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The battle at wide receiver is equally crowded. Austin, DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson appear safe, while Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek also have strong standing. Veterans like Robert Woods may be vulnerable, particularly with younger wideouts such as Brandon Johnson pushing for spots. Smith praised Miller and Johnson, calling them trustworthy and reliable.

The Steelers will have to balance health, performance and depth across positions, with IR designations likely shaping the final roster.

Decisions made in the next few days could carry weight deep into the season.

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