Steelers have roster cut decisions to make and that’s a good thing

by Bo Marchionte
Published August 25, 2023, 11:49 AM

Pittsburgh, PA – The preseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers came to an end against the Atlanta Falcons in triumph fashion. The first-team offense once again remained red hot as it built an early 14-0 lead that would grow into a 24-0 victory.

The conclusion of the preseason means the dreaded deadline for teams to trim their rosters to 53 is upon us. This year, each team will need to confirm that they have no more than 53 active players on their rosters before the Tuesday, Aug. 29 deadline at 4:00 p.m. ET. For Pittsburgh there are a handful of names to monitor closely over the weekend and prior to Tuesday’s cutdown date.

Special teams ace Gunner Olszewski was brought in last season to handle punting duties. Two fumbles in the first four games limited Olszewski to just eight punt returns for 55 yards last season. It appeared the team’s confidence in him wavered which brings us to 2023.

ROSTER BUBBLE PLAYERS

Gunner Olszewki, WR/PR – Pittsburgh has found a lightning rod in the preseason with second-year receiver Calvin Austin returning punts. It diminishes Olszewski’s most powerful alley and puts him on his back foot for being a lock for the 53-man roster. A defensive back at Bemidji State, Olszewski plays with a demeanor worthy of endearing himself to the coaching staff. Tough as nails and committed to the team. A target magnet at practice, that same production doesn’t materialize on gameday.

Zach Gentry, TE – The last remaining connection from Antonio Brown to the Steelers is Gentry. It was Gentry’s entry into the NFL in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, a pick received by Pittsburgh from the then Oakland Raiders for the disgruntled receiver. Gentry resigned this past April and is a vital blocking component. Najee Harris was fifth in the NFL in carries (272) last year and Gentry excels in providing another lineman on the field. The acquisition of rookie Darnell Washington (6’7 265) in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft jeopardizes the stronghold Gentry has on the oversized blocking tight end the team covets.

Kenny Robinson, S – The first XFL player to get drafted (fifth round of 2020 NFL Draft), Robinson has provided the Steelers staff with a real dilemma with the 29^th approaching. Filling in for Minkah Fitzpatrick at the start of training camp, we got accustomed to watching No. 41 roaming the secondary. The Steelers depth at safety places Robinson in a tough situation. The injury history of Tre Norwood could place an emphasis on Robinson becoming the successor of Norwood’s spot.

Tre Norwood, S – With six starts over the last two seasons, this former seventh round selection in 2021 by the Steelers wasn’t done any favors by missing time in camp. Availability is as important as ability. Norwood is a bit more versatile in the secondary. Norwood has appeared in 32 NFL games and Robinson has appeared in 19 but entered the league one year earlier.

Elijah Riley, NB – The Steelers value in the nickelback bumps up the value for Riley in Pittsburgh. Riley had a great minicamp and maintained that same momentum throughout the preseason. In my opinion he is more interchangeable in the secondary than both Robinson and Norwood listed above.

Spencer Anderson, OL – Originally, I felt Anderson would not make the cut, but now I’m optimistic he could sneak himself onto the 53-man roster. Le’Raven Clark has started 18 games since entering the league in 2016 of the NFL Draft in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts. Anderson hypothetically could equal or exceed (playoffs) Clark in starts in this season alone if some unforeseen circumstances would occur amongst the offensive line. Spencer is a versatile interior offensive lineman with starting experience at guard, center, and tackle during his time at Maryland. Will Pittsburgh value that over Clark’s ability to manage the tackle position or Anderson’s talent to be an interchangeable piece for the OL.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com