PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers’ first preseason game left plenty of impressions, and at this point in the summer, it’s getting a little difficult to field a 53-man roster.

This is no longer a smooth process. After three weeks of training camp and a friendly, there are a lot of names that might have earned a spot on the roster. Unfortunately, there are too many names. And for the first time this offseason, predicting the 53-man roster involved some tough cuts.

Note: This 53-man roster prediction does not include Cam Sutton, who will be suspended for the first eight weeks of the season.

After the surprising changes in offense and defense, the Steelers’ active roster in Week 1 should look like this.

Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen

There may be a debate about whether Russell Wilson or Justin Fields should be the starter, but there is no debate about which three quarterbacks will make the roster. After Kyle Allen got all the reps in the second half against the Houston Texans, the door is closed to anything else.

Running back: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson

The Steelers are still waiting for Cordarrelle Patterson to debut, but after checking off the non-football injury list, they’re close. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren will lead the backfield, but expect Patterson to be used on offense as well, in addition to his role as kick returner.

Defender: Jack Colletto

Yes, we should still hold onto the Jack Colletto hype. He may not have gotten the attention we expected in the season opener, but he skated with the first team. That shows they are still interested and have a plan for a fullback.

Tight End: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt

The Steelers have a good-looking group of tight ends. Pat Freiermuth is ready to take off this season, and Darnell Washington doesn’t seem far behind. Connor Heyward remains a reliable reliever, and MyCole Pruitt is the perfect complement to a physical offense. The odd man out is Rodney Williams, who they should try to sign to the practice squad.

Wide Receivers: George Pickens, Brandon Aiyuk, Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson

Yes, you read that right. At this point, there are two possibilities for the Brandon Aiyuk situation. Either he re-signs with the San Francisco 49ers or he gets traded to the Steelers. The assumption here is that he will end up in Pittsburgh.

Offensive Guard: James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo, Spencer Anderson, Mason McCormick

The Steelers may have something in Spencer Anderson, who looked good as a starter against the Texans. McCormick has been impressive throughout training camp.

Oh, and no, the Steelers are not trading James Daniels for Aiyuk. Not in this scenario.

Center: Zach Frazier

This is the first difficult decision on the roster. Nate Herbig is a good offensive guard, but probably not the Steelers’ starting center. And with Anderson and McCormick on rookie contracts and Herbig entering his final year, keeping him just isn’t going to work.

Anderson, McCormick and Daniels have experience as substitutes.

Offensive Tackle: Broderick Jones, Dan Moore Jr., Troy Fautanu, Dylan Cook

The Steelers’ offensive tackle group looks just as good as their guards. Dylan Cook earned a spot on the roster again this summer, and with Troy Fautanus’ knee injury, they need another option on the roster.

Defensive Tackle: Cam Heyward, Isaiah Loudermilk, Dean Lowry

The Steelers’ defensive line has no room for improvement, so it’s easy to see who will stay. Loudermilk continues to develop into a key player, and the signing of Lowry certainly increases the talent level.

Nose Tackle: Keeanu Benton, Montravius ​​Adams

After his preseason debut, there should be no doubt that Montravius ​​Adams will make the Steelers’ 53-man roster. Maybe it’s the water from the rivers, but Adams has become a key performer in the NFL since arriving in Pittsburgh.

Defensive Ends: Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal, Logan Lee

Logan Lee is a true freshman on the team and brings versatility to the defensive line. Playing nose tackle in the season opener, the freshman from Iowa showed that he can play anywhere he is placed. He will fit well as a third option behind Larry Ogunjobi and the up-and-coming DeMarvin Leal.

The surprise retirement of Markus Golden made Jeremiah Moon the favorite for the fourth outside linebacker spot. He then recorded a sack against the Texans and made it clear he can fill that role. He needs to continue to improve on special teams, but if he can show he’s a reliable name in punt and kick coverage, he’ll be included on the team behind Watt, Highsmith and Herbig.

Center backs: Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Tyler Matakevich

This is the second difficult decision. The Steelers have to keep certain rookies and young players. Unfortunately, that doesn’t leave room for all of them. And although the team normally has four inside linebackers, they will stick with just four this season and release Mark Robinson.

Robinson is a great special teamer and one of the most athletic players on the team. But he hasn’t adapted to the inside linebacker position as quickly as the Steelers would like, and that makes him replaceable. Matakevich offers better special teams skills and some experience on defense.

Cornerbacks: Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice, Anthony Averett

Darius Rush is the odd man out here. He’ll likely land on the practice squad, but after a strong minicamp, he hasn’t done what everyone hoped he would in training camp. Meanwhile, Anthony Averett and Cory Trice have broken out and both should find a place on the roster as primary backups.

Nickelback: Beanie Bishop

Until Cam Sutton returns, Beanie Bishop is the Steelers’ nickelback. Now, they’ll likely use DeShon Elliott or Cory Trice more often than Bishop here, especially after his struggles against the Texans, but the undrafted rookie has done too much in training camp to not make the team.

Bishop is a keep-now-and-play-later player. You keep him because someone else is going to sign him before you can put him on the practice squad.

Safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew

This is no surprise, the Steelers don’t have another name at safety that really stands out. Thomas Graham is making good progress, but he’s not strong enough to sign yet, so the Steelers are sticking with their big four.

Kicker: Chris Boswell

Punter: Cameron Johnston

Long Snapper: Christian Kuntz

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