PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 23: Joey Porter Jr. #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates during the second quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Last week against the Houston Texans, the Pittsburgh Steelers played with 33 different players on defense, most of whom were fighting for a spot in the rankings or just a spot on the 53-man roster.
The Steelers benched several key defensive players last week against the Houston Texans, and we don’t think that will change much against the Buffalo Bills. Edge Alex Highsmith is dealing with a minor injury, and veterans TJ Watt, Patrick Queen, Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick didn’t need any extra time.
With the second preseason game being the most important on the schedule, the question is whether we’ll see some or all of these guys on the field against the Bills. That remains to be seen, but here’s my prediction.
August 20, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) reacts after a sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
August 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) battles with the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Houston won 20-12. Mandatory Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 16: Larry Ogunjobi #99 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 9: Jeremiah Moon #49 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack in the second half during the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 31: Nick Herbig #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 30-23 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on December 31, 2023. (Photo by Conor Courtney/Getty Images)
January 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) runs with the ball after a whistle during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
August 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Texans running back JJ Taylor (38) runs against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback – Joey Porter Jr.
July 28, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) signs autographs for fans during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Photo Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 22: Cornerback Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. It was Jackson’s second interception of the game. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
September 11, 2021; West Point, New York, USA; A September 11th memorial ribbon is seen on the back of the helmet worn by Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Beanie Bishop (21) during the second half against the Army Black Knights at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
August 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (3) escapes Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (250) and scores a touchdown in the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 2: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball while being defended by Damontae Kazee #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Acrisure Stadium on November 2, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers vs Bills: Predicting the starting defense for their second preseason game
