State of the Steelers: Final 2023 practice squad prediction

The time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to trim their roster is upon us.  Come tomorrow, there will be 53 men officially named to the final roster.  But that means 37 players will be cut, leaving them with questions about their NFL future. In preparation for that, here are 16 Steelers I think will stick in […]

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
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Oct 23, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (89) returns a punt against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

The time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to trim their roster is upon us. 

Come tomorrow, there will be 53 men officially named to the final roster. 

But that means 37 players will be cut, leaving them with questions about their NFL future. In preparation for that, here are 16 Steelers I think will stick in the 412, just in a different manner:

PlayerPosition

Xazavian Valladay

Running Back

Gunner Olszewski

Wide Receiver 

Dez Fitzpatrick

Wide Receiver

Rodney Williams 

Tight End

Kendrick Green

Offensive Line

Le’Raven Clark

Offensive Line

Armon Watts

Defensive Line

Manny Jones

Defensive Line

David Perales

EDGE

Quincy Roche

EDGE

Tanner Muse

Inside Linebacker 

Kuony Deng

Inside Linebacker 

Tre Norwood 

Safety

Trenton Thompson 

Safety 

Kenny Robinson 

Safety

Madre Harper 

Corner Back

Steelers 2023 final practice squad prediction

Offensive Skill Positions:

Valladay proved to be a dynamic piece at RB during his short stint with the Steelers. He has elite burst and can fill in if needed.

Gunner Olszewski sticks around in case one of Pittsburgh's returners goes down, providing All-Pro experience at that spot. 

Trenches:

Kendrick Green may have struggled to the point where I doubt he makes the active 53-man roster, but his versatility is worthy of a spot on the practice squad in my opinion. 

On defense, Watts could make the team, but the defensive line is so stacked, he may be a causality. If so, he would be a no-brainer for the practice squad. 

Defensive Back 7:

Tanner Muse looked good in his preseason experience, providing potential fill-in as a sub-package backer should Mark Robinson or Kwon Alexander go down with an injury. 

As far as the defensive backs, all three safeties were excellent and versatile this summer, making them easy players to keep around. 

Featured image via: © Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports