The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to open the preseason tonight, traveling to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

But just because it's only the first of three exhibitions, that doesn't mean the games won't have a serious impact on the future of careers. 

So here are three Steelers that have to start off on the right foot in 2023:

Kendrick Green

Green went from starting every game in 2021, to not even playing in a single contest last season, partially due to injury, and partially due to Pittsburgh going a different direction along the interior of the offensive line. 



But Green has proven to be versatile early in camp, taking snaps at center, guard, and even fullback:

Kendrick Green RE-BORN Friday night per @BrantonBeardo #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/jG0linE5py

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 5, 2023

If Green can put on a performance that includes a few catches out of the backfield, and maybe a couple of lead blocks that spring some big runs, he may well be on his way to redemption in Pittsburgh. 

Pressley Harvin

Harvin is in the middle of a training camp battle with Braden Mann to see who will be the starting punter for Pittsburgh in 2023. Harvin has approached this camp determined to prove he's the right choice, showing more consistency and better depth on his punts:

Pressley Harvin boot pic.twitter.com/RiWSVnMQg6

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 1, 2023

But punting on air as opposed to a live game is very different and whoever lets up less in the return game will be pivotal, especially as Harvin aims to prove he's the man for the job. 

Tanner Morgan

Morgan is fighting to prove he can make it as an NFL QB after signing as a UDFA in April. He's received the least amount of team reps by far, even if he's arguably looked better than Mason Rudolph in the few chances he's received. 

And there's a chance that Friday night won't include Morgan as a main feature, especially since the starters will be playing. 



But whatever opportunity arises, Morgan will have to make the most of it. 

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So there you have it. Green, Harvin, and Morgan are all at different stages of their career, with different battles to be won and lost. But in the end, they have to create strong impressions, not for their future as Pittsburgh Steelers, but for their NFL livelihood. 



And all three have had terrific moments in camp, and are making a valuable case to stick around in the 412. 



But the NFL is a business at the end of the day, and players have to prove their value on a daily basis. 

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Featured image via: © Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports