Three Steelers' on the bubble heading into preseason game two vs. Bills'

The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking on the Buffalo Bills later today. And while the talk will likely surround the look at the starters, their place on the team is cemented. The same cannot be said for these three, making tonight pivotal for their chances of staying in Pittsburgh: Isaiahh Loudermilk The big defensive lineman has […]

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer

Aug 18, 2023 7:30 PM EDT

Jan 3, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Derrek Tuszka (48) celebrates a sack with linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking on the Buffalo Bills later today.

And while the talk will likely surround the look at the starters, their place on the team is cemented.

The same cannot be said for these three, making tonight pivotal for their chances of staying in Pittsburgh:

Isaiahh Loudermilk

The big defensive lineman has come into his own this camp, showing great improvement as a run defender and even providing some pocket push from the interior:

Keeanu Benton (yellow) backdoors the zone block & ricochets flat down the LOS, while Isaiahh Loudermilk (red) strikes/separates, controls his gap & helps close the backside gap with his man. Both work together to make the play! #stoptherun #steelers

Credit: @BenFennell_NFL pic.twitter.com/mgikjnqvza
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) August 13, 2023

The defensive line is the deepest of any position group in Pittsburgh, but if Loudermilk keeps it up, he may force the Steelers to keep him on the roster.

Cody White

White has had a great camp, proving to be a hard-cover for any of the DBs that don't rep with the first team. But the third-year WR could have made more plays last Friday, missing a major opportunity:

This was a good throw… Cody White needs to make that play https://t.co/OJFnS94gKq
— Michael Beck (@MichaelBeck56) August 12, 2023

So we'll see if White can bounce back tonight. He needs to make plays and catches that separate him from the pack and help him lock up the fifth and final spot in the WR corps.

Elijah Riley

A third-year safety out of Army, Riley plays with the passion and tenacity you would expect from a Service Member, consistently making plays on the ball in camp and the preseason:

Steelers looking for a rundown slot corner. Elijah Riley fits the bill. Safety experience and frame getting most work in the nickel this camp.

Beat the backside block of the WR, fly into the backfield, and make the TFL. That'll help his cause. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/b9X00p9UDK
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) August 12, 2023

Riley is fighting to make the Steelers carry five safeties, with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee, and Tre Norwood basically locks to make the 53-man roster. If he doubles down on a stellar preseason debut tonight, he may just force the front office's hand.

So there you have it. Once the Bills and Steelers pull their starters, it doesn't mean you should change the channel. These three are a mere taste of the talent that Pittsburgh's roster carries past the starting 22. I expect an intense and physical approach from the team tonight.