Latest Steelers 53-man roster projection has summer standout making team

Latest Steelers 53-man roster projection has summer standout making team originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Steelers already have two preseason games down, and the team will play the finale against the Panthers this weekend. 

In the preseason opener against the Jaguars, the Steelers had big performances from several players. Reserve quarterback Skylar Thompson lit it up, completing 20 of 28 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns. 

Another standout from that opener was Max Hurleman. Hurleman was invited to the Steelers' rookie minicamp earlier this offseason and was added to the roster after impressing in his tryout. 

At the time, the addition of Hurleman didn't exactly catch many eyes. However, the versatile weapon has done nothing but impress this summer, and in the preseason opener, Hurleman caught two passes for 29 yards and one score. 

Now, Curt Popejoy of Steelers Wire has Hurleman making the Steelers' final roster as the sixth receiver. In Popejoy's projection, the wide receivers on the final roster are: 

• DK Metcalf
• Robert Woods
• Roman Wilson
• Calvin Austin III
• Scotty Miller
• Max Hurleman

Metcalf, Wilson, and Austin are probably the only locks. Miller is approaching lock status after a couple of solid preseason games and due to his ability as a solid slot receiver. Woods is a solid veteran presence who has played at a Pro Bowl level in the past. 

This means there's likely only one spot available, and Hurleman seems to be in a good position to land it. The Notre Dame product primarily functioned as a returner and special teams ace in college, which should certainly help his case to make the team. 

In 2024, Hurleman returned 23 punts for 138 yards. Hurleman also picked up 13 tackles and one fumble recovery for the Fighting Irish. Before the 2024 season, Hurleman spent four years with FCS Colgate, where he spent time as a running back, wide receiver, and returner. 

Hurleman will likely have to fight off Ben Skowronek, Lance McCutcheon, and Brandon Johnson for the final receiver spot, and it could come down to the wire. These depth receivers will likely get plenty of run in the preseason finale. 

Of course, there's no guarantee that the Steelers keep six receivers. Last year, the team rolled with just five on the initial roster. However, due to the lack of proven options behind Metcalf, it seems likely that six receivers indeed make the cut this time. 

Due to Hurleman's versatility, it may be too risky for the Steelers to try waiving him and storing him on the practice squad.