Two preseason games down, and it is crunch time for the guys fighting for their NFL lives. Roster cuts that may have had Steelers Nation buzzing for a moment might meet not even make the final 53-man roster. That is only because each player brings something unique to the table, and honestly, watching them battle for those final spots is amongst the most compelling storylines of the preseason thus far.
Some of these players face serious uphill battles, that’s just the reality of NFL roster construction. But their preseason performances have been impressive enough to make fans wonder if Mike Tomlin and his staff might have some tough decisions ahead.
Trey Sermon: Good Preseason Showings
Trey Sermon arrived in Pittsburgh this spring carrying the weight of unfulfilled expectations. The former third-round pick signed a one-year contract with the Steelers after impressing coaches during a rookie minicamp tryout in May. Four teams in five professional seasons – that’s the kind of résumé that screams “prove it” deal. Sermon brings legitimate NFL experience to the table. 134 carries for 505 yards and three touchdowns across 42 games. Not spectacular numbers, but he’s been in the league long enough to understand what it takes. What I really didn’t know Sermon brought was his special teams experience. Sermon has logged 106 career special teams snaps, with 51 coming over his past two seasons with the Colts.
Sermon wasted zero time making his mark. Against the Jaguars, he showed exactly why the Steelers brought him in – three rushes for seven yards while catching all four targets for 28 yards and a touchdown, adding another in their 2nd preseason game against Tampa Bay. Let’s be real about the competition. Jaylen Warren has the starting job locked down after Harris departed. Rookie third-round pick Kaleb Johnson from Iowa looks secure as the complementary back. Kenneth Gainwell, signed in free agency, brings kick return experience and third-down skills. Don’t forget this guy’s college pedigree either. He broke Eddie George’s single-game Ohio State rushing record with 331 yards against Northwestern in the 2020 Big Ten Championship. That kind of talent doesn’t just disappear – sometimes it just needs the right opportunity.
Scotty Miller: Reliable hands and return game value
Here’s a guy who’s becoming a fan favorite. Scotty Miller went from afterthought to legitimate roster contender, and honestly, it’s been fun to watch. Miller brings serious NFL credentials to Pittsburgh’s receiving corps. Six seasons, 80 games with 11 starts across three teams. The numbers tell a solid story: 90 receptions for 1,154 yards and six touchdowns. His 12.8-yard average per catch shows he’s not just a possession receiver. He’s even got a Super Bowl ring.
That championship run included a clutch 39-yard touchdown grab in the NFC Championship against Green Bay from Tom Brady. That experience working with elite quarterback play could be huge for Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. Worth noting his connection with current Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith from their Atlanta days.
Miller’s path to the 53-man roster looks clearer by the day. The Steelers recently updated their depth chart with Miller listed as a second-string receiver alongside Robert Woods. The hierarchy starts with DK Metcalf as the clear WR1. Calvin Austin III sits at WR2. Miller’s battling guys like Robert Woods and Roman Wilson for legitimate reps. His special teams value sweetens the deal. Listed as the backup punt returner behind Calvin Austin III.
#Steelers WR Scott Miller - Stock 🆙 #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/VC2U1eUhaX
— Steelers Black and Gold Nation - Preseason (@B_GNation1) August 15, 2025
CHAOS KILLS IN THE LEAGUE TOO ☘️@maxhurleman continues to shine 🤩
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) August 17, 2025
📺 @nflnetwork #IrishInTheNFL☘️ | @steelers | #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/j2Z1ZrBcG0
Max Hurleman: Versatility that can’t be ignored
Max Hurleman stands out as the ultimate underdog story on the steelers roster. The undrafted free agent has surprised coaches with his ability to excel in multiple positions. His unique skill set makes him a valuable asset despite facing tough competition for a roster spot. Steelers Nation has completely fallen for this kid. Hurleman’s relentless motor and all-out effort on every play just hits different – it’s that blue-collar Pittsburgh DNA that fans recognize immediately. Watch any practice session and you’ll see fans erupt in cheers whenever he touches the ball.
Hurleman’s path to the Steelers 53 man roster runs straight through special teams dominance. Sure, he’s listed as a running back, but his contributions stretch way beyond that position. The kid embraces multiple roles while other specialists focus on just one thing. Special teams coordinator Danny Smith has used Hurleman everywhere:
- Gunner on punt coverage (his straight-line speed creates instant pressure)
- Kick returner (averaging 24.5 yards per return in preseason action)
- Personal protector on punt team (showing football IQ beyond his years)
- Coverage team member on kickoffs (already recorded two tackles)
Brandon Johnson: Good 2nd Preseason Game
Brandon Johnson made his statement against Tampa Bay hauling in a 2-yard touchdown pass. Leading up to his touchdown, Johnson also drew a huge pass interference penalty on Jamel Dean earlier in the sequence. Dean’s a starting corner, and he won the rep on a fade route. That penalty put the ball at the goal line and set up his touchdown perfectly. Three catches for 16 yards and a touchdown doesn’t sound like much on paper. But Johnson was going up against Tampa Bay’s starting defensive backs, making contested catches. Add a couple hustle plays including recovering a fumble and it is all on notice when roster cuts arrive.
Johnson’s NFL numbers won’t blow you away: 26 receptions for 336 yards and five touchdowns through three seasons across 23 games with three starts. But check this out – nearly 20% of his career catches have gone for touchdowns. Johnson needs to outperform veterans like Robert Woods and Ben Skowronek to make the final roster. His special teams contributions remain limited, which could hurt his chances. But that size advantage and red zone reliability might be exactly what Pittsburgh’s offense needs when the games start counting.
Mark Robinson: Veteran presence with special teams value
Mark Robinson is staring down the barrel of his toughest NFL moment. The 26-year-old linebacker has appeared in all 34 games over the past two seasons for the Steelers. Four years in the league, and he’s still fighting for his football life. That’s just the harsh reality of the NFL
The Steelers took a flyer on Robinson in the seventh round (225th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. Robinson appeared in all 17 games in 2023 with two starts, posting 25 tackles and a forced fumble. His defensive snaps took a hit in 2024, but his special teams work expanded significantly. He logged over 300 special teams snaps (301) in 2024 – among the highest on the team. Five special teams stops and two forced fumbles in those situations tell the story.
Despite dominating camp, Robinson faces serious competition. The Steelers linebacker room is loaded with talent ahead of him. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson form the starting duo, while veterans Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison provide experienced depth. Four guys sitting ahead of him on the depth chart – that’s a mountain to climb. Robinson continues fighting for his NFL future through versatility and special teams impact. Sometimes that’s all you can control when you’re a four-year veteran still scrapping for roster spots.
Veteran WR Robert Woods played more fourth quarter snaps (6) than he had in the first half (5) of Saturday's game against Tampa Bay.
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) August 19, 2025
Scotty Miller, Roman Wilson, and Brandon Johnson's days were all done at the half.
Bad sign for Woods trying to make the 53. #Steelers
Couple takeaways from Steelers DC Teryl Austin
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 18, 2025
- Rookie Jack Sawyer has a "a lot of room to grow" and is still developing in transition from CFB DE to NFL OLB
- CB Beanie Bishop has a tough battle to make the roster. A splashy third preseason game would really help him
Making the Final Roster
Roster cuts are difficult on many fronts. At this point it is the only thing that makes the NFL preseason worth watching. The harsh reality is, that final preseason game can make or break a career. One great performance might be all it takes to convince the coaching staff you belong. The other side of the coin is a bad game and being sent packing.
Mike Tomlin and his staff have some genuinely tough calls ahead. Each of these players addresses specific needs, whether it’s depth, special teams coverage, or positional versatility. Championship teams often find their secret weapons among these bubble guys fighting for their spot.
The enthusiasm from Steelers fans watching these battles says everything about the fanbase. They go to training camp and find these players for themselves before a preseason game is kicked off. These players give fans belief that they might be looking at the next unexpected contributor to a playoff run. Because sometimes, those late roster additions sometimes make the biggest impact when October and November roll around. Who knows? Maybe these five guys know their window is closing fast, and that desperation creates a special football moment.
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