PITTSBURGH, PA - Fresh off the Steelers' signing of future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh set its initial 53 with star power on defense and reinforced trench depth on offense, then quickly shuffled the back end with practice-squad moves and two post-cutdown roster adjustments for Week 1 readiness.
The biggest decisions
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Four-QB room to start: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard, who was later moved to Reserve/Injured (DFR).
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Cornerback horsepower: Joey Porter Jr. flanked by Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay headlines a deep DB group.
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Trenches first: Nine offensive linemen made it; Connor Heyward kept as TE/FB.
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Post-cutdown adjustments: QB Will Howard and CB Donte Kent to IR-DFR; S Chuck Clark and G Max Scharping signed to the 53.
Initial 53 by position
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QB (4): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, Will Howard
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RB (3): Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Kaleb Johnson
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WR (5): DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek
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TE (3) + FB/TE (1): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington; Connor Heyward (TE/FB)
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OL (9): Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Broderick Jones, Ryan McCollum, Mason McCormick, Andrus Peat, Isaac Seumalo
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DL (8): Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Daniel Ekuale, Yahya Black, Derrick Harmon, Logan Lee, Esezi Otomewo
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LB (9): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Patrick Queen, Cole Holcomb, Nick Herbig, Payton Wilson, Carson Bruener, Malik Harrison, Jack Sawyer
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DB (8): Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, Juan Thornhill, DeShon Elliott, Miles Killebrew, Donte Kent
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Specialists (3): Chris Boswell (K), Corliss Waitman (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
Who was cut (and other moves)
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Waived (6): DeMarvin Leal (DL), Eku Leota (LB), Beanie Bishop Jr. (DB), Sebastian Castro (DB), Dylan Cook (OL), Ke'Shawn Williams (WR)
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Waived/Injured (2): Domenique Davis (DL), Brandon Johnson (WR)
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Terminated (vested, 5): Chuck Clark (DB), James Pierre (DB), Max Scharping (OL), Trey Sermon (RB), Robert Woods (WR)
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Reserve moves at cutdown: Cory Trice Jr. to IR-DFR; (previous day) Cameron Johnston released at P
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Earlier wave of reductions included: Kyler Baugh (DL), Mark Robinson (LB), Julius Welschof (LB), D'Shawn Jamison (DB), Daryl Porter (DB), Steven Jones (OL), Aiden Williams (OL), JJ Galbreath (TE), Lew Nichols (RB), Max Hurleman (WR), Lance McCutcheon (WR), Ben Sauls (K), plus earlier camp releases.
Practice squad (current)
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DB (5): Beanie Bishop, Sebastian Castro, D'Shawn Jamison, James Pierre, Daryl Porter
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DL (2): Kyler Baugh, DeMarvin Leal
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LB (2): Julius Welschof*, Jon Rhattigan
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OL (2): Dylan Cook, Steven Jones
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RB (2): Lew Nichols, Trey Sermon
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TE (1): JJ Galbreath
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WR (2): Max Hurleman, Lance McCutcheon
*Welschof fills the club's International Pathway spot, allowing an extra PS slot.
What it means
Pittsburgh is built to squeeze games with defense and field position. With Watt/Highsmith on the edges and Ramsey/Slay/Porter Jr. outside, Teryl Austin can live in press and dime without breaking the run fit. Offensively, a deep OL and two-tight-end flexibility support a quick-game, play-action plan that keeps Aaron Rodgers on schedule while Warren handles the heavy lifting on the ground. Expect frequent practice-squad elevations at WR/DB to tailor weekly matchups and special-teams units.
