Now that the first preseason game is in the books for the Pittsburgh Steelers, I\’m not sure if we\’re really any closer to knowing which offensive lineman will be the eighth one on the final 53 man roster.
While we know Kelvin Beachum will be the sixth and think we know John Malecki will be the seventh, there were only a few clues as to who the eighth might ultimately be against the New York Giants.
Being that Guy Whimper was the choice to succeed Mike Adams at left tackle once he exited the game Saturday night, you would have to give him the slight edge over Justin Cheadle, who took over at left guard for Ramon Foster before moving to center later in the game.
Heading into the preseason, I thought Joe Long might get a chance to compete for the eighth spot, but being as he didn\’t even see the field at all Saturday night, it either means he is injured or not in the running. Perhaps he will get a shot next week when the Steelers face the Washington Redskins in their second preseason game.
For all we know right now, the eighth offensive lineman might not even be on the roster as the Steelers scouts are likely out watching the other teams in the league play in hopes that a player whom they view can help them will get released during one of the two cut down dates.
To be continued…
