With four preseason games now in the books, the Pittsburgh Steelers must trim their roster down to 75 players by Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. EST. This means that 15 players must be waived or released and below is my projection as to who those players will be.
WR Jarrod West – West was a late addition and he hasn’t played at all on offense since he arrived. This is a very easy cut.
T Kevin Whimpey – Whimpey failed to see to see the field on offense in the last three preseason games so he’s also an easy cut.
WR Kenzel Doe – While he has been given a few chances to return kicks and punts, the undersized Doe has hardly played on offense. I can’t see him sticking around.
G Reese Dismukes – Being as Dismukes hasn’t seen any offensive snaps in the last two games, there’s no reason to keep the Auburn product around.
TE Ray Hamilton – Hamilton failed to play on Saturday so he might be injured. The Steelers could use the numbers at the position, but I see him being waived nonetheless. Perhaps as injured.
G Miles Dieffenbach – Being as Dieffenbach didn’t play on offense Saturday and combined with the fact that it looks like Collin Rahrig has passed him on the depth chart at left guard, I have a feeling the Penn State product will be cut loose. I certainly thought he would’ve been a bright spot with potential when he was originally signed.
DE Joe Okafor – Another late addition to the roster during training camp who hasn’t played much at all.
DE Niko Davis – Undersized and not getting much playing time. I fully expect Davis to be included in the first round of cuts.
CB Jordan Sullen – At least one cornerback needs to go and Sullen is an easy choice.
NT Mike Thornton – Thornton’s snaps have been decreasing the last few weeks and because of his size, he’s only able to play nose tackle.
S Alden Darby – One would think that one of the safeties need to go and I can’t see it being Jordan Dangerfield just yet. Personally, I would cut Gerod Holliman, but I think Darby will get the boot instead.
OLB Shayon Green – If an outside linebacker is cut, Green will likely be the one. It’s either him or Howard Jones.
T Kelvin Palmer – I don’t think Palmer played any snaps on offense Saturday and that’s not a good sign for him.
RB Braylon Heard – Heard has all of five carries since he was signed a few weeks ago so unless the team just needs an extra emergency running back body, he’s as good as gone.
P Brad Wing – I’m not sure how this last cut will go. I think Jordan Berry has done enough to push Wing off the roster. After all, the team has had more than enough time to decide on a punter so it’s time to declare a winner. There’s no need to carry two so why not give Wing a chance to catch on elsewhere?
Also considered: Gerod Holliman, Jordan Dangerfield, Roosevelt Nix, L.J. Fort, Howard Jones
I also expect another kicker to be signed and for Garrett Hartley to be placed on injured reserve.
