As the Pittsburgh Steelers’ cutdowns to their final 53 man roster begin, we’ll keep track of them throughout the day. So far, there have only a couple moves that have been made known. Each team must get down to 53 by 4 PM tomorrow.
Running back Jawon Chisholm has been cut, according to a source. He may go back to the practice squad, depending on what the team finds on the waiver wire.
Wide receiver Jarrod West has been cut, according to ESPN’s Josina Anderson.
Source: #Steelers cut WR Jarrod West. Potential practice squad candidate.
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 4, 2015
Howard Jones, the second year outside linebacker out of Shepard, has been cut by the Steelers, per Jeremy Fowler.
Steelers have released LB Howard Jones, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 4, 2015
Inside linebacker L.J. Fort is expected to land on the team’s practice squad, assuming he is able to clear waivers.
Linebacker L.J. Fort expected to join Steelers' practice squad if he clears waivers, per a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 4, 2015
Fowler is now reporting Kevin Fogg has been released. The corner was a playmaker in the preseason and is a strong bet to land on the practice squad.
Steelers released CB Kevin Fogg, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 4, 2015
Fowler also reports the Steelers have waived rookie nose tackle Mike Thornton.
Steelers cut DL Mike Thornton, per source. Could be practice squad option. #steelers
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 4, 2015
On the optimisitc side, it sounds like fullback Roosevelt Nix has made the Steelers 53 man roster, according to Chris Adamski. If true, Nix goes from one of the true longshots at the start of camp to making the roster.
Nothing official, of course, but a very happy-looking Roosevelt Nix in the locker room, being congratulated by some teammates. Quite a story
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) September 4, 2015
The Steelers will cut defensive end Ethan Hemer, per Mike Garafolo.
Steelers cutting DT Ethan Hemer, who could sign to their practice squad once he clears.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 4, 2015
For house-keeping purposes, the Steelers roster currently sits at 67 players. 14 cuts left to make. Assuming Mitchell Van Dyk and Kelvin Palmer are waived/injured, the team only has to make 12 more actual decisions. B.J. Finney could be another IR candidate, eliminating another choice.
Shakim Phillips has been released, per Fowler.
Steelers have released WR Shakim Phillips, per source. Big athlete
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 4, 2015
Fowler is now reporting Tyler Murphy is expected to make the roster as the Steelers’ #5 wide receiver.
Tyler Murphy, former BC quarterback, is expected to make the Steelers' 53-man roster as a wide receiver,… http://t.co/jyygoBWl8q
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 4, 2015
Aaron Wilson reports the Steelers will add rookie offensive lineman Antonio Johnson to their practice squad. The move can’t be made official until Sunday starting at 1 PM but a tentative agreement has likely been reached.
Former Saints offensive tackle Antonio Johnson to join Steelers' practice squad
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 4, 2015
Johnson was a four year starter at North Texas. The New Orleans Saints released him three days ago.
The Steelers roster now sits at 66. Thirteen more need to be released or waived/injured.
One likely last note for the night. Kelvin Palmer tore his ACL and MCL against the Carolina Panthers. He will obviously be heading to IR, clearing one of the roster spots. The team will be done to 65. 64, assuming Van Dyk follows the same course of action.
Tough break for Steelers OL Kelvin Palmer, who tore his ACL and MCL vs Panthers last night, per source. He's headed to IR. #steelers
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 4, 2015
Some fairly surprising late night news. Fowler reports B.W. Webb has been released. The Steelers currently only have five cornerbacks on the roster.
Steelers have released third-year cornerback B.W. Webb, according to a source. #steelers
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 5, 2015
Anthony Chickillo’s girlfriend took to Instagram this afternoon, saying it was “official” that the rookie outside linebacker has made the roster.
Anthony Chickillo's girlfriend writes on Instagram the OLB has made the Steelers roster. (H/t @_MrAMS_) #Steelers pic.twitter.com/zLtoU8C4Kh
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) September 5, 2015
