Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers have placed rookie tackle Jerald Hawkins on their Reserve/Injured list, you can probably consider this move great news for former undrafted free agent B.J. Finney as he and fellow offensive lineman Chris Hubbard will now both likely make the team’s final 53-man roster as a result of the Sunday transaction.
Finney, who spent most of his rookie season on the Steelers practice squad, has played both guard and center so far in the team’s first three preseason games and that figures to continue during Thursday’s preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers.
As for Hubbard, his 2016 roster spot now appears to be safe as well. Last year, Hubbard made the team’s final 53-man squad out of training camp mainly because of his perceived position flexibility. So far during the preseason, Hubbard has seen playing time at both tackle positions in addition to left guard.
Barring any surprises or injures over the course of the next few weeks, the Steelers final 53-man roster should include nine offensive linemen with Finney and Hubbard joining Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, Marcus Gilbert, Alejandro Villanueva, Ryan Harris and Cody Wallace.
The Steelers will also more than likely carry two offensive linemen on their 10-man practice squad this year. Current candidates for those couple of spots are Matt Feiler, Antoine Everett and Wade Hansen.
