3 Steelers Fighting for Roster Spots vs. Falcons

The Steelers and their 90-man roster have one last opportunity during the preseason, which means guys have one last chance to make a roster push. But not everyone has a realistic chance to make the roster. Who are the guys on the roster fringe that will need solid games to hold onto their spot?

WR Gunner Olszewski

Olszewski will end up being the most fascinating on this list. He put together a strong training camp and, against the Bills, proved he could be a security blanket for the team. However, with Calvin Austin III’s big return, he seems to have the punt return job locked up. If Olszewski is not going to be the punt returner, he needs to prove he can either be a significant enough contributor as a receiver or win the kick returner job.

In addition, it is becoming harder to imagine the Steelers keeping six wide receivers. But Olszewski is the one player who has a chance to force their hand to do just that. He has done nothing to take away from his chances actively and has enhanced them at various points. Another strong game for Olszewski would go a long way toward forcing their hand to keep him on the roster.

S Tre Norwood

Tre Norwood missed the first two games with a calf injury, but he seems ready to return against the Falcons. If Norwood will make this roster, he needs to make a statement. Kenny Robinson played well in his absence, and Miles Killebrew has a roster spot off sheer special teams ability and leadership.

Norwood has been around the team long enough for them to know what he brings to the table, good and bad, but his availability this offseason hurt him after a solid start to training camp. Atlanta will run the ball a lot, and Norwood’s weakness has always been his tackling consistency. This could be an opportunity for him to step up in that area.

OT Dylan Cook

Cook put together a fantastic training camp. But the offensive line numbers are locked aside from one or two spots. However, there is no swing tackle aside from Dan Moore Jr. right now, and Cook jumped up the depth chart against Buffalo. He played well in that game. With the team giving him even more by trying him out at guard, they see something in the young tackle.

There is a scenario where Cook forces the team to keep four tackles through his play. His athletic traits and football IQ are all things that have allowed him to stand out in a good way. Now, it becomes about consistency. With another solid performance, Cook could be a surprise player on the final roster.