Steelers Start Five Rookies, Play Six Early in Opener at Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Steelers started five rookies to open their 2021 season, the first time the team started that many rookies since at least 1991, according to the Steelers’ public relations staff.

The Steelers started first-round pick Najee Harris (Alabama) at running back, second-round pick Pat Freiermuth (Penn State) at tight end, third-round pick Kendrick Green (Illinois) at center, fourth-round pick Dan Moore Jr. (Texas A&M) at left tackle and seventh-round pick Tre Norwood (Oklahoma) at slot cornerback.

The four offensive starters were somewhat expected, with three of the four in sole possession of a starter’s spot on the depth chart. Freiermuth was listed as a co-starter at tight end with Eric Ebron. Norwood was a surprise starter at Nickel corner.

Additionally, the Steelers used seventh-round pick Pressley Harvin III (Georgia Tech) as the team’s punter.

Fourth-round pick Buddy Johnson is also dressed for the game. Fifth-round pick Isaiahh Loudermilk is scratched and sixth-round pick Quincy Roche did not make the team.