Summers still in the mix to earn a roster spot
Despite missing two preseason games (hamstring) and not producing as a goal line back in training camp, 5th round pick Frank Summers remains under strong consideration to make the team.
Summers performs well on special teams and the Steelers like his potential at full-back. Tonight is the most important game of Summers young career.
Will the Steelers keep 4 tight ends?
A discussion over the past week has been whether the Steelers will considering keeping four tight ends. Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth are locks and the really likes rookie David Johnson. Sean McHugh who under-went arthoscopic surgery is the wildcard.
McHugh signed a three year contract in the off-season and he’s a player the Steelers want to keep him but the issue for the Steelers is that he won’t be ready to play for the first couple weeks of the season.
Johnson has the ability to play full back, tight end and contribute on special teams. Only scenario that the Steelers keep four tight ends is if they only keep four running backs and count Johnson or McHugh as a full back on the roster.
Steelers don’t want to lose Burnett?
Cornerback Joe Burnett is battling Keiwan Ratliff for one of the final cornerback spots and Burnett has the inside track on Ratliff.
The Steelers don’t believe Burnett will make it through waivers and he’s a player they don’t want to lose.
As for Anthony Madison, Mike Tomlin is very high on him and the general consensus is that he will make the team.
Ratliff likely won’t make the team.
Davis on the bubble
Bruce Davis is another wildcard on cut down day. Based on performance he shouldn’t make the team. He has shown little improvement for a second year player who was drafted in the third round.
The Steelers knew Davis was a project when they drafted him and they envisioned him as a pass rushing specialist on third downs.
If Davis would have shown the ability that he can contribute on special teams, it would be a no-brainer that he makes the team. Because he can’t, the Steelers have a very difficult decision to make.
If the Steelers keep Davis, Patrick Bailey will likely be the odd-man out.
Tony Hills a lock to make the roster
Tony Hills has not performed well in camp but he will make the roster. He’s done enough to show some improvement and the Steelers aren’t ready to get rid of him.
Ramon Foster, Tony Hills, Doug Legursky and Kraig Urbik appear to be the four reserve linemen the Steelers will keep. If they go with 10 which is likely, it will come down to Jeremy Parquet/Jason Capizzi.
Urbik likely won’t dress for many games.
Kirschke on the bubble
Locks to make the roster on the Defensive Line: Hampton (DT), Hoke (DT), Smith (DE), Keisel (DE), Hood (DE).
Nick Eason will be the 6th defensive linemen and if the Steelers keep 7 DL, it will come down to Travis Kirschke or DT Ra’Shon Harris.
Kirschke is 34 and has a bad back. Harris has had a solid camp and could develop into a contributor by year 2.
