In the third preseason game, the Steelers saw most of what they needed to see from the starters. The fourth preseason game is the worst game in which an injury could occur, so the majority of the time will go to fringe players who are looking to earn a job. Heading into the fourth game there are still a few final roster spots to figure out.
Pittsburgh Steelers Roster Battles in Fourth Preseason Game
Tyler Matakevich vs. Steven Johnson
In the third preseason game, the Steelers lined L.J. Fort up with Vince Williams as the two backup inside linebackers to Ryan Shazier and Lawrence Timmons. Fort has almost certainly solidified a roster spot after a strong preseason. The Steelers may keep ten linebackers this year which means one of Johnson or Matakevich will serve as the fifth inside player.
Matakevich can argue he is younger and presents more upside. However, Johnson is the veteran and is a player that the Steelers targeted in free agency. They did so for his special team’s value. That is where Matakevich will really have to prove himself. Both are going to get plenty of time in the fourth preseason game, and while special teams is a factor, a huge play on defense could tip the scale as well.
B.J. Finney
The recent news that Jerald Hawkins will spend the season on the injured reserve is not a devastating one. His rookie season was going to be a learning one, and the hope is that he can still develop while the Steelers use his roster spot on a player who may contribute at some point. Finney seemed to be in competition with Chris Hubbard for a potential last offensive line spot. With the injury, Finney may have solidified that last roster spot.
Finney can play center and guard, and while the team may go with a tackle such as Matt Feiler instead, they do have Ryan Harris who is a swing tackle. Hubbard can also play tackle in emergency scenarios. With a good showing in his last game, Finney should lock up his first roster spot of his career.
Bryn Renner
Somehow, someway Bryn Renner has himself thrown into the quarterback mix in Pittsburgh. The third year quarterback from the University of North Carolina is currently the third string quarterback for the Steelers. With Dustin Vaughan waived, and Bruce Gradkowski down due to injury there is a chance he can make this roster.
Renner did nothing in the last preseason game and more than likely knows little to none of the playbooks. However, Ben Roethlisberger is not going to play, and it is unlikely Landry Jones will play all four quarters. At the least Renner should get a half of play and he will have a legitimate chance to make the roster and have Gradkowski sent to the PUP. There is the off chance they send Gradkowski to the PUP and roll with two quarterbacks as well, but it will ultimately be the play of Renner that decides that.
Montell Garner vs. Al Hajj-Shabazz
You can throw in Donald Washington and Kevin White. Or add in a Keenan Lewis rumor. Any cornerback who gets cut this week should be a player the Steelers have on their radar.
The Steelers will more than likely be carrying five cornerbacks with Sean Davis being considered a safety. Garner has the edge because he has played in the slot most of the preseason. Senquez Golson may emerge at some point this season and reclaim a spot in the slot, so Garner has the argument of being the placeholder. However, he has not necessarily grasped onto the fifth spot. It will be interesting to see what type of decision the Steelers make with that fifth spot but the play in this game could be a benefactor for someone.
Jordan Dangerfield
Dangerfield spent most of the season on the practice squad last year. This year with a recent injury to Ross Ventrone his chances of making the roster became very high. He has shown impressively this season and has made an impact on special teams; a great way to earn a spot. He has had some hard hits and has inspired the team at times. He will more than likely get a plethora of playing time this week to prove to the Steelers that he needs to be a name on the 53-man roster. Do not be surprised if he earns it.
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