The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their preseason journey on Thursday night in Orchard Park, marking a full month since the team first gathered at Saint Vincent College. For Mike McCarthy and his new coaching staff, the thirty-one day stretch served as a critical evaluation period consisting of eighteen practices and three exhibition games. While much of the focus remains on established stars, the final whistle in Buffalo provided a clear picture of which newcomers are rising in confidence and which positions remain troubling questions heading into the regular season.
Among those seeing their stock rise is rookie Kaden Wetjen. Despite a tumultuous camp filled with playful ribbing from teammates and public critiques from his head coach, Wetjen finished the preseason on a high note. After nearly costing himself a touchdown on a seventy-four yard run earlier in August, he silenced critics with a forty-five yard punt return for a score against the Bills. As the only Steeler to record two touchdowns this preseason, Wetjen proved that his pedigree as an elite college returner translates to the professional level, likely securing his value as a versatile weapon for the active roster.
Wetjen was part of a larger trend involving the team’s youth movement. Rookies dominated the scoring charts this August, accounting for seven of the team’s eight total touchdowns. From second-round receiver Germie Bernard to undrafted tight end Lake McRee, the fresh faces consistently found ways into the end zone. Even Max Hurleman managed to distinguish himself; although he may lack Wetjen’s special teams utility, Hurleman led the team in receptions and receiving yards over the three games, positioning himself as a prime candidate for at least a practice squad role given his consistent playmaking ability.
However, not everyone left New York feeling optimistic. The right tackle position remains a glaring concern for Pittsburgh management. First-round pick Max Iheanaschor failed to deliver an immediate solution during his debut, struggling with sacks and penalties after returning from injury. With Dylan Cook being shifted around and Broderick Jones still working through conditioning issues following his own health setbacks, nobody has convincingly claimed ownership of that spot before the September thirteenth opener against Atlanta.
Adding to the tension is an impending numbers game regarding roster cuts. Reports suggest the Steelers intend to carry four quarterbacks this season, creating what analysts call bid-stealing scenarios where veteran backup security comes at the expense of bubble players elsewhere. This puts fringe candidates like Esezi Otomewo and Robert Spears-Jennings in a precarious position as they face Sunday’s deadline knowing there is one fewer available seat on the plane to the regular season.