The Steelers have until Aug. 31 to trim their roster from 90 players to 53. And while in many cases that's not all that hard with this team, it's looking more difficult by the day.
Some scoffed in the spring when special teams coordinator Danny Smith said the Steelers were going to cut some players this season who will play elsewhere in the league. But that's easily the case with this group. There are 60 players who could easily make an NFL roster. Cutting down to 53 won't be easy. In fact, barring some major injuries or something else unforeseen, it might wind up being painful.
The Steelers have just under two weeks -- and two more preseason games -- before they have to make those decisions. A lot can happen between now and then.
But here's an early look at how the 53-man roster is shaking out with two weeks to go.
Quarterbacks (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph, Josh Dobbs
Devlin Hodges is a great story. And he's looked good throughout training camp and in the team's first preseason games. But he's not without his flaws. He doesn't have the strongest arm and he's likely no more than a career backup. That's the upside on Dobbs, as well, but he's bright and his mobility will be something the Steelers can use in their No. 3 to replicate some of the scrambling they'll see at the position this season. That's really what it is all about. The No. 3 has to be able to properly run the scout team. And Dobbs is the best to do that. And yes, Rudolph has done enough to be the No. 2.
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