The Steelers’ first official depth chart of the season has finally been announced, with head coach Mike Tomlin’s version looking a little different from the preseason editions.
Compared to earlier versions, there isn’t
much change. Offensive lineman Andrus Peat replaces Dylan Cook as the top backup right tackle, even if it remains to be seen how exactly the team would address an O-line shuffle in-game.
Wide receiver Roman Wilson, who started the season listed with the third string, has leapfrogged Robert Woods (now on the practice squad) and Ben Skowronek on the depth chart. Calvin Austin III is still listed as the team’s WR2.
At running back, rookie Kaleb Johnson is still behind Jaylen Warren and Kennth Gainwell. After taking reps behind both in the preseason, it’s not much of a shock, but it remains to be seen how much Johnson will play in the Steelers’ upcoming opener.
Rookie defensive lineman Yahya Black opened the preseason as a third-string nose tackle and is now the backup defensive end. With Derrick Harmon out Week 1, that technically puts Black in line to start, even if it’s more likely the veteran Isaiahh Loudermilk gets the nod.
Daniel Ekuale remains in the backup nose tackle spot.
Following Cory Trice Jr.’s placement on injured reserve, Brandin Echols is now the top backup at both cornerback spots. Chuck Clark remains the backup strong safety and Miles Killebrew the backup free safety, even if Clark might be backing up both spots in actuality.
On special teams, Austin is slated to be the team’s starting punt returner once again, with Scotty Miller serving as his backup. At kick returner, Kenneth Gainwell is unsurprisingly the starter, followed by Johnson.
NFL teams use two kick returners, so Johnson might be replacing Warren on the return unit. After signing a two-year extension on Monday, Warren could be getting some veteran treatment from Tomlin.
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