Five Steelers With Huge Opportunities in Preseason Opener
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to kick off their 2023 preseason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with plenty of players hoping this is the opportunity to seal their place on the team's 53-man roster.
After three weeks of training camp, the Steelers have a decent feel about who they have and the talents within each position group. But until you step onto a field for an actual game, everything is taken with a grain of salt.
Against the Buccaneers, players can gain or lose ground in the race. And heading into the first preseason game, these players could gain a leg up on the competition heading back to camp.
Kenny Robinson, DB
Robinson has taken full advantage of his opportunity at training camp, and is a prime example of Mike Tomlin saying younger players benefit from veterans missing time.
Without Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee or Keanu Neal, Robinson was thrust into the first team at safety and has made enough plays to stay there. He's recorded at least three interceptions and has been noticeably capable when playing against players like Allen Robinson, Pat Freiermuth and Calvin Austin.
Robinson will likely walk onto the field with the starters in Tampa Bay, and should see significant playing time in the preseason opener. If he plays well, it'll almost be certain he's sticking around this season as the team's backup safety option.
Gunner Olszewski, WR
Olszewski has come a long way since a year ago. Last spring, we raved about how open the former Patriots wide receiver was, but once the pads came, he disappeared.
This summer, he's been present throughout training camp, and is becoming a name that Kenny Pickett and Mike Tomlin have been impressed with.
"He’s reliable," Pickett said. "He shows up every day. Whatever position he’s at, he knows all of them, and he’s gonna stick his nose in there in the run game. I have a ton of great things to say about Gunner."
Olszewski was viewed as the last man out to make way for names like Hakeem Butler or Dez Fitzpatrick, but after a strong training camp, he might only need this first preseason game to secure a place on the roster.
And if he can impress in the return game, it's almost a lock he remains in Pittsburgh.
Anthony McFarland, RB
It's time to put up or shut up for Anthony McFarland as the Steelers take the field for a live game. The fourth-year running back has stolen the show at training camp, but it's not about what he does on the practice field that matters at this point in his career - it's about transitioning it to the field.
McFarland has improved his vision, pass blocking, route running and just overall presence as a running back. You can see how much more comfortable he is this offseason compared to years past.
Without anyone breathing down his back for the RB3 spot, McFarland has an opportunity to take a pretty large lead in the competition in Tampa. And it's expected that he'll see a good chunk of playing time against the Buccaneers.
Luq Barcoo, CB
Luq Barcoo has come out strong during the third week of training camp, recording interceptions on the team's last three days of practice. Now, heading into a real game, he's got a shot at putting that momentum on tape - which could boost his stock at the end of the team's depth chart.
Right now, James Pierre might have the upper-hand over Barcoo as the Steelers' final cornerback. If the former XFL star continues to put on impressive showings, though, it'll be hard to deny him a spot over the 27-year-old veteran.
Pierre has the familiarity and the experience, but Barcoo is only 24 years old and starting to shine. If he's going to convince the Steelers to take a chance on him, it starts now.
Broderick Jones
Remember two summers ago when Kevin Dotson wasn't the starter heading into the first preseason game? The Steelers rolled out Rashaad Cowherd as their left guard, making Dotson "earn it" before the regular season.
Then, once Dotson came into the game, all you could focus on was his dominance on the offensive line. Broderick Jones has an opportunity to have that same type of impact against the Buccaneers.
The hope is that Jones gets at least a series with the first team before playing with Mitch Trubisky and company. It would also be nice to see Dan Moore Jr. move over to the right side and test his abilities there against live action.
The first-round pick could be an unbreakable force against a group of backups, though, and if he is, everyone is going to notice.
It might not move him into the starting role immediately, but it could jump-start the momentum to make this a real position battle heading into the final two exhibition games.
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