Predicting Steelers Starting Lineup Against Jets

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the New York Jets for their second preseason game of the 2026 campaign.

Without many of the starters playing, the Steelers will need to get creative with their first lineup. Will Howard is set to start at quarterback, but that's really the only confirmation head coach Mike McCarthy has given to his starters against the Jets.

When Pittsburgh hits the field for the first time, here's who to expect on offense and defense.

Quarterback - Will Howard

Mike McCarthy gave Steelers fans exactly what they've been asking for, naming Will Howard the starter against the Jets. He and Drew Allar will split the game, although it's unknown whether Howard will play the first half and Allar the second half or if they'll alternate quarters.

Running Back - Lew Nichols

With Kaleb Johnson on the brink of being cut, the Steelers' best running back behind Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren is Lew Nichols. Travis Homer will also likely get a lot of first-team reps, but look for Nichols to be out there on the first snap, with a real shot to earn the job this season.

Fullback - Riley Nowakowski

No change here. Riley Nowakowski will play almost the entire game, just as he did against the Green Bay Packers.

Tight End - Darnell Washington, Robert Tonyan

Without Pat Freiermuth, look for Darnell Washington to be TE1 for the Steelers, but only for a series. After that, Robert Tonyan, Lake McRee and Jaheim Bell will take over for the first and second half.

Aug 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (10) catches a touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of a game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Wide Receiver - Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Kaden Wetjen

Kaden Wetjen should get a chance to prove himself as an offensive weapon in this one. Expect Ben Skowronek to play a good chunk of snaps as well, but don't be surprised when Wetjen walks out with the first-team offense,

McCarthy made it known after the first preseason game that Wetjen needs to improve as a wide receiver. Well, here's his chance. He needs to take advantage of it to secure his spot on the team.

Offensive Line - Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook

Don't expect the Steelers to play Zach Frazier for very long, but the rest of their starters will almost certainly get a few series. After a disappointing game against the Packers, this group needs to develop before Week 1.

There are still competitions open at right guard and right tackle, meaning Cook and Anderson will get even more reps. Then, Brock Hoffman and Broderick Jones will make their appearances.

Defensive Tackle - Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black

Derrick Harmon and Keeanu Benton probably won't play too long in this one, but they'll still get the start. The Steelers want to continue developing their young players, and the best way to do so is through live reps. After they come out, Dean Lowry and Gabe Rubio will be two names to watch as they compete for spots on the 53-man roster.

Edge Rusher - Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer

No T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith once again. Probably not for the entire preseason. This will continue to be the Herbig and Sawyer show, with Jamin Davis and Julius Welschof coming off the bench to fill in. Herbig will end his night before Sawyer does.

Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) runs with the ball after a whistle during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Inside Linebacker - Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Elandon Roberts

The Steelers will only start two inside linebackers, but they'll likely test out a new three-man rotation with Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson and Elandon Roberts. This is going to be the group going into the season, and with Roberts being new to the 2026 roster, he's going to need to get some reps in. Expect him to outplay both of the other two.

Cornerback - Asante Samuel Jr., Doneiko Slaughter, D'Shawn Jamison

With no Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey or Daylen Everette in this game, the Steelers are going to have to get creative. Don't expect Jamel Dean to play in this one, either, as the team rests their veteran. That leaves Asante Samuel Jr. and D'Shawn Jamison on the outside and Doneiko Slaughter on the inside.

With Brandin Echols banged up and recovering from an ankle injury and no idea when Ramsey will return, Slaughter has a real chance to win the coaches over and possibly earn a roster spot in this game.

Safety - Robert Spears-Jennings, Rayshawn Jenkins

The Steelers aren't going to play their starting safeties in this game, giving Robert Spears-Jennings and Rayshawn Jenkins another opportunity to compete. It's not certain which of the two will make the team, or if they both will. Right now, it's a true competition for the third safety role.

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