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Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Players fighting for roster spot vs. Panthers

By Samuel Teets

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on in the third quarter during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on in the third quarter during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: The Tennessee Titans line up against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of a preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: The Tennessee Titans line up against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of a preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

The long wait for the regular season is almost over. However, first the Pittsburgh Steelers have to make some tough roster decisions.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the verge of completing a perfect preseason. The team’s pass rush has notably been on fire so far. Hopefully, the team’s success will carry over to the regular season where wins are a lot harder to come by.

While the final week of the preseason is a time of joy for fans because it signals that the regular season is near, this final week is also a time of dread and tragedy for many young men. Following Week 4 of the preseason, NFL teams trim their rosters down to 53 players. That means hundreds of NFL hopefuls will be out of the league entirely or relegated to practice squads.

While many players are facing an unfortunate fate in Pittsburgh, the following group still have a strong chance to land on the active roster.

Tuzar Skipper, LB

Tuzar Skipper has been one of the most impressive players for the Steelers this preseason. He has a sack in each game so far and has routinely taken advantage of opportunities. With nine combined tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble recorded on limited snaps, the undrafted rookie from Toledo has done everything asked or him and then some.

Skipper is facing an uphill battle though. Pittsburgh drafted several linebackers this year, including Devin Bush and Ulysees Gilbert III, who has also had a great preseason. The team also drafted Sutton Smith, who is set to play at linebacker when he finally gets healthy.

Pittsburgh also added Mark Barron in free agency and is returning three starting linebackers from last season. The team also gave Anthony Chickillo a two-year extension in March. Tyler Matakevich, a seventh round pick in 2016, has three years of experience with the team. There’s also Robert Spillane, who is another back half of the roster linebacker outperforming expectations this preseason.

There are so many players trying to squeeze into the limited linebacker positions that some worthy contenders will have to be cut. I’d like to say that Skipper has earned a spot based on his preseason play, but preseason performances are only one part of the evaluation process for players.

If Skipper doesn’t make the active roster, the Steelers will sign him to the practice squad immediately and he’ll get another shot next year.

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