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Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Surprise cuts from 53-man roster

By Samuel Teets

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 23: Eli Rogers #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a two-point conversion during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 23: Eli Rogers #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a two-point conversion during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Eli Rogers #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball during their preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Eli Rogers #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball during their preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Eli Rogers, WR

Originally, I assumed that either Eli Rogers or Ryan Switzer had to be cut. Both players have spent time playing in the slot for Pittsburgh and it didn’t make sense to keep both of them. However, as roster cuts neared it seemed like that was shifting and there was a chance both would make the final roster. So much for that.

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Rogers wasn’t the most consistent player, but he did have a following among the Pittsburgh faithful. He’s a hard-working receiver who will catch on with another team at some point this season. This is a bitter end for Rogers’ time with the team, though, as he definitely could have contributed this season.

Ultimately, the former undrafted receiver had two major factors working against him. Last season, Rogers only appeared in three games because of injuries. That opened the door for Switzer, who the Steelers acquired in a trade with the Oakland Raiders. Switzer subsequently played in all 16 games for the Steelers and build his own rapport with Ben Roethlisberger and the community.

The second factor was the return game. While Rogers dabbled as a punt returner in the past, he was far from exceptional. On the other hand, Switzer’s main attraction is his skills as a kick and punt returner. He originally made the 2017 NFL All-Rookie Team as a kick returner, after all.

As a returner and receiver last season, Switzer recorded 1,133 all-purpose yards. The most all-purpose yards Rogers has ever recorded came back in 2016 when he racked up 654, 594 of which came as a receiver. Rogers also contributed 112 receiving yards in the postseason that year. It was by far his best season with the team.

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