Joe Rutter's 53-man roster projection for the Steelers

Initial 53-man roster projections are a risky proposition as NFL teams prepare to reach that limit by 4 p.m. Tuesday.

It is called the “initial” roster for a reason. Much can change between the cutdown deadline and when the regular season begins next week.

Like every other NFL team, the Steelers have some unsettled issues to address before the ball is kicked off at 1 p.m. Sept. 8 in Atlanta. A handful of players who survived the roster cut might not be on the plane ride for that game.

Injuries could result in players heading to short-term injured reserve. Holes on the roster could lead to minor trades, claims on the waiver wire or signings after players become free agents.

With that in mind, here is what the 53-man roster could look like by the end of the day Tuesday:

Quarterbacks (3)

Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen

Three is never a crowd for the Steelers at the game’s most important position. They like to have two backups, and Kyle Allen’s experience and play in the preseason will come in handy if injuries hit the two quarterbacks in front of him. John Rhys Plumlee had a nice run in the preseason with his versatility and can develop all his skills on the practice squad.

Running backs (3)

Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson

If Patterson had looked slow and out of shape, the Steelers might have taken a flyer on Jonathan Ward, who had a nice camp and preseason. Patterson’s 31-yard TD run against Detroit showed he still has the burst that makes him dangerous in the open field.

Fullback/H-back (2)

Connor Heyward, Jack Colletto

Heyward’s ability to fill several roles, not the least of which is special teams, makes him a valuable part of the roster. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith enjoys having a fullback to use, so Colletto could make the initial cut. He could be keeping the seat warm, however, for a player with more experience who becomes available once other teams make roster reductions.

Wide receivers (5)

George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Roman Wilson

Dez Fitzpatrick had a nice preseason, which offset the number of dropped passes he had during training camp practices. Fitzpatrick, though, gets edged out in a numbers game, but he could come back if the Steelers place Wilson on short-term injured reserve because of his foot injury.

Given the way Smith likes to deploy multiple tight ends and/or the fullback, the Steelers can afford to keep five receivers. Miller gets the final spot because of his toughness and special teams acumen. This becomes moot, of course, if the Steelers trade for Brandon Aiyuk.

Tight ends (3)

Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, MyCole Pruitt

Wherever Smith goes, Pruitt follows. That experience in Smith’s offense gives him the edge over Rodney Williams for the final tight end spot. The big question with this group is whether Freiermuth gets a contract extension before the opener.

Offensive line (9)

Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo, Broderick Jones, Dan Moore Jr., Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Troy Fautanu, Dylon Cook

This version of the roster lacks a true backup center. That problem will be solved once the 53-man roster is finalized. The Steelers then can put Cook on short-term injured reserve with his foot injury and bring back Ryan McCollum.

Don’t discount the Steelers bringing in a veteran backup who is tackle/guard capable, much like Jesse Davis two years ago.

Defensive line (7)

Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, DeMarvin Leal, Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry, Logan Lee

Isaiahh Loudermilk is the odd-man out in this projection. This could change if the Steelers decide not to keep Lowry after giving him a two-year contract in free agency that included a $1.25 million signing bonus.

Logan Lee was injured late in the preseason and missed the finale against Detroit. That could hurt his chances to make the roster, but he had a good training camp and is younger (and slightly cheaper) than Loudermilk.

Inside linebacker (4)

Elandon Roberts, Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Mark Robinson

Until he sustained a concussion in the second preseason game, Wilson had been doing enough to show he belonged in a rotation with Roberts and Queen. His speed makes him useful on passing downs. Tyler Matakevich was brought in for his special teams value, but he could be a casualty if the Steelers think Robinson provides more value. Matakevich was a free agent until mid-July for a reason.

Outside linebacker (4)

T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Kyron Johnson

The Steelers could be tempted to keep three players here and use Leal as the No. 4 outside linebacker. Johnson, though, had an impressive preseason. Either way, it looks unlikely that former Baltimore Ravens player Jeremiah Moon will earn a roster spot.

Safety (5)

Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts

The unsettled slot corner position could change the makeup here. Elliott played some in the slot when the Steelers went to a three safety package in the preseason. Otherwise, he’ll start at strong safety. Watts’ health — he sustained a stinger late in the preseason finale — could weigh into whether he makes the roster. He’s another short-term injured reserve candidate.

Cornerback (5)

Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice, Darius Rush, Beanie Bishop

With so much undecided at slot corner, Thomas Graham Jr. could bump Rush from the roster. He and Bishop remain possibilities at the slot, although expect general manager Omar Khan to upgrade the position after the initial 53-man roster is set.

Specialists (3)

Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz

In the preseason, Johnston brought stability to the punting position that was lacking during the Pressley Harvin era. Boswell and Kuntz are mainstays. Kicker Matthew Wright had a steady preseason, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he lands on another roster before the start of the season.