It is NFL cutdown day, and the Steelers have until four o’clock this afternoon to pare the roster to 53 players. They got started yesterday by releasing punter Cameron Johnston, meaning that Corliss Waitman has won the punting job in a tight competition.
Eleven other players were released, including rookie former Pitt kicker Ben Sauls. Running back Lew Nichols, tight end JJ Galbraith, wide receivers Max Hurleman and Lance McCutcheon, and linemen Steven Jones and Aiden Williams were released. On the defense, veteran linebacker and special teamer Mark Robinson was let go, along with linebacker Julius Welschof, defensive backs D’Shawn Jamison and Daryl Porter, and defensive lineman Kyler Baugh.
Coach Mike Tomlin says the team knew at the start of training camp that it wouldn’t be easy to settle on an opening day roster.
Tomlin says the Steelers think they have a solid team entering the season.
Tomlin added that linebacker Alex Highsmith is closer to returning to play after a groin injury than fellow linebacker Nick Herbig is from a hamstring injury. Rookie quarterback Will Howard is making progress in his return from a hand injury. The Steelers have to make a decision on Howard starting the season on short term or season-ending injured reserve.
NFL
Kenny Pickett’s NFL journey now winds through Las Vegas. The Browns traded the former Steeler and Pitt quarterback to the Raiders yesterday for a fifth-round draft pick next year.
