Steelers Have 5 Do-Or-Die Players Against Jets

Key Takeaways

• Kaleb Johnson, a 2025 third-round pick, has been difficult to project for the 53-man roster after recording only three yards on two carries in the preseason opener, while his limited special-teams value and passing-game shortcomings leave him with a one-trick narrative that could be reset by a strong Jets outing.
• Kaden Wetjen exploded for a 74-yard catch and a five-yard TD against Green Bay, but coach Mike McCarthy warned him to clean up daily mental errors; Wetjen, drafted mostly as a return specialist, still faces an uphill battle to survive roster scrutiny despite the highlight play.
• Ryan McCollum’s fate may hinge on whether Pittsburgh keeps four quarterbacks, a scenario that could overshadow his chances if an expected roster crunch materializes, especially with anticipated reps against the Jets following 25 snaps vs. the Packers.
• Dean Lowry, returning from an ACL injury, remains a depth veteran who can rush the passer, yet with Gabriel Rubio separating himself, Lowry may need a notable surge against the Jets to justify keeping an extra interior defensive lineman amidst limited roster spots.
• Rayshawn Jenkins is in a tight backup-safety competition, with the potential to move ahead if he delivers a convincing performance; the dynamic is influenced by Jalen Ramsey’s health and the emergence of seventh-round Robert Spears-Jennings in Latrobe.
• The Jets game at Acrisure Stadium represents a critical juncture for these players as final roster decisions loom ahead of August 30, with outcomes likely shaping special-teams roles, rotational depth, and the number of non-quarterback spots Pittsburgh preserves.