The Pittsburgh Steelers have concluded two preseason games. Without overreacting, there are clear takeaways despite the starters not appearing in either game. It’s a great opportunity for players to step up and show why they deserve a roster spot. Even if it’s not in Pittsburgh, other teams are watching. Players have to be cut, but they could find a home somewhere else.
Cole Holcomb suffered a gnarly leg injury on November 2, 2023, in a game against the Tennessee Titans that held him out of the remaining ten games of that season and the entire 2024 campaign. He’s finally back in 2025, and he has looked solid through two preseason games. In the first game, he made a tackle, and in the second game, he made four tackles with three solo tackles. If Holcomb contributes in 2025, the Steelers have a wicked linebacker room.
The Steelers used their first-round draft pick on Derrick Harmon, and he is a grown man already. He saw limited snaps in the first preseason game and didn’t do anything, but he woke up for the second game. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Harmon made three total tackles, one tackle for loss, and had a sack where he embarrassed an offensive lineman. Pittsburgh needs to sort out the Cam Heyward situation so he can get back and wreck shop with Harmon in the middle.
![Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson (17) throws the ball during the second quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://i0.wp.com/www.stadiumrant.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250817-194337779608.png?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
Skylar Thompson doesn’t appear to be in the Steelers’ plans, but he has been solid in the 2025 preseason. He was great in the first game against the Jaguars, completing 20 of his 28 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns. In the second game, he completed ten of 15 passes for 113 yards, zero touchdowns, and an interception that wasn’t his fault. Thompson could have a trip to New Orleans in his future.
The Steelers haven’t brought in help at the wide receiver position because they believe in Roman Wilson. His rookie season got wiped out by injuries, but he is back for 2025, and he has had a good preseason. In the first game, he caught two passes for 24 yards in limited snaps. In the second game, he exploded for 72 yards on two receptions. Pittsburgh is counting on Wilson to be a playmaker for them in 2025, and he has to show up.
The Steelers have a stout running back room. Jaylen Warren is the RB1 for now. Kaleb Johnson looked more comfortable in his second preseason game, taking 11 rushing attempts for 50 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Kenneth Gainwell will make the team due to his kick return ability. Trey Sermon has found the endzone in both preseason games. Evan Hull and Lew Nichols have had great showings so far. Pittsburgh has tough decisions to make in the running back department.
Pittsburgh has one more preseason bout on Thursday against the Carolina Panthers, but there has been no indication that starters will play. The veterans have been around and don’t need to risk getting hurt in a meaningless game. In an all-in year for the Steelers, they need everybody available if they want to make a run at the Lombardi Trophy.
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