DeShon Elliott to IR
The safety position in Pittsburgh became more precarious as the cuts went down. DeShon Elliott, who played in the preseason finale, did not appear to be headed for any IR designation before the roster was finalized. However, with Elliott on the reserve/injured list, the Steelers opted to keep three safeties on the active roster. This has raised questions about the health and depth at safety, particularly concerning Jaquan Brisker, who also figures to be part of the safety rotation. The situation suggests there could still be roster movement in the coming days as the team evaluates its options at safety.
Eli Heidenreich Earns RB No. 3
One of the notable surprises from the roster decisions is the elevation of Eli Heidenreich to the No. 3 running back role. Heidenreich, a Mount Lebanon product who joined the team as a late-round pick, entered camp viewed as a long shot for the final roster and largely expected to land on the practice squad. The Steelers traded away Kaleb Johnson (a 2025 third-round pick) and released veterans Travis Homer and Lew Nichols, which opened the door for Heidenreich to secure the third running back spot behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. Heidenreich’s inclusion adds value in the return game as well, as he is listed as RB/WR, providing the staff with added flexibility for special teams and situational use. Choosing a rookie over a veteran with established special-teams experience was the most talked-about decision in Pittsburgh’s backfield on deadline day.
The Release of Elandon Roberts
Another surprising move came with the release of inside linebacker Elandon Roberts. Roberts had signed a one-year deal in mid-August to reunite with new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, with whom he previously worked in Las Vegas. He impressed with his performance in the preseason, particularly against the run, and his release was a notable shock to those who had expected him to contribute in the linebacker corps. While Roberts’ time in Pittsburgh appeared to be cut short, there is speculation that he could potentially return later, especially if injuries or performance gaps emerge at linebacker. The timeline leaves open the possibility that he could be back on the roster at some point, should the team need depth or veteran leadership.
Other Key Takeaways from Roster Deadline Day
– The Steelers decided to keep all four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster. This choice signals trust in their depth at the quarterback position, with the possibility of keeping a fourth signal-caller to ensure reliable practice reps and insurance in case of injuries.
– Kevin Jobity earned his place on the final 53-man roster. Jobity’s inclusion reflects the organization’s evaluation of his potential role on special teams and depth at multiple positions.
– Joey Porter Jr. was activated off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Porter Jr.’s return provides a boost to the cornerback room and versatility for the defensive backs group as he ramped up his participation after an expected late start to camp.
What this means for Week 1 and Beyond
As the Steelers prepare for their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, the final 53-man roster reflects a balance of youth and experience, with some intriguing depth questions at key positions. The decision to carry four quarterbacks indicates the coaching staff’s broader plan for practice structure and development, while the push to secure Heidenreich as the No. 3 back demonstrates a willingness to invest in young, versatile players who can contribute in multiple roles.
Safety depth remains a talking point, and the team’s approach to the room could lead to further adjustments in the near term. The release of a veteran inside linebacker and the continued evaluation of the defensive front will be watched closely as the season approaches. The roster also underlines the team’s confidence in its young players, including Heidenreich, who earned a spot through performance and potential rather than pure familiarity with the roster.
In summary, deadline day brought a mix of strategic moves and unexpected choices that set the Steelers up for Week 1 with a roster that blends veteran experience with promising youth. As the season unfolds, fans will be watching how these decisions play out on game day, particularly how the backfield rotation, safety depth, and special-teams contributions influence Pittsburgh’s performance.
