Summary of Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 Season Update
Date: August 21, 2025
Author: Brooke Pryor, ESPN NFL Nation
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to kick off the 2025 NFL regular season against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 7th. The team’s quarterback situation is notably different this year, featuring Aaron Rodgers as a clear starter, with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard backing him up. The wide receiver corps has faced injuries, especially with Calvin Austin III’s uncertain availability due to an abdominal injury.
Defensively, the Steelers have a surplus of cornerbacks, but rookie Derrick Harmon’s knee injury could impact the defensive line depth after losing veteran Dean Lowry earlier in training camp. The roster, set to be cut down to 53 players by 4 PM on Tuesday, shows significant options at various positions:
- Quarterbacks (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard—Howard is expected to secure a spot as QB3 unless placed on IR.
- Running Backs (3): Jaylen Warren, Caleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell—Warren is the starter, while Johnson is emerging with promising performances.
- Wide Receivers (5): DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek—this group is challenging to project due to injuries and competition.
- Tight Ends (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, John Nusmith, Connor Hayward—Washington has impressed with his match-up potential.
- Offensive Line (9): Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, among others—depth is a concern due to injuries.
- Defensive Line (7): Cameron Hayward, Keanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, and others—Harmon’s injury complicates the line’s depth.
- Linebackers (9): TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and others—physicality is key with players like Mark Robinson.
- Cornerbacks (6): Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, with a crowded position as standout Beanie Bishop may miss out.
- Safeties (4): Deshon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, adding much-needed depth to the secondary.
- Specialists (3): Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, with Johnston slightly favored for punting duties.
Overall, the Steelers face significant challenges and decisions as they finalize their roster, amidst injuries and competition.
