The black and gold fell flat on Friday night, dropping a 17-0 decision to the New York Jets in the second preseason game. It was a quiet night for the offense, and the scoreline tells a sad story about where this team stands right now. While fans hoped for a spark, the reality is that the Jets took this game very seriously while the Steelers seemed to treat it like a practice. This gap in effort cost Pittsburgh the game, and now the roster spots are on the line.
The Rookie Who Might Be Gone
Every fan knows the heartbreak of watching a draft pick fail to make an impact. The most concerning name for the future is running back Kaleb Johnson, the 2025 third-round pick. According to Behind the Steel Curtain, if Johnson does not see more carries and snaps in the upcoming third preseason game, his time in Pittsburgh could be coming to an abrupt end. That is a harsh reality for a player many hoped would be a key part of the backfield. The coaching staff has made it clear that these final reps are the only thing standing between him and a release.
Earlier this week, Mike McCarthy disclosed that Will Howard would take the opening snap, while rookie Drew Allar was slated to enter the game subsequently. The focus was supposed to be on these young signal callers, but the running game matters just as much for a roster spot. If Johnson cannot show he can run the ball when the pressure is on, the team will move on quickly. There is no room for a player who cannot earn his keep in the final tune-up.
Young Guns Need to Shine
The eyes of the entire city are on the two young quarterbacks trying to find their footing. Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph will not play, which gives Howard and Allar a real chance to show what they have. SNY TV’s Connor Hughes reported that Geno Smith will start for the Jets, meaning the Steelers’ young boys will face a veteran defense that knows how to win. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is non-existent.
It is not just about the quarterbacks, though. The offensive line looked shaky in the first week, and they need to look much sharper this time. Spencer Anderson is fighting to lock down the right guard role, while newcomer Brock Hoffman is looking to make a case to start. If the line cannot protect the ball carriers or the passers, the whole offense will crumble. The team needs to see a clear upgrade in the trenches to have any hope of a good regular season.
A Final Chance for Everyone
The third and final preseason game is the last chance for dozens of players to prove they belong. This includes rookies like Roman Wilson, who needs to turn camp buzz into real on-field production. Solid performances during their debuts a week ago must be built upon by defensive backs such as Gabe Rubio and Robert Spears-Jennings, the roster also featuring. The depth chart is crowded, and every single snap counts more than ever.
The loss to the Jets was a dud, but it was a clear signal that the team cannot afford to be complacent. If Kaleb Johnson does not get the ball in the next game, he will likely be the first to “Jet off” the roster. The Steelers have a tough road ahead, and they cannot carry dead weight into September. The final tune-up starts soon, and the clock is ticking on every player who wants to stay.
