Emerging rookies and bubble players stated their case for the 53-man roster, providing silver linings for Mike McCarthy despite a late-game collapse against Buffalo’s reserves.
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't earn the win, but head coach Mike McCarthy liked what he saw effort-wise from some of his young players and rookies on Thursday night.
The Steelers took a 27-17 lead in the fourth quarter thanks to a 45-yard punt return from rookie receiver Kaden Wetjen. But Pittsburgh could not hold on to the double-digit lead, falling 28-27 to the Buffalo Bills.
During his postgame news conference, McCarthy told reporters that he liked what his young players did on the field against Buffalo.
"But our young guys got to play a ton of ball tonight, and that excites me," McCarthy said, via the Steelers. "I got to see personalities. I got to see guys step up. I got to see interactions. I got to see captains take that role today. And that's all part of growing the whole roster of your team."
Rookie Drew Allar went 9 of 18 passing for 88 yards. He and second-year quarterback Will Howard appear to have done enough to make the 53-man roster. Seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich rushed nine times for 35 yards and a score.
Second-year receiver Max Hurleman led the Steelers in receiving with three catches for 50 yards. Rookie Germie Bernard caught one pass for a 13-yard touchdown. Rookie cornerback Devan Boykin led the Steelers with nine tackles.
McCarthy noted that he's entering the season with one of the most veteran rosters he's ever had.
It's a two-edged sword for the Steelers. Aging veterans are more susceptible to injury, meaning those young players will need to be ready to step in at some point this season. After Aaron Rodgers retires, Pittsburgh could wind up rebuilding in the next offseason, meaning the young athletes playing against the Bills could play critical roles next year.
McCarthy is ready to dissect the film to gauge how his young players performed on Thursday night.
"But I'm looking forward to watching the tape, looking forward to watching our young guys, because I saw some things that you usually don't see if they didn't get the opportunity that they had today," McCarthy said.
The Steelers will make their final roster cuts by Sunday afternoon. Then they'll prepare to play the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 on Sept. 13.
