Why have the Steelers played most of the season without a full 53-man roster?
A shrewd observer of the Steelers’ roster moves in 2025 might have noticed that they haven’t had a 53-man roster for most of the season. On multiple occasions, they have allowed for open roster spots for long stretches this season. While teams are not obligated to have 53 players on their roster, it is a personnel resources going unused.
Thus far this season, the Steelers have had roughly six significant sequences in amending their 53-man roster. On September 10, they placed Malik Harrison and Skylar Thompson on the Reserve/Injured List. But they immediately filled those spots by signing Jabrill Peppers and promoting James Piere from the practice squad. A week later, they placed Isaiahh Loudermilk on IR and promoted DeMarvin Leal from the practice squad.
But then a few days later, on September 20, the Steelers placed Max Scharping on IR, and then went without a full 53-man roster for weeks. It wasn’t until Calvin Austin III’s injury that they made a move. Austin didn’t have to go on IR, so they promoted Ke’Shawn Williams to the 53-man roster. On October 11—three weeks after opening a roster spot.
Just a week after promoting Williams, the Steelers once again trimmed their 53-man roster without an immediate substitution. They placed Miles Killebrew on IR on October 16, but did not fill his roster spot for two weeks. On October 30, they traded for Kyle Dugger.
The very next day, the Steelers went from 53 to 51 and then shortly thereafter to 52 players. On October 31, they place DeShon Elliott and Daniel Ekuale on IR, but activated Harrison from IR on November 1. Just yesterday, they signed Brodric Martin-Rhodes from the Chiefs’ practice squad, but waived Leal.
That kept the Steelers, once again, one shy of a 53-man roster—and I really don’t know why. Since September 20, they have played with 52 or fewer players for roughly one week. Five days between the Williams promotion and the Killebrew IR, and then one day between the Dugger trade and multiple moves. Put another way, the Steelers have only played three games all season with a 53-man roster, and I couldn’t tell you why.
After another disappointing season and months of retooling, the Steelers are set to try it all again in 2025. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers isthe quarterback question. They settled in on Aaron Rodgers, but we still have a lot to learn about him. The2025 NFL Draft class could play a big role, but veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey will be paramount.
Now we are in the regular season. From Rodgers to George Pickens to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ramsey, we’ve seen the Steelers make some big changes. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and figuring out how it all works out.
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