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DB’s Steelers Dudes & Duds: Miller Wins Roster Spot, Mason Struggles
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- DB’s Steelers Dudes & Duds: Miller Wins Roster Spot, Mason Struggles
The preseason has come and gone for the Pittsburgh Steelers . It's safe to say that this low-scoring affair didn't score very well on the watchability meter, but the good news is that the next time this squad takes the field, the result will actually count for something.
We had a few players flash potential, a couple others solidify their spots on the 53-man roster, while others struggled to gain their footing in this one.The most concerning news of the night was that rookie defensive end Derrick Harmon , who the team has been counting on to take a significant role from day one, was carted off with a knee injury.
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Before we close the book on this chapter of the NFL calendar, let's talk through some winners and losers from the preseason finale.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller at OTAs on June 5, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Dude: WR Scotty Miller
There's a case to be made that Miller has boosted his stock more than any other Steelers player this summer, going from afterthought to essentially a roster lock over a month's time. He got some early burn in this one and made quite the impact in the first half, hauling in three catches for 82 yards. His first reception was a nifty snag over the middle on a ball that was thrown well behind him. Lastly, he showcased his speed and flew past the entire Panthers secondary to set up a field goal heading into intermission. To further solidify his status, he was seen working as the gunner on the punt coverage team, a role that he occupied last year as well. The veteran shouldn't feel nervous on Tuesday when roster cuts begin to surface.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 16, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Dud: QB Mason Rudolph
With Aaron Rodgers sitting out the entire preseason, it's given Rudolph a chance to take the reins of Pittsburgh's offense, with his play declining week after week. Against a Panthers defensive unit composed entirely of backups, Rudolph never looked remotely comfortable in the pocket in this one, often letting eyes drop at the first sign of color. As a whole, the offense looked dead on arrival and sluggish. He threw a brutal interception in the first quarter, trying to hit the hi-cross versus cover-3 but he never saw the sinking curl/flat defender. If there's one thing that we know about Mike Tomlin, it's that he places a lot of value on ball control and winning the turnover battle. In the somewhat likely event that Rudolph does have to step in and play during the regular season, he's going to have to take better care of the football.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson in a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 21, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Dude: QB Skylar Thompson
Needless to say, the Steelers offense needed a spark after the first-team offense struggled mightily out of the gate in this one, and Thompson gave it to them. He was decisive, accurate, and aggressive when the situation called for it. The go ball down the left side off a double move was a sweet toss, and then the bomb right before halftime was an unexpected surprise that ended in some surprise points to tie up the ball game. His lone blemish was a missing Lew Nichols on a wheel route in the red zone area. With the team's longstanding relationship with Rudolph, in addition to spending draft capital on Will Howard , his path to the 53-man roster has always felt rather difficult. But he's played some good ball throughout the preseason for the most part and should find a home somewhere this season regardless.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 17, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Dud: RB Jaylen Warren
In his first action this preseason, the hope was that by inserting him into the equation, the run game would come alive a little bit. Not only did that not happen, with the fourth-year pro only amassing three yards on two carries, but he coughed the football up on the first drive of the game. Luckily, Roman Wilson dove on it to maintain possession for the offense. Ball security has been an issue for Warren, even coughing the ball up four times in 2023 in what was otherwise his breakout season as a player. A larger workload awaits him this fall, but in order for him to ascend as a true RB1 and set himself up for a nice payday, he must be reliable.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Yahya Black at practice on Aug. 1, 2025. — Alan Saunders / Steelers Now
Dude: DT Yahya Black
When the Steelers selected Black in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the expectation was that he would be able to step in and play a role as a run-plugger along the interior. His length has already proven to be an asset for him in terms of allowing him to establish first contact and lock out blockers en route to the ball carrier. Despite playing with a relatively high pad level, his mass, play strength, and length have made it difficult for opponents to move him off the ball. The most encouraging sign is that he hasn't been a complete dud as a pass rusher either. In the third quarter, he completely wrecked the Panthers' right guard on consecutive reps, notching back-to-back sacks to end a drive. With Harmon's injury looming large, they may need him more than they previously anticipated.
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Dud: In-game Execution
Despite more starters dressing for the final bout, the Steelers came out extremely flat in this one, leading to a slopfest that was pretty difficult to watch no matter your fandom or affiliation with the team. Penalties and missed tackles were the two major themes throughout the first half. The good news is that it's only preseason, but you'd certainly hope for a little more urgency and focus in the final tune-up.
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Ben Sauls in a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 16, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Dude: K Ben Sauls
There was never a real kicker competition for obvious reasons. Nevertheless, Sauls put his best foot forward in this one, knocking home multiple field goals from distance, with his longest being a 50-yard boomer that he put through the upright. Hopefully he's able to find a home elsewhere because he looks the part of a capable specialist.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : DB's Steelers Dudes & Duds: Miller Wins Roster Spot, Mason Struggles
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