Steelers make first rounds of roster cuts, release 5 players

The Pittsburgh Steelers had to release 5 players to get their roster to the league mandate 85 players. Here is who was let go.

One of the changes for all 32 NFL teams in 2021 is how the teams will handle trimming their offseason roster. The offseason roster starts with 90 players, and, in the past, used to be trimmed from 90 to 75, and then 75 to 53.

Not anymore. Now, after Week 1 of the preseason teams have to cut their rosters from 90 to 85. After Week 2 of the preseason it goes from 85 to 80, and after the preseason is when the roster needs to be set at 53 players.

Steelers fans shouldn’t forget the Hall of Fame game is considered just an extra preseason game. The first official week of the preseason, or Week 1, was their game last Thursday night vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.

With all that said, the Steelers had to cut five players to get their roster to the league mandated 85 players. Here is who got cut:

DE Abdullah Anderson
DB Stephen Denmark
WR Isaiah McKoy
T Brandon Walton
K Sam Sloman

The Steelers had a very balanced group of players cut with two on offense, two on defense, and one special teams player. The release of Stephen Denmark was somewhat expected as he did not play in the Steelers last preseason game. The release of defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson is a bit surprising after registering a sack in the Hall of Fame Game, but the Steelers defensive line is a very deep group.

On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver Isaiah McKoy simply was the last man a very stacked position group. As for Brandon Walton, who actually played guard in both preseason games despite being listed as a tackle, he may have been the odd man out because the Steelers appear to be quite deep at guard with all of their centers also being able to play the position. The Steelers also released kicker Sam Sloman who did not have a realistic shot of knocking off Chris Boswell this preseason but was mainly used to limit Boswell’s usage with four preseason games.

The Steelers now turn their attention to the Detroit Lions this Saturday night at Heinz Field in Week 2. It is there fans will see more starters hit the field, before having another round of cuts next week.

In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers as they wrap up training camp, complete the preseason and prepare for the 2021 regular season.