2012 Steelers 53 Man Roster Prediction – Post Preseason Game 1 Edition

With the first preseason game in the books for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it is now time to take another shot at a 53 man roster prediction. If you missed my pre training camp 53 man roster prediction, you can find it by following the link provided.

Below are notes of what I have changed from my last projected roster along with the reasons why I made the changes.

DEFENSE CHANGES:

Walter McFadden – The Steelers were forced to waive cornerback Terry Carter injured after he suffered a hamstring injury, so for now I am replacing him with McFadden, who ran second team behind Keenan Lewis in the game Thursday night.

OFFENSE CHANGES:

Derrick Williams – Williams received praise from wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery following the Eagles game and I feel that he might be ahead of Toney Clemons on the depth chart right now. Williams has NFL experience, is physical, and can contribute on special teams in addition. Until Clemons or another young wide receiver give me a reason to put them on the 53, Williams will hold the 5th receiver spot for the time being.

Toney Clemons – With Clemons now taken off the 53 man roster in lieu of Williams, I have placed in on the practice squad and removed Tyler Beiler for now. I still believe that Beiler has a chance at that spot, but with Clemons getting playing time ahead of Beiler right now, that will be my reasoning.

David Johnson – After suffering a torn ACL and MCL, Johnson is done for the season and now goes on the injured reserve list.

Jamie McCoy – With Johnson now on injured reserve, McCoy appears to be the next man up to back up new starter Will Johnson at the fullback position. McCoy started working with the running back group this week and will now be pushed by the newly signed Justin Peelle and Jason Ford it appears. McCoy needs to get his head on straight after drawing to block in the back penalties in the first preseason game Thursday night. Consider his name written in very light pencil at this point on my 53 man roster.

David Paulson – With Paulson now off my 53 man roster, I have moved him to the practice squad where he takes the place of offensive lineman Chris Scott.

Jason Ford – John Clay is now out for the year and I have replaced him with the newly signed Ford for the time being.

John Clay – Clay has been moved from my practice squad to the injured reserve list.

SPECIALIST CHANGES:

Drew Butler – Jeremy Kapinos can\’t make the club in the tub, so he has been removed from my 53 man roster for now and Butler, the undrafted rookie free agent out of Georgia has been added in his place.