The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their first round of roster cuts after their preseason finale, dropping 11 players in preparation for the upcoming season.
Following a showdown against the Carolina Panthers, the Steelers took swift action ahead of the August 26 deadline. Among the notable departures are outside linebacker Kenny Willekes, who saw 15 snaps in his brief stint with the team since signing on August 19. The two-time Pro Bowler, long snapper Jake McQuaide, joined the Steelers on August 18, playing seven snaps against the Panthers following an unfortunate injury to Christian Kuntz. Defensive backs Kam Alexander, Quindell Johnson, Kyler McMichael, and Mikey Victor were also among those released.
Willekes, a former Minnesota Vikings pick, had a short but impactful tenure, while McQuaide’s experience couldn’t secure him a permanent spot. Alexander, who recently joined from the Seattle Seahawks, showcased his skills with 18 reps in his final outing. Johnson and McMichael contributed throughout the preseason, with Victor making his mark with three tackles in limited appearances.
The offensive line saw changes with the departures of Doug Nester and Julian Pearl, while quarterback Logan Woodside, running back Evan Hull, and tight end Kevin Foelsch also bid farewell to the team. As the roster shifts in preparation for the regular season, these cuts mark the beginning of tough decisions for the Steelers coaching staff.