3 Steelers Who Deserve More Playing Time in Preseason Game 2

After what was, overall, an encouraging performance by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1 of the preseason against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Mike Tomlin’s team is ready to show even more progress in their Week 2 game tonight versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, there were three players who I would like to see play in a more expanded role in Week 2 despite being considered roster-bubble or back-end-of-the-roster players. As Omar Khan, Andy Weidl, and the Steelers brass prepare to cut the roster down to 53 in the coming days, I believe it is vital we see an increased number of live game reps for these individuals that we will discuss in detail below.

Lew Nichols III

The Steelers’ running game was the gloomiest part of what was an impressive offensive performance, but the one running back who performed above average was Lew Nichols III. I have been a Nichols truther since his days at Central Michigan, when he took the MAC by storm in 2021 with a conference-leading 1,848 yards on 341 carries and 18 all-purpose touchdowns. Nichols is not the fastest running back, but his short-area burst is impressive for a back who weighs in at 220 pounds. Not only is his short-area burst eye-catching, but his patience and vision as a runner along with his soft hands as a receiver make him a player who could see true NFL success if given the opportunity. He reminds me of former Steelers preseason standout Terrell Watson, who turned out to be just a flash in the pan but showed true promise as a power back. While Nichols does not possess quite as much size, his efficiency in short-yardage situations speaks for itself. He deserves a closer look in Week 2 and should be given a chance to make this roster.

Scotty Miller

May the legend of “Scotty Bugatti” continue to grow! Miller was a key element in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl run with Tom Brady at the helm, but he has not been given a prime opportunity to make an impact since. The 4.3 speed is still there, and time and time again, we continue to see him make tough catches in traffic. The lack of size may drop the excitement level in the eyes of most fans, but he can provide the element of explosiveness the Steelers thought they had a few years ago but never received with Ryan Switzer. Miller’s speed could make a difference in the return game on special teams if he is given the opportunity, and his experience, consistency, and savvy as a receiver could give the Pittsburgh stability opposite D.K. Metcalf to begin the season. Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson will certainly get their looks, but I firmly believe “Scotty Bugatti” deserves every chance to vie for the WR2 role as well. He’s succeeded in that role for a short period of time in Tampa, and his abilities have not regressed.

Carson Bruener

Bruener made his presence known right out the gate in Week 1 of the preseason on special teams, and he finished the game leading the team in tackles. We saw Bruener’s ability to attack the football and make tackles in college, and his combine numbers were a pleasant surprise to many in the draft community. With the work ethic and bloodlines he brings with him, he would be a tough player to cut. His immediate impact as a special teamer should earn him a spot on the 53-man roster, but if he is given more playing time in Week 2 and he can handle it with success, I believe we should begin conversing about whether or not he should be added to the linebacker rotation on defense.

Which players would you like to see more of in tonight’s matchup? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!