Steelers release 11 players ahead of next week’s deadline

The Pittsburgh Steelers have completed their three preseason games for the 2025 season. Getting a jump start on 28 other teams who still are yet to play their final preseason game, the Steelers have released 11 players ahead of next Tuesday’s 4 PM deadline to get to the required 53-man roster.

We have released 11 players. @BordasLaw

📝: https://t.co/tdE0rwS435 pic.twitter.com/fF8ud5ze9G

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 22, 2025

The list of players who Steelers released are as follows courtesy of Steelers.com:

Defense:
Linebacker: Kenny Willekes
Defensive Backs: Kam Alexander, Quindell Johnson, Kyler McMichael, Mikey Victor

Offense:
Offensive linemen: Doug Nester, Julian Pearl
Quarterback: Logan Woodside
Running Back: Evan Hull
Tight end: Kevin Foelsch

Special Teams:
Long snapper: Jake McQuaide

Of those players who were released, there is not really any big surprises. Perhaps the most notable is that the Steelers included long snapper Jake McQuide, who was filling in for the injured Christian Kuntz. With McQuaide being released at this time, it appears that Kuntz will be available for the Steelers to start the season.

In all, the Steelers are now down to 80 players and will have to release another 27 by next Tuesday at 4 PM. Once teams have all had the ability to claim any non-vested veteran off of waivers, the Steelers will be allowed to begin signing players to their 16-man practice squad at noon next Wednesday.

Whether or not the Steelers will wait until next Tuesday for the rest of the players they release is unknown at this time. Regardless of when the cuts are made, stay tuned to SCN for continued coverage as the Steelers get their roster set for the 2025 season.