Projected Roster with Two Preseason Games to Go (Rich)

Here's the current Steelers roster, which stands at 84, and which must be cut back to 53 by Sunday, September 4. Obviously the last two preseason games could have some effect, particularly if there are injuries. Assuming no injuries, here's my best guess for how the roster stands after final cuts.

QB: (3) Ben Roethlisberger, Tommy Maddox, Brian St. Pierre
RB: (5) Duce Staley, Jerome Bettis, Willie Parker, Dan Kreider, Verron Haynes
WR: (6) Hines Ward, Antwaan Randle El, Cedrick Wilson, Fred Gibson, Nate Washington, Sean Morey
TE: (3) Heath Miller, Jerame Tuman, Matt Kranchick
OL: (9) Jeff Hartings, Alan Faneca, Marvel Smith, Kendall Simmons, Max Starks, Trai Essex, Chukky Okobi, Chris Kemoeatu, Jim Jones
DL: (6) Kimo von Olhoeffen, Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, Travis Kirschke, Brett Keisel, Chris Hoke
LB: (9) Joey Porter, Larry Foote, James Farrior, Clark Haggans, James Harrison, Clint Kriewaldt, Rian Wallace, Andre Frazier, Alonzo Jackson
DB: (9) Deshea Townsend, Willie Williams, Troy Polamalu, Chris Hope, Ricardo Colclough, Bryant McFadden, Ike Taylor, Russell Stuvaints, Mike Logan
ST: (3) Jeff Reed, Chris Gardocki, Mike Schneck

The toughest call was putting in Jackson, but I just don't see who's going to beat him out unless it's Dedrick Roper, or unless they only keep 8 linebackers, in which case I guess Chidi Iwuoma makes it, but can we really afford 6 speacial teams specialists? (Counting Morey and Kreiwaldt.)

Obviously there are questions at WR and TE too; Kranchick would seem to be the upside guy, but they might be more comfortable with Walter Rasby. I almost typed "Walter Rasby or Matt Cushing" there, but it just wouldn't be final cuts without seeing Matt Cushing's name in agate type. Also, the WR projection presumes they go with Washington over Lee Mays, trading a little experience for a little upside and cap room. The other guy who could be a cap casualty if they're thinking that way would be Tuman--a nice player to have around, but possibly a luxury now.

I'm also wondering if Verron Haynes might get squeezed out now that he doesn't seem to have much of a role, but I don't know who you'd keep instead. Noah Herron? Zach Tuiasosopo? Cushing? I also assume that backup safety is a 3-man tossup for two slots, with Tyrone Carter my projected odd man out.

I assume Shawn Nua and Herron are strong practice squad candidates, and maybe Zamir Cobb and Walter Young.

I also predict that Charlie Batch shows up to the first game claiming to be Brian St. Pierre, but no one will buy it.

--Rich Erenberg