Training camp in Latrobe, Pa., is where the Pittsburgh Steelers lay the foundation for the upcoming season and welcome the return of football. Position battles intensify, underdog stories emerge, and fans get their first in-person look at the team's newest rookie talent. All of it culminates in the formation of a 53-man roster and practice squad built to chase postseason success. Head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff face several difficult decisions this summer. They must identify starters, determine key backup roles, and ultimately trim the roster from 90 players to 53. Many of those cuts will involve veteran players fighting to extend their NFL careers.
The Steelers have several veterans whose roster spots are far from secure heading into camp. Some face an uphill battle just to earn a place on the practice squad. In a league that constantly gets younger, roster cutdowns often leave experienced players searching for new opportunities. Here are three veterans who face significant challenges in Latrobe.
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Julius Welschof
Julius Welschof has spent time on the Steelers' practice squad since 2024. Although he has yet to appear in a regular-season game, he has remained a reliable developmental option whenever the team has needed depth. However, Pittsburgh added another competitor last year in KJ Henry, a former 2023 draft pick of the Washington Commanders.
The road won't be easy for Welschof. The Steelers already have four established EDGE defenders on the roster, leaving few opportunities for additional depth. He will likely compete with Henry and former UFL standout Jacoby Windmon for a practice squad spot.
Making the 53-man roster appears unlikely, but even securing a place on the practice squad will require a strong training camp performance.
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Ben Skowronek
After the Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr. via trade and selected two wide receivers within the first four rounds of the draft, Ben Skowronek could find himself on the roster bubble. Roman Wilson is also expected to receive every opportunity to carve out a role in an offense that appears better suited to his skill set.
Still, Skowronek brings value to the roster. He already has familiarity with Aaron Rodgers and has built a reputation as a player who consistently earns his opportunities. His versatility, reliability, and willingness to contribute in multiple phases make him the type of player coaches love to keep around.
That could help him secure a spot as the team's sixth receiver, but competition will be fierce and roster spots limited. Every practice rep and preseason snap will matter for Skowronek.
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Dean Lowry
Dean Lowry enters training camp on uncertain footing along the interior defensive line. While the veteran remains a respected presence in the locker room, the Steelers' signing of Sebastian Joseph-Day in free agency could significantly impact his roster outlook.
The Steelers also continue to show confidence in younger players such as Logan Lee and Esezi Otomewo. Despite limited contributions to this point, both returned for another season and could be viewed as long-term developmental options.
That leaves Lowry with an important question heading into Year 11: Can he do enough this summer to secure a spot on Pittsburgh's final 53-man roster?
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Malik Harrison
Malik Harrison arrived in Pittsburgh to replace Elandon Roberts after Roberts signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. He even inherited Roberts' jersey number. However, the move has not delivered the same level of production, despite Harrison carrying a more expensive contract. Injuries also limited him to just 11 games last season.
Now entering a contract year, Harrison could find himself on the roster bubble and potentially become a cap casualty before the preseason concludes.
Harrison's strengths primarily come as a run defender, while his limitations in pass coverage remain a concern. The Steelers already have two established starters at linebacker, with Cole Holcomb providing experienced depth and Carson Bruener emerging as a standout special teams contributor. At this stage of his career, Harrison is a known commodity. The question is whether he can do enough during training camp and the preseason to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster.
