Max Hurleman, undrafted Notre Dame running back, is turning heads in Pittsburgh’s camp, highlighted by a 26-yard catch and a TD grab in the preseason win over Jacksonville. His nickname, Tom Cruise, has teammates buzzing and signaling a potential roster surprise in a crowded Steelers backfield. Rodgers’ presence at training camp adds star power and raises expectations for the offense, while Hurleman’s blend of speed and receiving ability gives him a real shot to carve a niche as a change-of-pace option or contributor on special teams. With the 53-man decision looming, Hurleman’s pro-days and showy plays keep him in the conversation as a sleeper whose ceiling could hinge on coverage duties and goal-line packages.

Pittsburgh opened preseason with a 31-25 win over Jacksonville and gave Steelers fans a few early roster peeks. Max Hurleman, D'Shawn Jamison, and Skylar Thompson stood out as the biggest winners for the black-and-gold, underscoring talent depth that could shape the final 53. Most notable was Derrick Harmon, the No. 21 pick in the 2025 draft from Oregon, whose two pressures on 22 pass-rushing snaps hinted at interior disruption the Steelers hoped for.

Harmon isn’t billed as a flashy stat-sheet stuffer yet, but CBS’ Chris Trapasso graded his debut a solid B- for his interior reach and pressure rate. He didn’t rack up tackles or a sack, but collapsing interior pockets is precisely what he was drafted to do, and a 10% pace from interior rushers is meaningful in the NFL. Pittsburgh plans to side Harmon with Keeanu Benton and Cameron Heyward, giving him veteran mentorship as he acclimates to pro life. Harmon’s 2024 college line—45 tackles, 11 TFL, five sacks—suggests a trajectory toward interior pressure as a long-term asset, potentially a steal in dynasty formats if he keeps advancing.

Hurleman and Jamison added to the depth storyline, offering viable roster cases behind the top options. Thompson’s presence adds a further layer of competition behind starter Kenny Pickett. For fantasy, the takeaway isn’t just the Week 1 results but the roster path these players may carve—Hurleman as a potential late-round flier for WR depth, Jamison as a developmental corner, Thompson as a superflex depth option, and Harmon as a high-upside interior pass-rusher with early-season upside in IDP formats. The Steelers’ interior line looks primed to threaten quarterbacks, potentially lifting defensive pressure numbers across the unit as Harmon's role expands.

Next up, Pittsburgh faces more preseason action as Harmon's role clarifies and the rest of the depth chart evolves. If Harmon, Benton, and Heyward can sustain pressure, fantasy managers should monitor the Steelers’ front for subtle IDP gains and late-season upside. Hurleman’s development and Jamison’s rookie-season trajectory will also feed into Steelers’ depth dynamics, reinforcing a roster that could offer sneaky upside in deeper formats as the season approaches.

Pittsburgh closed Week 1 of the preseason with a win and a passing-driven vibe, but the real story is the competition brewing behind the top starters. Kaleb Johnson flashed resilience behind a leaky run block, drawing a line between the tape and the box score, as the line’s woes watered down his true impact. Max Hurleman and Roc Taylor both pressed for a late-roster berth, turning exhibitions into auditioning grounds for the last WR spots. On the O-line, Troy Fautanu stood as a reliable anchor on run plays and pass protection, a small but meaningful win for the depth. Yahya Black flashed lateral agility in limited work and earned a bigger leash, while Jack Sawyer and DeMarvin Leal faced the need to raise their confidence and reps. Juan Thornhill assumed a vocal, steadying presence at free safety, and Chuck Clark’s opportunities to prove his value persisted, even as the defense navigated evolving roles. The undercurrent is clear: this roster battle isn’t decided on Week 1, but the path to the final cut line is narrowing by the day.

Fantasy managers should monitor Hurleman and Taylor as potential sleepers who could climb the depth chart if their quarterback chemistry holds. Johnson’s productivity is tethered to the line’s improvement, but his vision and patience suggest upside if Pittsburgh can fix the front. Fautanu’s performance argues for a steadier plug-and-play option on the edge of the starting unit, while Thornhill’s leadership could stabilize a secondary retooling. Leal still needs a breakout moment to shed the tweener label, and Clark’s veteran presence could stabilize the back end as the Steelers experiment with combinations. In short, the week’s performances hint at a few overnight roster movements and several players who could pay off as potential fantasy upside if and when the depth chart locks in.

Bottom line: a strong start for the passing game, but the Steelers still need to firm up the trenches and finish drives. The week’s standouts signal which names could push for real snaps when the bullets fly, while the rest will be concentrated into the practice-field chess match that leads to September.

Max Hurleman, an undrafted rookie running back, expresses gratitude to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the opportunity to prove himself in the NFL. During a recent event, he thanked notable figures such as Coach Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan for believing in him. Hurleman aims to demonstrate his potential and contribute positively to the team's success. His determination and commitment to making an impact as a player reflect his readiness to embrace the challenges ahead.

Max Hurleman, a former cornerback and special teams player for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent. Hurleman, who played 16 games in 2024, made 13 tackles and had a fumble recovery during his college career. Coming from Pennsylvania, Hurleman's journey to the NFL showcases his versatility as a kick and punt returner, which might help him secure a spot on the Steelers' roster.

While the path to making the team is challenging, Hurleman's skills on special teams could be a significant asset for the Steelers. He'll need to impress in training camp and the preseason to stand out among the competitive roster. Best of luck to Max as he embarks on this new chapter in his football career!