Rosters finalize in the NFL and fantasy rosters hinge on one final week of cuts. The biggest question centers around the Chargers behind Justin Herbert, where Trey Lance’s preseason play could nudge Taylor Heinicke out of a two-quarterback room. Cole Strange’s fit in New England remains unsettled as injuries and depth chart shifts complicate a former top pick’s path. Tommy DeVito faces a numbers crunch with Daniel Jones and Jaxson Dart in the mix elsewhere, while Taysom Hill’s ACL rehab keeps the Saints from a 53-man decision until late August. Across the league, veterans like Kendrick Bourne and Ja’Lynn Polk manage rosters in rebuilds, Hunter Renfrow tries to rehabilitate value with Carolina, and Adoree’ Jackson, C.J. Henderson, and Adoree’ Jackson clash for roles in Philadelphia, Atlanta, and beyond. Daniel Bellinger and Darnell Washington enter tight end contests with the Giants and Steelers, and Van Jefferson fights for a spot with Tennessee, all shaping the fantasy landscape for early-season targets, role clarity, and workload volatility.

Rosters will expose the most meaningful shifts: Lance’s edge in Los Angeles could unlock mobile yields and rushing TD upside; Bourne and Polk offer veteran steadiness and developmental upside in their rooms; Renfrow’s path to a resurgence depends on special teams and depth chart chemistry; Bellinger and Washington could siphon early targets in Giants and Steelers offenses, while Jefferson’s fate with the Titans hinges on depth at receiver and special teams value. These moves will redefine who to trust in lineups and who to stash on fantasy benches as September approaches.

Pittsburgh’s preseason Week 2 tilt vs. Tampa Bay centers on a few standout performances and deeper depth-chart battles that fantasy managers will want to monitor closely. Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson will split carries as the RB fight for the Steelers’ lead spot unfolds, with Warren’s natural quickness tested against the more enigmatic Johnson. Brandin Echols has impressed as a versatile corner option, especially with Slay and Ramsey aging, potentially lifting Pittsburgh’s pass defense value. The receiving corps has a wild-card in Max Hurleman, who flashed as a multi-position contributor and could push for a roster spot if injuries persist. Skylar Thompson has drawn attention for his precision and poise, setting up a potential trade scenario if he continues to light up the preseason. On the interior, rookie Derrick Harmon is in line for extended run as Heyward’s contract situation looms, giving the run defense a clearer picture early in camp. All eyes will also be on Mason Rudolph and Will Howard to see if any signal-caller emerges behind the veterans, while Darnell Washington’s red-zone threat adds a dynamic target for the offense.

Calvin Austin III’s injury absence keeps a few pass-catching reps up for grabs, amplifying the stakes for undrafted players like Hurleman who could surprise if opportunity aligns with need. The defense’s push to stabilize the line behind Harmon and Black could shift the defensive upside in fantasy, especially if the rotation locks in a few extra snaps. In short, Week 2 offers a practical test bed for Steelers rookies and fringe contributors, with Warren’s split workload, Echols’ growing role, and quarterback intrigue likely to influence late-season roster decisions and dynasty picks.

The Steelers rolled out a sharp preseason opener, and six standouts highlighted a growing depth map for fantasy owners. Mason Rudolph steered the offense efficiently, completing 9 of 10 for 84 yards and delivering an opening-drive TD that echoed his 2023 form. Darnell Washington leveraged his massive frame with a 19-yard red-zone score, while Scotty Miller flashed reliable hands with four catches for 47 yards. Ke'Shawn Williams burst onto the scene, grabbing two balls for 55 yards to lead the receiving corps, including a viral six-point TD. Cole Holcomb returned from his knee injury with decisive instincts, including a key third-down breakup on Tank Bigsby, and Skylar Thompson delivered a masterful 20-for-28, totaling 233 yards and three touchdowns. Tank Bigsby provided a moment for the Jaguars, but the Steelers showcased their depth and potential for rotation. Aaron Rodgers was a healthy scratch, underscoring the roster dynamic and how Pittsburgh might evaluate quarterbacks and receivers in the coming weekends.

Pittsburgh opened its preseason with a 31-25 win over Jacksonville, and Darnell Washington stole the show by snagging a 19-yard TD from Mason Rudolph on the Steelers’ first possession. Washington capped the score with a Jimmy Graham–style celebration that drew a penalty, forcing a longer extra point that ended up converting. The video exploded across social feeds, fueling buzz about Washington becoming a bigger factor in Pittsburgh’s passing game even with Freiermuth and Smith not dressed.

Washington’s breakout has fantasy folks rethinking the Steelers’ tight-end depth chart. Washington profiles as a matchup nightmare given his size and catching radius, and his early connection with Rudolph suggests a potential Week 2 lift if Freiermuth and Smith sit again. Pittsburgh heads into Week Two vs. Tampa Bay with joint practices planned, a stage that could accelerate Washington’s idling pass-game role and give fantasy squads a late preseason prize to monitor.

Bottom line: Washington’s preseason flash could translate into real-game opportunities if the Steelers lean on him as a pass-game mismatch. For fantasy managers, he’s worth a stashed glance in deeper formats and dynasty leagues, especially if Pittsburgh leans into two-TE sets early in the season. The Week 2 matchup with the Bucs will be telling as Pittsburgh tests Washington against NFL-caliber defenses on a quick turn.