Five Takeaways: Will Howard Loses Steelers Roster Spot

The Pittsburgh Steelers fall to 1-1 in the preseason as their explosive offense against the Green Bay Packers died down against the New York Jets.

The Steelers offense couldn't produce any points in their 17-0 loss to the Jets at Acrisure Stadium. But truthfully, the defense didn't help much.

It was a dud of a ballgame for the black and gold, but in the preseason, that happens. And the Steelers are grateful to be able to work through their concerns now instead of during the regular season.

Leaving the game and heading into the final game of the preseason, here's what stood out about the Steelers' loss to New York.

Rayshawn Jenkins Can Play Defense

The Steelers might have a pretty decent third safety. Rayshawn Jenkins started in place of Jaquan Brisker, and while he didn't do much in coverage, he got into the backfield on multiple occasions to disrupt plays.

Jenkins might not be the interception machine that the Steelers need at the position, but he's definitely someone who can make plays as a run supporter. In Patrick Graham's defense, where disguises are endless, he might fit well.

Kaden Wetjen Might Not Make It

Mike McCarthy didn't hold back last week when talking about the Steelers' fourth-round pick Kaden Wetjen. His message was clear - Wetjen needs to be able to do more than return kicks and punts in order to be on this team.

Well, he didn't do that. And not only did Wetjen produce nothing on offense in his second preseason game, but he became a liability on special teams as well.

Wetjen fumbled on a punt return, seemingly handing the ball to a Jets defender along the sideline. While the Jets player didn't get both feet in bounds before going out of bounds, the play looked brutal for the rookie.

Keeping a player who's only a returner is tough to do, but it's impossible for a team to do if that returner isn't good at returning. That's becoming the case for Wetjen.

Steelers Need Max Iheanachor

The Steelers desperately need their first-round pick to return from injury this week. If not, it's time for them to start looking for help at right tackle, but their options on the current roster aren't good enough.

Everyone is talking about Broderick Jones giving up a brutal sack to Will Howard against David Bailey, but he was only half of the problem. Dylan Cook got beat on almost every rep, with his worst play coming on the interception from Howard to Andre Cisco.

Cook ends the rep off his own two feet and back over 10 yards from where the ball was snapped. It was tough, but it wasn't out of character.

The Steelers either need Iheanachor to return or they need to start making phone calls. Otherwise, they're in a lot of trouble because their right tackle position is the clearest weak link on the roster.

Will Howard Lost His Spot

Will Howard just simply doesn't have what's needed to be the team's backup quarterback. He plays the role well, and he definitely has the mental makeup to succeed, but the arm strength isn't there, and it's so noticeable.

Howard finished the night completing 10 of 15 passes for 74 yards and two interceptions. On both turnovers, he stared down the wide receiver, leading to what looked like easy interceptions.

This was Howard's one shot to prove he belongs on the team and he couldn't shine. What does it mean? Well, chances are, it means he's going to be off the roster in the next few weeks.

Keeping four quarterbacks was hard to justify. Now, it might be impossible.