After weeks of training camp and a pair of preseason games, roster cuts are on the horizon. The initial 53-man roster is due to the league office by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. But before that, several Steelers on the roster’s fringe will have one final chance to make their case, during Thursday’s preseason finale in Buffalo.Let’s take a look at the players on the bubble with the most on the line.QB Will HowardThe 2025 sixth-round pick has always been the key variable in the entire four-QB debate. Howard could have ended the entire discussion by winning the QB2 battle. Instead, given the opportunity to start the second preseason game, Howard threw a pair of interceptions. Will he rebound and prove he absolutely must be on the 53-man roster? Or will another sub-par outing make the Steelers more willing to go the practice-squad route and live with the risks?Prediction: Keep. The Steelers will hold onto both young QBs, giving themselves two unscratched lottery tickets, as they look ahead to life after Aaron Rodgers.RB Kaleb JohnsonMoving on from a third-round pick just one year after he was drafted would be a tough look for the Steelers. However, that possibility is looking increasingly likely. Johnson carried the ball just twice for three yards in the first preseason game. He followed that up with 10 carries for 39 yards in the second. Of all the players on the roster, he may be the one who needs an explosive preseason finale to save his roster spot.Prediction: Cut. The top of the depth chart features a solid one-two punch in Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. Given the fact that these two backs should eat up the majority of the offensive snaps, the Steelers could lean special teams for the third running back and choose Travis Homer over Johnson.Joey Porter Jr. and Steelers at an 'impasse' on contract talksMike DeFaboRB Eli HeidenreichThe Mount Lebanon native produced the feel-good moment of the draft when the Steelers selected him in the seventh round. He was always going to be a long shot to make the team, especially considering they spent a fourth-round pick on return specialist Kaden Wetjen.Prediction: Cut. Heidenreich is a good candidate for the practice squad. During a developmental season, his best chance of seeing the field will be if Wetjen goes down and the Steelers need a returner. Longer term, the team needs to decide if Heidenreich is a running back or if he needs to transition to wide receiver.RB Lew NicholsBehind the top two running backs, Nichols is the one who has made the most of his chances. A preseason darling a year ago, he’s picked up where he left off. The question the Steelers have to ask themselves is if they want the RB3 who can contribute more on offense (Nichols) or one with a better track record on special teams (Homer).Prediction: Cut. Nichols is another good practice-squad candidate. If the Steelers were to sustain an injury to either one of their top backs, it would make sense to elevate Nichols and give him the carries rather than playing Homer on offense.