The Steelers continued to build out their roster Monday with 14 practice-squad additions. The most noteworthy takeaway remains the player who isn’t yet signed: Elandon Roberts.The physical inside linebacker was one of the surprise omissions from the 53-man roster. As of Monday evening, the 32-year-old had yet to sign with any team.“I’m not closing the door on that by any means,” Steelers GM Omar Khan said Monday afternoon. “I have a lot of respect for E Rob. We have some history with him, and he’s done a good job. I love the the player and love the person. Certainly not closing the door.”If the Steelers do intend to bring Roberts back, there aren’t many roster spots left, as the team has just three places remaining. Those final players should be announced in the coming days. Let’s take a deep look at the known practice players, ranked by their chances of contributing this season.Why NFL teams can’t financially trade for whoever they wantDaniel PopperSAF Juanyeh ThomasSafety depth was already a concern throughout camp — that was before the Steelers placed DeShon Elliott on injured reserve, forcing him to miss at least the first four games. Cut by the Colts at the end of camp, Thomas now sits fourth on the Steelers’ depth chart behind Jaquan Brisker, Rayshawn Jenkins and rookie Robert Spears-Jennings. Thomas began his career as a 2022 UDFA in Dallas, where he overlapped with Mike McCarthy. Before that, the 6-foot, 212-pound safety was a core special teamer at Georgia Tech. That’s likely the area he’d contribute most, even if there are injuries to the safeties. Thomas has appeared in 36 games between 2023 and 2025, with four starts. He’s recorded 62 tackles and five passes defended.RB Travis HomerA special-teams ace who often served as the personal protector on the punt unit during training camp, Homer was firmly in the RB3 competition. (In fact, I expected him to make the team on my final projection.) However, the Steelers chose Eli Heidrenreich’s return ability and offensive skill set over a four-phase special teamer like Homer. The Steelers might consider elevating Homer for particular matchups, or in the event any of the core special teamers are injured.DL Esezi OtomewoA 27-year-old journeyman, Otomewo enjoyed his most productive year as a pro last season. The 6-5, 282-pound defensive lineman appeared in 12 games, with nine tackles and one sack. Through most of camp, he sat right on the bubble. The Steelers opted for youth over experience.RB Lew NicholsNichols had a legitimate case to make the 53-man roster over Heidenreich. While Heidenreich returns kicks and is a hybrid player who brings a different element to the RB room, Nichols is the more polished pure running back. His vision and quick first step was evident throughout the preseason, as he carried the ball 20 times for 87 yards and a touchdown. If the Steelers suffer an injury to Jaylen Warren or Rico Dowdle during the season, Nichols is the player I’d promote to the active roster to split carries with the other healthy lead back.