Steelers Make Some Changes To Depth Chart, Including Rookie Keeanu Benton Now Listed As A Co-Starter

After the Pittsburgh Steelers' embarrassing loss in Week 4, Head Coach Mike Tomlin stated that there would be some big changes. In his press conference on Tuesday, Tomlin addressed just what those changes would be. No, it wasn't the team moving on from Matt Canada, but rather the physicality that the team has at its practices. Beyond that, the Steelers have also made some changes to its depth chart, as pointed out by Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Most notably, Desmond King II is now listed as a co-starter at slot cornerback, along with Chandon Sullivan. The team is still working on getting King up to speed, particularly with the playbook, as he was a late addition just ahead of the season opener. So far, he's only featured as a kick returner for the Steelers, which has included 13 special teams snaps.

He has yet to appear on the field defensively, but it seems like that will change. Through four games, Sullivan has played 99 defensive snaps, along with 53 on special teams. Unfortunately, he hasn't been too great in coverage. According to Pro Football Focus, his 50.8 overall grade ranks just 89th out of 109 qualifying cornerbacks thus far. Elsewhere, it seems like the rookies are finally starting to earn more playing time. 

The Steelers are always cautious with rookies, and their playbook (particularly on defense) is one of the harder ones to learn for young players. Despite a presumably excellent draft class, the same has been the case to start this season for Pittsburgh. Defensive lineman Keeanu Benton has been phenomenal in limited action (107 snaps), but he's earning more playing time now.

In another change on the depth chart, he's now listed as a co-starter with DeMarvin Leal at defensive tackle. Leal, a promising young player himself, has been decent at times in 2023. Unfortunately, he is in concussion protocol after the Week 4 loss to the Houston Texans. That could open the door even more for Benton, who was seen as a steal in the middle second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Steelers' Calvin Austin Seeing More Playing Time

Last but not least, Calvin Austin III has officially surpassed Gunner Olszewski as a starting wide receiver on the depth chart. Olszewski was a healthy scratch in Week 4, so this change was inevitable and had already happened. It was a bit of a surprise when Olszewski was listed ahead of Austin just before the regular season, although the veteran had a decent training camp. With the injury to Diontae Johnson, Austin has already seen a large increase in offensive snaps.

Now, another key member of the offense will miss some time, as Pat Freiermuth is doubtful for the team's Week 5 matchup. Considering the fact that the Steelers have a Week 6 bye, it seems likely that they will sit their starting tight end against the Baltimore Ravens. That will only mean more looks for Austin, whose speed has been critical for the Steelers already this season.

So far in 2023, he's played 73% of the offense's snaps. He's caught just 12 of his 21 targets for 143 yards, which included a huge 72-yard touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, the depth chart makes it official that he will continue to see more and more reps. The same can be said for Benton, who has shown signs of becoming a good NFL defensive lineman.