Pittsburgh Steelers release first depth chart

Per the NFL rule to have a depth chart released prior to the beginning of the preseason the Pittsburgh Steelers have released their initial depth chart of the 2014 season.

The depth chart only goes two deep and it can be changed at any time from now until the Steelers kick off their first preseason game Saturday, Aug. 9^th against the Giants.

On the offensive side of the ball, the starting wide receivers are Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton. Lance Moore is listed as Wheaton’s backup, or the No. 3 receiver as expected, and Justin Brown is listed as Brown’s backup.

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The offensive line backups are Mike Adams at left tackle, Chris Hubbard at left guard, Cody Wallace backing up center, Bryant Browning at right guard and Guy Whimper at right tackle. No other real surprises on the offense. Will Johnson is the starting full back but he has also spent time working with the tight ends in camp.

On the defensive side of the ball Ryan Shazier starts inside next to Lawrence Timmons and Mike Mitchell is listed as the starting free safety although he’s currently on the PUP list. The defensive line starts off with Cam Heyward, Steve McLendon, and Cam Thomas with Stephon Tuitt, Brian Arnfeldt, and Hebron Fangupo backing them up.

Vince Williams has ended up behind Ryan Shazier on the depth chart of the inside linebackers. Jason Worilds and Jarvis Jones are obviously still starting on the outside with Chris Carter and Arthur Moats backing them up.

In the secondary Cortez Allen is backing up William Gay and Brice McCain backs up Ike Taylor. Shamarko Thomas backs up Troy Polamalu at strong safety and Will Allen is listed behind Mike Mitchell.

The Steelers have co-starters at punter as Adam Podlesh and Brad Wing will compete against each other for that roster spot. Another interesting roster spot that will undoubtedly have to wait for the preseason games to be sorted out will be the punt/kick returners. In this initial depth chart Dri Archer is listed as the No. 1 kick returner with Antonio Brown still listed as the teams’ punt returner.

The roster spots I’m most curious to see play out will be the wide receiving group, the defensive line, and special teams. We’ll know a lot more after the team suits up next weekend against the New York Giants.

What are your thoughts Steeler Nation?