Thompson Making Case for 53
by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published August 16, 2025, 11:17 PM
PITTSBURGH, Pa – Skylar Thompson continues to shine in the preseason, stringing together big plays with the kind of pocket mobility that turns short gains into chunk yards downfield.
Against Tampa Bay, he once again showed command of the Steelers offense, proving he can make plays when the moment calls for it.
A bobbled pass by Lance McCutcheon led to an interception by Kindle Vildor, but outside of that miscue, Thompson’s poise stood out. His strong preseason is creating an interesting storyline in Pittsburgh.
“Yeah, you know, feels good,” said Thompson after the game. “You know, it’s year four for me, and, you know, being in a new system and new organization. It’s just a clean slate, a clean opportunity. I’ve really love it here.”
Sixth-round pick Will Howard has already been labeled “the future” by much of the fan base, yet Thompson’s performance makes it hard to ignore his potential role in some capacity.
Through two preseason games, Thompson has completed 30 of 43 passes for 346 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception (off the bobble) for an impressive 96.6 quarterback rating.
That’s pretty damn good.
This is about a guy I think most thought was an afterthought when signing with the team, has carved out some solid film that surely the Steelers see and the other 31 one teams in the National Football League have taken notice of this preseason.
The question now is what comes next. Howard’s missed time has opened the door, and Thompson has taken full advantage. This isn’t about crowning him the starter or pushing Howard aside, it’s about recognizing a veteran who has shown his value in the most important way possible, on the field.
“From the moment I got here, Mike T (Tomlin), the coaching staff, the guys on the team everybody’s made me feel welcome, made me feel part of it. I just want to go out there, play free, and when I’m on the field, I’ve felt prepared and ready to make plays. Just trusting it and letting it rip.”
What Thompson mentioned is clear to see, he is playing with confidence and it’s noticeable What I’m trying to allude to is will his play in allow him to earn a spot on the roster. That’s every player’s goal absent of starting is to be make the coveted 53-man squad.
Now after two weeks of preseason action this 2022 seventh-round pick by the Miami Dolphins is showing something this preseason that likely would have paled in comparison if Howard was active and playing.
It’s about making the most of your opportunities in this situation and he’s coming through.
I asked him to give me the play his favorite play of the night and the one he wishes he could get back.
“Shoot, anytime you throw completions, have some positive plays, they’re all good,” said Thompson in the locker room.
“But I really like the throw I had to Scotty (Miller) across the middle. He just felt some space, I threw it to a spot, and he made a play for me.”
And the one he’d like back?
“Probably that deep post to Lance (McCutcheon). I threw it on my second hitch. If I get it off on the first, that backside corner doesn’t overlap and get there. There’s always plays you wish you had back, but I just want to continue to grow and get better. That’s been my mindset this whole time.”
For now, Thompson has given Steelers fans something to talk about and perhaps a reason to rethink the depths in which this quarterback room may go.
Will it be the proclaimed three of Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph and Howard. Or has Thompson done enough in two preseason games to warrant a spot? Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers on August 21st the preseason finale will be the final audition for Thompson.
People say the preseason isn’t any good, for me the story lines of different players across this roster, Thompson included are playing for their NFL lives.
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
