Steelers’ Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert: backup centers to benefit most from bigger rosters

The new collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and its players union expanded roster sizes from 53 to 55 per team. It upped active gameday squads by two, as well, to 48.

Time will tell how teams fill those spots. But if the Pittsburgh Steelers coach and general manager are to be believed, there is one position across the league that stands to benefit most.

“The backup center,particularly the backup center (who plays no other position),” coach Mike Tomlin said. “There are going to be more global opportunities for employment and participation and availability for games because of the rule.”

Whereas in the past the Steelers were part of the NFL protocol of having seven offensive linemen in uniform for games, that now almost certainly will be eight. When only two reserves were available, positional versatility was necessary among the backups.

This benefited players who had the flexibility of playing, say, all three interior line spots, or for players who could swing from tackle to guard. But it harmed those who specialize at center because teams could not afford to get stuck without a proven backup guard.

.@TimBenzPgh: Two ways that a new CBA rule may help the #Steelers https://t.co/54KTB2oAFC

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“It’s going to help the center-type player,” general manager Kevin Colbert said, “because in the past if you couldn’t play two positions, it was hard to get a jersey on gameday. That’s something we’ve talked about.”

Among current Steelers, J.C. Hassenauer is known for his abilities at center. Potentially, he could be much more likely to make the team and be activated on gamedays. It also opens the possibility that perhaps all three of the players heading into the season as candidates to start at right tackle — Matt Feiler, Zach Banner and Chuks Okorafor — can be active on gamedays.

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