Will Howard

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers cut several players on Tuesday to reach the NFL’s 53-man roster limit ahead of the 4 p.m. Tuesday deadline.

No quarterbacks were on the list of the players being released by the Steelers. That means there are currently four QBs on Pittsburgh’s roster: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard, who has been out with a broken finger. He will most likely start the season on injured reserve.

Six players were cut including Beanie Bishop Jr., defensive back, Sebastian Castro, defensive back, Dylan Cook, offensive line, DeMarvin Leal, defensive line, Eku Leota, linebacker and Ke’Shawn Williams, wide receiver. Two players were waived including Domenique Davis, defensive line, and Brandon Johnson, wide receiver.

Five vested veterans had their contracts terminated, including Chuck Clark, defensive back, James Pierre, defensive back, Max Scharping, offensive line, Trey Sermon, running back, and Robert Woods, wide receiver.

To make up the 53-man roster, Pittsburgh will keep three quarterbacks, three running backs, nine offensive lineman, four tight ends and five wide receivers. On defense, they are keeping eight defensive lineman, nine linebackers and eight defensive backs. Chris Boswell is the kicker, Corliss Waitman is the punter and Christian Kuntz is the long snapper.

No. 1 draft pick Derrick Harmon from Oregon, who got hurt in the preseason, will most likely start the season on the IL like Howard.

The Steelers will now put together their 16-man practice squad in preparation for the season opener on Sunday, Sept. 7, at the New York Jets.