Max Hurleman turned in his strongest summer showing when the Pittsburgh Steelers closed the preseason, tying for the team lead with 3 receptions and finishing with a team-high 50 receiving yards.
The performance mattered because it came at a time when Hurleman needed a clean finish. A year ago, he fizzled on his way to the end of camp, but this time he gave the Steelers something to consider late in the process.
Hurleman made plays in key spots
Hurleman’s production was not limited to short completions. In the second half of the preseason finale, he caught a 15-yard out route from Drew Allar and added another 10 yards after the catch. Earlier in the game, he also converted on a 3rd and 10 and later picked up a 6-yard gain on 2nd and 15.
Those snaps helped show a player who was making the most of his chances both as a receiver and after the ball was in his hands. That kind of late-summer momentum can matter when teams begin sorting out the bottom of the roster.
Roster outlook still looks difficult
Even with the strong finish, Hurleman still appears to have a tough path to the Steelers' 53-man roster. The article framed his outlook as one that likely centers on a possible practice-squad role, which would still give him a chance to stay in the organization.
That makes the preseason finale relevant beyond the box score. Hurleman did enough to strengthen his case, and his second-highest camp grade suggests the Steelers at least had reason to keep him in the conversation. After a quieter end to camp a year ago, this was the kind of showing that could help him keep his NFL push alive.
