PITTSBURGH– The Pittsburgh Steelers released 37 players, initially reducing their roster to 53 players. Surprises included outside linebacker Kyron Johnson, cornerback Thomas Graham and wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick. With the roster balanced, the Steelers will likely add players in areas of need, particularly cornerback and wide receiver, both of which are somewhat thin on the ground.

The full list of cuts on Tuesday is as follows:

QB: John Rhys Plumlee

RB: Aaron Shampklin, La’Mical Perine, Jonathan Ward

FB: Jack Colletto

WR: Jaray Jenkins, Dez Fitzpatrick, Deuce Watts

TE: Rodney Williams, Matt Sokol

OL: Tykeem Doss, Joey Fisher

DL: Wilington Previlon, Jacob Slade

OLB: Kyron Johnson, Marcus Haynes

ILB: Luquay Washington, Jacoby Windmon

Centre-backs: Zyon Gilbert, Thomas Graham

Pittsburgh was also able to keep some surprising players on the team. Jalen Elliott, a safety signed just two weeks ago, impressed on special teams and made the initial 53-man roster. Meanwhile, Ryan McCollum, who spent time on the practice squad the past two seasons, earned his way onto the initial 53-man roster following injuries to Dylan Cook and Nate Herbig.

What stands out? Well, for one thing, the Steelers have eight defensive linemen. That’s a lot and probably won’t be the case in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. It’s hard to say if Logan Lee or Isaiahh Loudermilk will be the players sitting out there on the bench.

In the meantime, the Steelers could look to make changes at several spots, including along the offensive line. An experienced center would make sense. At outside linebacker, they currently have only three on the roster, and while DeMarvin Leal is a possibility as a fourth man, the Steelers could also look to sign another true outside linebacker.