Tyler Matakevich has been a hot name around Steelers training camp from his arrival in Latrobe. He turned that momentum into consistent play at linebacker during the preseason. Still, as he enters his fourth career preseason game, he appears to be right on the outside of the roster bubble.

By all accounts, it appears as though the Steelers will keep 10 linebackers. James Harrison, Arthur Moats, Bud Dupree, Jarvis Jones, and Anthony Chickillo will be the five outside linebackers. Ryan Shazier, Lawrence Timmons, and Vince Williams are locked into the inside.

In the Steelers third preseason game, a game known as the dress rehearsal the Steelers sent L.J. Fort out beside Williams as the second string of linebackers. Fort played 29 defensive snaps and nine special teams plays against the Saints. In comparison, Matakevich played nine defensive snaps and nine special teams snaps in the last game. It appears as though Fort is solidified on the roster as the fourth linebacker on the inside.

The case could be made that Matakevich can win the fifth linebacker spot in the fourth preseason game. Steven Johnson is the name standing in his way, and it appears to be a dead heat coming down the stretch. Johnson participated in one more special teams play than Matakevich, but they both played the same amount of defensive snaps against New Orleans. They also both recorded an interception and five total tackles so far in the preseason.

The argument can be made that Matakevich is a draft pick, a known commodity and may not make it through waivers. On the other hand, Johnson was a player the Steelers sought out in free agency for his special team’s ability. Matakevich being a seventh-round pick and the Steelers second one at that should point to him clearing waivers, and spending some time on the practice squad. If the Steelers cut Johnson someone will see what they saw that lead to his signing and he cannot be stashed on the practice squad.

Matakevich may be entering this game a slight underdog to make the team but will surely be able to get plenty of playing time to prove his worth. The Steelers will want a long look at the rookie and he will have every chance to make or break the roster in Thursday night’s game