The Pittsburgh Steelers’ official preseason record is zero wins (plus), three losses (minus). But those results are meaningless. Here are some more specific areas where a plus or minus emerged after Saturday’s 24-17 loss to the Detroit Lions that concluded the friendly schedule:

Replenish stock

Russell Wilson

Wilson finally showed what he could do when he led this offense (to use Mike Tomlin’s phrase) “in the stadium.” In the grand scheme of things, Wilson’s five snaps and two pass attempts don’t prove much about the 13-year veteran’s abilities as the Steelers’ starting quarterback.

But it’s definitely better than the alternative as the Steelers enter the final two weeks before the start of the regular season. A few more scoreless possessions peppered with punts and sacks wouldn’t have helped anyone on offense feel truly comfortable in September.

Everyone from Tomlin to new coordinator Arthur Smith to star receiver George Pickens (who caught both of Wilson’s passes) can now breathe a sigh of relief, figuratively speaking, with the pressure of a lackluster preseason behind them.

Cordarrelle Patterson

Since Patterson has yet to participate in a single live practice for the task he specializes in most (kickoff returns), there were rumors that he could be unexpectedly released. However, the 33-year-old showed on Saturday that not only is he not going anywhere — he could actually become a key part of the Steelers’ offense.

Patterson played four snaps in Detroit, receiving the ball on three of them, including a 31-yard touchdown run that was both the Steelers’ longest run and the first touchdown by the first team offense of the preseason.

Yes, Patterson’s place in the squad is secure. Smith seems to have big plans for him.

Dec Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick will likely have to wait until Tuesday. But after Saturday, he will most likely be part of the Steelers’ 53-man roster for the regular season.

He caught a 59-yard pass from Kyle Allen, which was the Steelers’ longest pass of the preseason. Just as important, Fitzpatrick made a special teams tackle.

Fitzpatrick also featured on offense both on the outside and in the slot. Overall, he seemed to pass enough of a test to serve as the Steelers’ No. 5 or No. 6 WR this season, filling Miles Boykin’s old role as a special teamer.

Inventory is decreasing

Justin Fields

Fields will begin the season as a backup, and that was both a fait accompli and something to be proud of, but Saturday was another example of why, despite all of Fields’ talents and strengths, he has yet to earn a starting spot in the NFL.

Fields was sacked twice on six dropbacks on Saturday and was again charged with a fumble. Many will blame the offensive line for the sacks and the snap that led to the fumble. Fine. But as for the sacks, modern football analysis will show that they are as much the fault of the quarterback as the linemen.

Fields was sacked five times on 32 dropbacks in the preseason, and that’s after being sacked 135 times in 38 starts for the Chicago Bears. That’s a trend.

The same goes for ball security. Fields dropped the ball at least once in every preseason game (four times total), after leading the NFL with 26 fumbles during the 2022-23 season.

This is also a trend. The blame lies with the centers, the blockers, the system. But it keeps happening. And until this is fixed, Fields will continue to struggle to earn franchise QB status.

The Nickels

Nine organized team activities. Three mandatory minicamp practices. Twenty training camp practices. Three preseason games. Thirty-four roster moves of various kinds since the draft, including 13 involving a defensive back in one way or another…

… and despite all of this, there is still uncertainty as to who will occupy the nickel/slot position when the season opens.

Saturday didn’t do much to clear things up. Thomas Graham Jr. started in Detroit. He was OK. Rookie Beanie played the second half. He was also adequate.

But did either of them stand out enough to get the job? Probably not.

Bishop no longer seems to be as popular as he enjoyed most of the summer as the darling of undrafted free agents. Graham hasn’t played in a regular season game since 2022.

Someone will face the Atlanta Falcons slot receiver on September 8th, but there is no certainty that player is currently on the Steelers roster.

Ryan Watts injured

For a sixth-round pick, Ryan Watts has had a solid training camp and preseason. His size (6’3″, 200 pounds) is eye-catching. He seems like a player willing to learn. He has shown positional flexibility on defense and appears to be earning coordinator Danny Smith’s trust on special teams.

However, during the last important (non-kneeling) game of the Steelers’ 2024 preseason, Watts was injured. One hopes it is not serious and will not affect Watts’ status, but no one wants to see an injury this late in the preseason.

Cory Trice – who seems to have earned the spot as third cornerback – and rookie outside linebacker Julius Welschof also had to leave Saturday’s game due to injuries.