The Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans will square off at Acrisure Stadium in Preseason Week 1, and while some fans might think there is nothing to watch in these games, there are plenty of players to keep an eye on. Keeping in mind this is still preseason, and a very small sample size for these players, here is a list of players Dave Schofield and I are looking forward to watching in the game.

Take a look at the lists below, and let us know who you are excited to watch in the game Friday night in the comments below:

Jeff Hartman

Justin Fields

Why: Mike Tomlin said Fields will play “a few series”, but I want to see what Fields can do in his first action with a black-and-gold uniform on his back. I honestly don’t care if Fields has some big runs, I’d rather see him do the things everyone said he couldn’t do when he was in Chicago. Accurate, on-time, reading defenses, going through his progressions, etc. Do those things and we will see some tangible steps in the right direction.

Zach Frazier 

Why: Of the three rookie offensive linemen, Frazier is the one we’ve heard the least about. Trou Fautanu has gotten rave reviews, and so has 4th Round pick Mason McCormick. Frazier has relatively flown under the radar, but he’ll get an opportunity to up his game vs. the Texans when he takes the field with the second string.

Donte Jackson

Why: Many viewed Jackson as an afterthought in the Diontae Johnson trade, but he has turned into a veteran presence opposite Joey Porter Jr. Jackson has received positive reviews in training camp, and most fans are extremely curious as to what he will bring the defense in multiple facets.

Cameron Johnston

Why: If you consider the team’s first free agent signing their “prized free agent acquisition”, then that acquisition would be none other than punter Cameron Johnston. The veteran Aussie punter has been booming punts at Saint Vincent College, and it’s time to see what he can do in-stadium.

Wide Receivers Not Named George Pickens

Why: We all hear the rumors about the Steelers being rumored to be interested in Brandon Aiyuk, but that also speaks to the state of their current wide receiver corps. Outside of George Pickens, this group is a hodge podge of players waiting for someone to step up. Who will it be? Van Jefferson? Calvin Austin III? Quez Watkins? Anyone? Bueller?

Dave Schofield

Nick Herbig

Why: Since both T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are sitting this one out, Nick Herbig is the top guy at outside linebacker. Because Houston is playing their second preseason game, their starters are scheduled to play. This will be a great opportunity for Herbig to show what he can do against the best their opponent, one who made the playoffs last year, has to offer.

Darnell Washington

Why: Last year Washington saw 10 targets during the regular season. Used primarily as a blocker, I want to see if Washington will have a rightful place in the Steelers offense this year. If Washington isn’t included the first game, it doesn’t mean he won’t be in the regular season. But if he is, it would give hope for more involvement this year.

Payton Wilson

Why: With all the reports of Payton Wilson being a steal in the draft, it’s time to see what he can do in black & gold on the field. Patrick Queen is out, so I look for this Wilson to get a lot of playing time.

Jack Colletto

Why: The Steelers have been using a fullback regularly in training camp when the situation calls for it, and Colletto is the closest thing they have to a traditional fullback. If he can get the job done, and if he makes the 53-man roster, it will be because the Steelers find they will use the position. So I’m looking forward to what Colletto can do, and how much they decided to do it.

Young CBs

Why: Between Beanie Bishop, Cory Trice, and Darius Rush, there is a lot to be curious about with the other cornerbacks beyond Joey Porter and Donte Jackson. Are these guys able to get the job done, or will the Steeles have to look to add to the position? The first step of this answer will occur against Houston on Friday night.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steeles as they prepare for the Texans in Week 1 of preseason action.