Steelers roster spotlight: Can Lew Nichols make the 53-man roster?

In the Pittsburgh Steelers' running back lineup, Lew Nichols remains an under-the-radar figure despite impressive performances during training camp and preseason. However, Nichols might not secure a spot on the team's initial 53-man roster for a second consecutive year. To provide a comprehensive view of Nichols and his prospects for the 2026 season, the Steelers Wire will be examining each player on the roster. Here, we present an overview of Nichols and potential scenarios for his future.

At first glance, Nichols stands 5-foot-10 tall, weighs 220 pounds, and is 25 years old. His professional NFL career began as an undrafted free agent, where he played for the Green Bay Packers (2023) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2023-2024) before signing with the Steelers in July 2025. After being waived during the final roster cuts, he was subsequently re-signed to the Steelers' practice squad.

Nichols made his professional debut during Pittsburgh's Week 9 game against the Indianapolis Colts, primarily serving as a special teams player.

For the upcoming 2026 season, Nichols is listed as the fifth-best running back on the Steelers' official depth chart. His special teams versatility and depth contributions make him a strong candidate for the RB4 role. Should the Steelers decide to retain only three running backs on their initial roster, Nichols would be an ideal choice for this position. For real-time updates on the Steelers, including preseason news and injury reports, follow The Steelers Wire on X (@TheSteelersWire) and like their Facebook page.