One thing fans shouldn't be watching for when the Steelers host the annual preseason finale with the Carolina Panthers is for star players and first-team starters to do too much.
As is customary throughout the NFL, the Steelers take it easy on their veterans and top players in the preseason finale with the season opener 10 days later.
In some ways, the fourth preseason game is the most interesting because it's the final chance for players on the verge of being cut to make an impression "in the stadium" as Mike Tomlin likes to say.
Some storylines to watch:
Will the Big Snack eat? NT Casey Hampton has acquitted himself well during the two weeks of practice he has had since coming off the PUP list. Hampton tore his ACL in the January playoff loss in Denver and also was dealing with a left elbow injury. Tomlin has not ruled him playing Thursday, and it would be nice to see the soon-to-be 35-year-old in his first game action in more than seven months.
Charlie's last stand? Tomlin said QB Charlie Batch will play extensively. It's possible it's the final time he'll be seen in a Steelers uniform. At 37 and with plenty of holes to fill at other places on the roster, the team might view him as expendable.
Yo, Adrian: As far as undrafted rookies go, LB Adrian Robinson has been the standout du jour. The 6-1, 250-pound Temple product has shown an ability to make plays, and he's made sure you notice him during practices. Robinson is a virtual shoo-in for a practice squad spot at this point, but can he crack the final 53?
Golden opportunity: The other undrafted rookie on defense who has shined is S Robert Golden. He played safety and cornerback in starting three years at the University of Arizona. At 5-11, 202 pounds, Golden has good size and is athletic enough to play in the NFL. If he's proven he can play special teams, Golden might make veteran S Will Allen expendable.
Returning back to where we started: No one has emerged as the Steelers kick and punt returner, so who will be back deep when the Steelers open up Sept. 9 at Denver? RB Chris Rainey and WR David Gilreath are the most likely candidates, but keep an eye on what transpires Thursday.
Follow Steelers reporter Chris Adamski on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLPIT and @BuzzsawPGH.
