Latest blog entries from Pittsburgh teams across every league
The Steelers host the Browns Sunday at 1:00 PM EST, and the latest projected inactive list for Week 8 is out. Steelers Depot breaks down which Pittsburgh players are likely to miss the game, citing injury updates and roster moves as of October 31, 2026. Fans can see who may sit out and how the lineup could affect the Steelers' chances against Cleveland.
Steelers tight end Darnell Washington receives a $14,926 NFL fine for a vulgar celebration after his second‑quarter touchdown in the Steelers’ 16‑10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 7 in Paris – the first NFL touchdown scored in France. Washington climbed over cornerback Kool‑Aid McKinstry and displayed the football, prompting the unsportsmanlike‑conduct penalty. He joins four other Steelers fined this season, keeping Pittsburgh among the league’s most‑penalized teams for the third straight year.
The Cleveland Browns get a boost for Sunday’s divisional clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers as starting right tackle Tytus Howard passes the concussion protocol and will suit up, giving the offensive line a full roster for the first time in 23 years against Pittsburgh in the Meadowlands. Cornerback Myles Harden remains questionable with a hamstring issue, while rookie tight end Carsen Ryan is the only practice‑squad elevation, returning after a brief release to make room for running back Dylan Sampson. Pittsburgh also shuffled its roster, adding WR Brandon Smith and elevating WR Brandon Johnson.
After 19 seasons coaching the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin has embraced a broadcasting role with NBC Sports alongside Maria Taylor, Jason Garrett, Devin McCourty, and Mike Florio. He says the chief reason he isn’t returning to coaching is quality of life—80‑hour weeks, relentless pressure, and media scrutiny versus a predictable schedule, lower stress, and a lucrative TV salary. Though teams like the New York Jets and Washington Commanders show interest, Tomlin’s contract extension with the Steelers (through 2027 with a team option) means any hire would require a trade and draft compensation. Tomlin enjoys his new side of the game, but the door isn’t closed.
The Steelers beat the New Orleans Saints in Paris to improve to 5-2, but tight end Darnell Washington draws a league fine for a vulgar touchdown celebration. The penalty highlights the NFL’s crackdown on unsportsmanlike conduct, while the win keeps Pittsburgh healthy heading into the next stretch.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reports that 29‑year‑old pass rusher Alex Highsmith is drawing trade interest as the Steelers approach the Nov. 10 deadline. Pittsburgh’s edge rotation is crowded—four‑time All‑Pro T.J. Watt still dominates, while younger players Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer see increased snaps—giving GM Omar Khan leverage. Highsmith, under contract through 2027 at a reasonable cap hit, remains a prime‑time starter, making him an attractive long‑term asset for contenders. Though the Steelers aim for an AFC playoff run, a premium offer could prompt a deal before the deadline.
Ahead of the Week 8 showdown with the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers shuffle their receiving corps after injuries to Roman Wilson, Michael Pittman Jr., and a questionable Ben Skowronek. Pittsburgh signs practice‑squad WR Brandon Smith to the active 53‑man roster and promotes WR Brandon Johnson for the game. Smith, who logged two catches for 24 yards against the Saints, earns his first active‑roster spot, while Johnson makes his third and final elevation before returning to the practice squad.
The Steelers promote wide receiver Brandon Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster for Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, marking his third and final elevation this season. Johnson, 27, has seen limited action—three snaps vs. Tampa Bay and eight vs. New Orleans—and has yet to be targeted. Injuries keep starters Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson on IR, leaving backup Ben Skowronek questionable with a calf issue. The team also signs practice‑squad tight end Brandon Smith to the 53‑man roster. Johnson, an undrafted UCF alum, has 26 career receptions for 335 yards and five TDs across stints with Pittsburgh, the Broncos and the Raiders.
The Pittsburgh Steelers promote practice‑squad receiver Brandon Smith (27) to the 53‑man roster after three weekly elevations amid a wide‑receiver injury crisis. Smith, who caught two passes from Aaron Rodgers for 24 yards last week, has logged 86 offensive snaps and contributed on special teams. Rodgers praised Smith’s intelligence and craft, recalling their time together with the New York Jets. With Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson still on IR and backup Ben Skowronek doubtful, Smith could see a larger role. The move fills the roster spot opened by DL Sebastian Joseph‑Day’s IR placement.
The Steelers announced two roster moves on Saturday before hosting the Browns in Week 8. Veteran wide receiver Brandon Smith joins the 53‑man roster after his third elevation was used in Paris, while the team also made a second addition (details pending). These moves aim to bolster Pittsburgh’s offense ahead of the October 31 matchup at Acrisure Stadium.
Adam Thielen told ESPN’s NFL Live why Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wideout DK Metcalf have struggled to click this season. Thielen says Rodgers prefers static, straightforward routes, while Metcalf isn’t the type to line up and play without motion or stack concepts, limiting his effectiveness. Metcalf has recorded just 850 total yards, with only 374 through the first seven games and one 100‑yard effort against Cleveland. Thielen’s insight, based on having played with both players, highlights Metcalf’s lack of versatility as a key obstacle for the Steelers' AFC North push.
The Steelers' chances against the Browns this Sunday hinge on how well they handle Cleveland's man coverage. Sharp Football notes Aaron Rodgers faces man defenses 40% of the time—more than any QB—yet he ranks 27th in completion rate (52%) and 22nd in yards per attempt (6.0) against it. In Week 4, the Browns ran man on 71% of snaps and pressured Rodgers on 42% of his drops, sacking him five times. Steelers receivers must create separation, especially since Rodgers and DK Metcalf have only a 58% completion rate on 21 connects, with seven TDs and three INTs. Former OC Todd Haley warns Metcalf is a “one‑trick pony” reliant on go routes.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers are actively scouting Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr., a third‑year player who posted over 1,200 receiving yards as a rookie but has seen his role shrink this season. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler says Thomas would likely welcome a trade, and talks could ignite after Jacksonville’s Thursday Night Football game against the Ravens on Nov. 6. Both teams have a narrow four‑day window before the NFL’s Nov. 10 trade deadline to negotiate a deal.
Former Steelers star Ben Roethlisberger will co‑lead the Terrible Towel Twirl with Lt. Gen. Robert D. Harter before Sunday’s Steelers‑Browns matchup at Acrisure Stadium, part of the team’s “Salute to Service” event. Roethlisberger, who boasts a 26‑2‑1 career record against Cleveland, still teases the Browns over their 2004 draft decision. The Browns, aiming for a rare season sweep—their first since 1988—insist they’re a different team, with edge rusher Jared Verse and cornerback Denzel Ward emphasizing a fresh start. The pre‑game ceremony adds extra drama to a historic rivalry.
The Dallas Cowboys activate safety P.J. Locke and promote tight end James Mitchell from the practice squad. Locke, a 29‑year‑old undrafted rookie from Texas, signed a one‑year deal with Dallas last offseason after stints with the Steelers, Broncos and a two‑year, $7 million contract in 2024. He’s appeared in two games this season, starting once and posting three tackles. Meanwhile, the team elevates Mitchell, adding depth at tight end.
The Canadiens enter Saturday’s showdown with the Penguins juggling a slew of injuries. Defenseman Mike Matheson is out for two weeks with a lower‑body issue, joining an already bruised roster that includes Nick Suzuki (hand), Ivan Demidov (boot) and goalie Samuel Montembeault (now day‑to‑day). Adam Engstrom could step into Matheson’s third‑pairing role, while Jacob Fowler earns his third start in a likely three‑goalie rotation. Despite the setbacks, Montreal sits 8‑3‑2, has won four straight and five of its last six games, and aims for a fifth straight victory against Sidney Crosby’s Pens at the Bell Centre after 7 p.m. ET.
Jaylen Warren is emerging as a top NFL running back, tying for the league lead with four games of 125+ scrimmage yards and posting eight straight games of 70+ yards alongside Jaxon Smith‑Njigba. Heading into Week 8, he ranks seventh in rushing yards (571), second in yards per carry (5.5), and fourth in total scrimmage yards (855), with an elite PFF rushing grade of 88.9. After a 101‑yard, 18‑carry performance against the New Orleans Saints, Steelers coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers praise his and Rico Dowdle’s impact. ESPN’s Pete Schrager even names Warren a possible All‑Pro RB1, trailing only Kenneth Walker III in expected yardage per attempt.
The Cleveland Browns announce that veteran offensive tackle Tytus Howard exits concussion protocol and is cleared to start in Week 8’s showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Alongside Howard’s return, the team promotes a practice‑squad player to the active roster on Saturday, boosting depth ahead of the Sunday game. The moves come as the Browns prepare to face their rivals while addressing recent injury concerns.
After a rocky start that made his early-season contract extension look risky, Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton has emerged as a key force in Pittsburgh’s revamped defense under coordinator Patrick Graham. Benton’s improved play — marked by consistent pressure, higher tackle counts and leadership on the line — signals that the team’s investment is finally “coming to fruition.” The article details his performance boost, the defensive scheme adjustments, and what his progress means for the Steelers’ upcoming matchup slate.
Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith, 29, is drawing trade interest despite the team's past refusals, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. With T.J. Watt still dominant and the Steelers locking down Nick Herbig on a $100 million extension, a starting edge role for Highsmith looks uncertain. Entering the final year of his contract with no guaranteed money, he could become a prime trade target after the season, though a March move is more realistic than a mid‑season deal.
Week 8 AFC North showdown sees the Cleveland Browns (5-2) travel to Pittsburgh to clash with the Steelers (5-2) for first‑place bragging rights. After a 27-24 win over the Titans, the Browns posted a season‑high 491 offensive yards, highlighted by Quinshon Judkins' 96‑yard, two‑touchdown game. Pittsburgh's defense, ranked 7th in rush allowed and 5th in points, will test the Browns’ run game and force turnovers. Meanwhile, the Ravens (4-3) aim to bounce back at Buffalo with Lamar Jackson back on the field, and the Bengals (4-2) host the Titans after a five‑touchdown surge in Baltimore. Key injuries and recent performances set the stage for a pivotal divisional week.
With the NFL trade deadline looming on November 10, Pittsburgh’s fan‑favorite OLB Alex Highsmith has sparked league‑wide interest. The 29‑year‑old, a 2020 third‑round pick, boasts 48 career sacks, 10 forced fumbles (co‑leader in 2022) and a defensive touchdown, and is on a $8.86 M salary for 2026 and $15.5 M in 2027. Despite a deep Steelers edge‑rusher group — T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer — the franchise remains reluctant to move Highsmith, who signed a four‑year extension in 2023 making him the 10th highest‑paid at his position. Teams needing a proven pass‑rusher may still negotiate before the deadline.
Steelers analyst Trai Essex explains why the team grabbed Notre Dame defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio in the sixth round of the April 2026 draft, despite the prospect being unranked and overlooked because of injury concerns. Essex highlights Rubio’s raw athleticism, lingering potential and how his skill set mirrors former Steelers defensive linemen who later contributed to Super Bowl wins. He also discusses what the Steelers expect from Rubio during his rookie season and how he could develop into a key rotation piece.
The Browns face the Steelers on Sunday with pleasant conditions – kickoff at 66°F, rising to 68°F, no rain and only a 5 mph southeast wind. After a warm spell, the game offers ideal weather for Cleveland’s outdoor offense, which thrived in Tennessee last week. The matchup also serves as a chance for the Browns to even the season series before heading to their first dome game in New Orleans, then enjoying four consecutive home games in Cleveland with a bye week, though colder weather and possible snow are expected later.
The Montreal Canadiens (8-3-2) aim for a seventh straight win Saturday at 7 p.m. ET when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins (5-6-2). Rookie net‑minder Jacob Fowler continues to impress, earning Calder Trophy buzz after a 5‑2 victory over Dallas, while veteran Jakub Dobes secured his second win. With captain Nick Suzuki out, the Habs rely on a strong third pairing of Adam Engstrom and Arber Xhekaj, who dominate shot control and high‑danger chances. Alex Newhook now leads the first line, delivering a key goal after Suzuki’s injury. Projected lineups and TV details are provided.