The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting set to embark on one of their most bizarre seasons in recent memory. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were brought in during the 2024 offseason, as well as a new offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith. Pittsburgh's offense has been horrendous ever since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, but a ton of optimism has surrounded the unit due to their new additions. Wilson has been named the starter, and he will be reuniting with one of his receivers from his time with the Denver Broncos.
Sebastian Foltz / Post Gazette
Russell Wilson warms up with his team before OTA's.
Pittsburgh has been desperate for a receiver ever since the organization decided to trade away Diontae Johnson. General Manager Omar Khan tried his best to acquire a star receiver in Brandon Aiyuk, but he decided to re-sign with the San Francisco 49ers. Behind George Pickens, the Steelers don't really have a reliable option at receiver in the passing game. ESPN's Brooke Pryor reported the new additions to the Steelers practice squad, Brandon Johnson and Ben Skowronek.
More added to the Steelers PS, including WR Brandon Johnson and WR Ben Skowronek
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 30, 2024
Plus familiar face OL John Leglue!
Offensive lineman: Doug Nester
Linebacker: Devin Harper, Adetokunbo Ogundeji
Running back: Boston Scott https://t.co/udpr1mhrJz
Johnson and Skowronek are not additions that will make the Steelers jump to the top of the AFC, but the two receivers will definitely help. Both wideouts have an extreme amount of experience at the NFL level, and could easily step into a lineup if needed. This makes them valuable to the Steelers, as the team had to dig into the practice squad quite a bit during the 2023 season.
Los Angeles Rams
Ben Skowronek with the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LVI.
Skowronek has played in the NFL for three seasons, and he won the Super Bowl at the end of his rookie season. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Skowronek was traded to the Houston Texans during the 2024 offseason, where he was eventually released by Houston and signed to Pittsburgh's practice squad.
The wide receiver has been fairly productive since entering the NFL back in 2021. He has played in 28 games where he recorded 50 receptions for 508 yards, but zero touchdowns. He also ran the ball once for a 17-yard touchdown. His value grew even more, off of the stat sheet, when he contributed on special teams and participated as a fullback on the offensive side of the ball.
Selfishness is not something the Steelers need to worry about with Skowronek, and he would be the perfect fill-in if someone like Connor Heyward were to get hurt. Heyward is able to play a bit of fullback and tight end, which is exactly where Skowronek specializes. If Heyward suffers a season-altering injury, Skowronek will likely be the player to step in.
Michael Owens / Getty Images
Steelers' Brandon Johnson during his time with the Denver Broncos.
Steelers' Russell Wilson Reunites With Former Receiver
Pittsburgh didn't make the splash play of trading for Aiyuk or making a splash in the free agent market, but they did grab someone who is reliable. They announced the signing of Johnson to the practice squad on August 30th, and he has past experience with Wilson as his quarterback. Johnson has been in the league for two seasons, and both were spent with Wilson in Denver.
Johnson has caught 25 passes from Wilson which went for 325 yards and five touchdowns. Johnson is a long shot to see the active roster during the 2024 season, but the third-year receiver and Wilson could make some noise due to their recent history. Johnson is someone to look out for if Pittsburgh suffers some injuries at receiver. Pittsburgh is probably still looking for outside help at wide receiver, but right now it seems as though their best options are Johnson and Skowronek.
What do you think about the Steelers new additions to the practice squad? Will they need them? Let us know in the comments below!
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