The Pittsburgh Steelers finished up the trade deadline with some exciting news. They were able to land former New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams, adding a dynamic weapon to their offense. Williams' size and playmaking ability are expected to give the Steelers' passing game a much-needed boost, especially with the uncertainty around their wide receiver depth. The addition of Williams was a key move to bolster their offensive unit for the stretch run.
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Former New York Jets wide out Mike Williams celebrates after a big first down.
Then they also made another move that shocked many Steelers fans. The Steelers traded for former Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith, further strengthening their defense. Smith's experience and pass-rushing ability will help provide depth and enhance the team's already formidable defensive front. His addition gives the Steelers more flexibility, especially as they look to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks through the second half of the season.
However, the Steelers weren’t the only team that got better. In fact, their upcoming Week 10 opponent, the Washington Commanders, made a huge move at the deadline, acquiring cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.
When the schedule came out, it seemed like the Commanders would be one of the easier games for the Steelers. But Washington, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and sitting at 7-2, has exceeded expectations. The Steelers enter this game as slight underdogs but are likely to avoid playing against Lattimore according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.
"He's excited, but he's probably going to have to wait a week," Schefter said on NFL Live. "Not gonna rush him back out there."
NFL insider Mike Florio provided additional details on Lattimore's status for Week 10 against the Steelers.
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Marshon Lattimore looks on before a game during his time with the Saints.
While there had been some uncertainty regarding the severity of his hamstring injury, Florio offered further insight, indicating that Lattimore is unlikely to play in the matchup.
"New Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore didn’t play in his final game with the Saints because of a hamstring injury," Florio said. "As it turns out, it wasn’t a 'hamstring' injury. Lattimore wasn’t being put on ice to ensure he’d be healthy in advance of a trade. He was, and still is, injured. As evidenced by the fact that he didn’t practice on Wednesday, his first official day of work with the Commanders."
Florio's wording was a bit unclear, but essentially, he suggested that Lattimore's hamstring injury may have been a precautionary measure, as the Saints didn’t want to risk further injury while preparing to trade him.
However, Florio confirmed that Lattimore is still hurt, as he missed his first legitimate practice with the Commanders. While no fan wants to see a player injured or miss a game, injuries are part of the NFL. The Steelers' passing game would certainly catch a break if they avoid facing a star like Lattimore.
Steelers' Russell Wilson Looking To Gain More Momentum Against The Commanders
The Commanders are having a strong season, and many don't expect the Steelers to come out on top in this matchup. However, the return of quarterback Russell Wilson has energized the Steelers' offense, and the team is playing well-rounded football.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson drops back to pass during a Sunday Night Football Game against the New York Jets.
This game is shaping up to be an exciting one. Wilson will be looking to build on his momentum against the Commanders. Steelers fans will be keen to see if Lattimore suits up against their offense; if not, the Steelers will gain a slight advantage by not having to contend with his playmaking ability in the secondary.
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