The Pittsburgh Steelers made zero trades before Tuesday's NFL deadline, leaving Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson as their most realistic receiving reinforcements for the second half of the season.
General manager Omar Khan's decision disappointed Steelers fans who expected another weapon for Aaron Rodgers. Pittsburgh enters Week 10 at 6-2, leading the AFC North, yet its passing attack remains one of the roster's biggest concerns.
Khan apparently believes the Steelers' receiver trade needs can be addressed internally. That's a considerable gamble considering Pittman's lingering foot problems and Wilson's ongoing recovery from a finger injury. Neither has a confirmed return date.
Pittsburgh Steelers are banking on Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson to rescue the passing attack
Pittman becomes eligible to return for Sunday's divisional showdown against Cincinnati. The veteran has missed four consecutive games since landing on injured reserve on October 10.
His first season in Pittsburgh has been frustrating. Injury problems began during training camp, and a persistent foot issue eventually developed into plantar fasciitis, which then worsened.
Pittman recorded just seven receptions for 89 yards without a touchdown across three appearances. He caught seven of 12 targets and wasn't charged with a drop before his injury.
Those numbers hardly resemble the dependable possession receiver Pittsburgh envisioned pairing with DK Metcalf. Pittman's hands haven't been the primary problem, but his availability and limited production certainly have.
Mike McCarthy indicated Monday that Pittman has progressed through running and rehabilitation work, but getting cleared for Sunday's matchup is up in the air. His practice participation will determine whether Pittsburgh receives an immediate boost.
Wilson offers another intriguing possibility, although Steelers fans must wait longer.
The third-year receiver caught 14 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns before injuring his finger against Indianapolis in Week 5. His 13.4 yards per reception provided Pittsburgh with an explosive element that has been missing during his absence.
Wilson cannot return until Week 11 against Philadelphia on November 22. His rehabilitation progress provides optimism, but eligibility doesn't guarantee activation.
Ben Skowronek could provide help sooner. Before suffering a calf injury against Indianapolis, he recorded three receptions for 32 yards and one touchdown in four appearances.
His return would also strengthen Pittsburgh's special teams, where his contributions extend well beyond his modest receiving production.
Steelers' interest in Calvin Ridley adds context to Omar Khan's deadline decision
Pittsburgh wasn't completely ignoring the receiver market, though.
According to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, the organization had interest in Tennessee Titans receiver Calvin Ridley before an off-field incident complicated its evaluation. Kaboly reported Pittsburgh's interest in Ridley and indicated that the situation discouraged the Steelers from pursuing a trade.
Ridley reportedly got into an altercation with an airport valet at Nashville International Airport over the weekend. According to WSMV's Nashville airport reporting, the confrontation began when the valet requested a ticket to verify ownership of Ridley's vehicle.
The receiver reportedly didn't have the ticket and eventually grabbed his keys from the valet's hand. The employee sustained minor injuries and contacted airport authorities. Whether Ridley will face criminal charges remains unclear.
Titans head coach Robert Saleh downplayed the seriousness of the situation Monday, characterizing it as a misunderstanding while acknowledging that authorities were handling the matter.
I get Pittsburgh's hesitation. Adding a veteran receiver with an unresolved off-field situation introduces another complication for an offense already trying to establish consistency.
Ridley's production also makes him a questionable solution. The 31-year-old has managed just six receptions for 91 yards in seven games this season. That's hardly convincing evidence that he'd immediately transform Pittsburgh's passing attack.
But the Steelers' reported interest suggests Khan recognized the need for additional receiver help. His decision to stand pat doesn't necessarily mean the front office believes its existing options are sufficient.
The Steelers' potential receiver targets included several players who could have provided insurance against further injuries.
Instead, Pittsburgh will have to work with what it already has.
The Steelers' passing offense struggles have persisted despite the team's impressive record. Metcalf hasn't consistently produced like a true No. 1 target. Although rookie Germie Bernard is showing flashes, injuries have prevented Rodgers from developing continuity with his other receivers. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who was signed to his second stint with the team in October, remains on the practice squad.
Pittman and Wilson could help change the continuity issue, but neither has demonstrated enough this season to justify assuming Pittsburgh's receiver problems will go away once they're activated.
Khan avoided spending draft capital on an uncertain solution in Ridley, which may prove wise. But declining to acquire anybody leaves McCarthy with fewer alternatives if his injured receivers struggle to regain their form.
The Steelers' upcoming practices will provide the first indication of whether Pittman can contribute against Cincinnati. Wilson's Week 11 eligibility offers another potential boost, but Pittsburgh now has little choice but to depend on those recoveries.
If neither receiver delivers, Khan's decision to leave the deadline empty-handed could come back to haunt Pittsburgh when the games matter most.
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