The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking forward to a well-deserved weekend of rest.
There’s nothing wrong with taking care of the body and mind — protecting your temple, as Mike Tomlin would say. But in the NFL, time itself is a resource. And the Steelers need to make sure their Week 5 bye week is more than just a break. It needs to be a moment to get ahead.
Especially after the latest news coming out of Baltimore.
According to the Baltimore Sun, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson could miss two to three weeks with a lower-body injury and is expected to sit out this Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans. That’s a tough blow for Baltimore and devastating for John Harbaugh’s team. But let’s be honest — this is a golden opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The harder the Ravens fall, the higher the Steelers can climb.
As Week 5 begins, Pittsburgh sits alone atop the AFC North with a 3-1 record. And now, the road ahead seems a little clearer. With Joe Burrow still not fully healthy in Cincinnati and the Cleveland Browns struggling to find consistency under center, the Steelers have a prime chance to take control of the division.
That’s not arrogance — it’s reality.
The Pittsburgh Steelers cannot becoe complacent after well-timed Bye Week
The Steelers’ 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin last week was more than just another victory. It was a statement. It showed that Mike Tomlin’s squad can handle adversity, play disciplined football, and rise to the occasion on the international stage. The performance wasn’t perfect, but it was the kind of gritty win that has long defined this franchise.
Now, Pittsburgh has to build on that momentum.
The bye week couldn’t come at a better time. Several key players, including Jaylen Warren (knee), Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring), and Alex Highsmith (ankle), are working through injuries. The extra rest should allow them to recover and rejoin the team in time for a critical Week 6 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
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But more importantly, the Steelers must use this time to fine-tune their offense, strengthen chemistry, and lock in on the bigger picture.
This is where elite teams separate themselves from good ones.
Every season has turning points, and this could be one for Pittsburgh. The door is wide open, and for the first time in years, the AFC North feels vulnerable. Lamar Jackson’s injury only adds to that. While it’s never something to celebrate when a great player goes down, it’s part of the unforgiving nature of the league. Teams that capitalize on these moments are the ones that last into January.
If the Steelers truly want to turn their strong start into something special, they can’t waste this opportunity.
The bye week isn’t just a break — it’s a launchpad.