Steelers must bolster their roster by poaching these hidden practice squad gems

Both Mike Williams and Preston Smith are coming off good starts with the Steelers after they were traded to Pittsburgh on November 5. It was a crazy week for them, but things should start to settle down after a full week of practice and preparation. Just because the trade deadline has come and gone doesn't mean the black and gold won't keep their options open moving forward.

They could always sign a free agent or target other clubs' practice squads. Injuries are a part of the football game, so I don't think Pittsburgh will go the rest of the season without suffering another debilitating injury. If an injury or two were to pile up at certain positions, then the Steelers could look to poach a player off another franchise's practice squad to boost their roster.

Pittsburgh could poach some practice squad guys onto Steelers roster

Lewis Cine, S, Buffalo Bills

Kicking off the list with a former high-profile draft pick Lewis Cine. He was connected to Pittsburgh during the cut-down time around the NFL before the season started. Since then, he signed with the Bills and has dabbled into the idea of switching his position to linebacker. The Steelers could always use that and have Cine form into their dime piece on defense if injuries were to happen at safety or linebacker.

Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Detroit Lions

Detroit has a good number of options that could interest the Steelers at some point this year. Donovan Peoples-Jones could be the top choice. He is a proven receiver in the NFL and is someone who could boost Pittsburgh's depth. He has sat on their practice squad for most of the season, but he has started one game. Adding Peoples-Jones would provide an experienced veteran on offense.

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Kwon Alexander, LB, Denver Broncos

Right now, the black and gold are set at inside linebacker, but if they lose one or two starters and Cole Holcomb can't return then they might get desperate. They could always bring back a familiar face with Kwon Alexander if that scenario appears. He was with the black and gold last season and seemed like a steal for the Steelers before he suffered a season-ending injury. Alexander could be a quick fix if it is needed.

Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, LA Chargers

As everyone in Pittsburgh has quickly learned this year, special teams are an important element of football. Plenty of receivers have gone in and out of the lineup for the black and gold due to injury who have played significant snaps. They could always form a reunion with Dez Fitzpatrick if enough injuries happen. He remained a quality special teams piece for the Steelers this past preseason.

Caleb Farley, CB, Carolina Panthers

Ending out the list of practice squad possibilities with another former first-round pick. The Steelers showed some pre-draft interest in Caleb Farley when he was coming out of college, and they love a project piece. Injuries and some personal tragedies have seemed to derail Farley's career at the moment. If a cornerback or two gets hurt, then Pittsburgh could call Farley to join their roster.