Steelers News: Mike Williams practices, Teryl Austin praises Preston Smith, & more

It's been an eventful week for the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the bye offered a much-needed rest for a banged-up roster, it was a time for the front office to roll up their sleeves and make something happen before the NFL trade deadline.

Omar Khan didn't execute a blockbuster deal for a superstar, but he did add talent to Pittsburgh's roster. In the latest Steelers news, the newest offensive weapon takes the field for his second practice and Teryl Austin praises Pittsburgh's 'varsity' addition to the defense.

Watch Mike Williams catch passes at Steelers practice

Mike Williams has only been with the Steelers for a few days, but when you're an NFL veteran, you need to get up to speed quickly. Williams took the field for his second practice since coming to Pittsburgh was spotted going through drills.

Despite his recent arrival, the former Jets wide receiver is looking to make his Steelers debut this Sunday when the Steelers travel to Washington to take on the 7-2 Commanders.

Pittsburgh is expected to rely heavily on their offense as they go toe-to-toe with the league's third-best scoring offense, and Williams could be part of the equation from the gate in Week 10.

Teryl Austin praises Preston Smith

Mike Williams wasn't the only deadline acquisition the Steelers pulled off. Pittsburgh traded for Green Bay Packers pass rusher, Preston Smith. On November 7, Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin spoke to Steelers Insider Ray Fittipaldo regarding the newest addition to his defense and why the front office made a move for another edge rusher.

"It was important. It showed itself when we got banged up there," Austin said regarding early-season injuries to the outside linebacker position. "It gives us quality depth so we hope not to be in that position again. He can set edges. He can rush the quarterback. We do know we have a varsity performer."

READ MORE: Winners and losers after Steelers acquired Mike Williams from Jets

Smith, a ten-year NFL veteran, has loads of experience in multiple schemes and is excited to return to a 3-4 defense. He will come off the bench and work in a rotation with an impressive group of edge rushers that already includes T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig.

Russell Wilson calls Mike Williams a 'dominant receiver'

During a media session on November 7, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson was asked about Pittsburgh's newest offensive weapon, Mike Williams. Wilson praised Williams for his 'attention to detail' and pro-like mentality.

Here's a clip of Wilson's comments from 93.7 The Fan.

Based on Williams' early-season struggles with the Jets, we wouldn't go as far as to say he's a 'dominant receiver' like Wilson claims, but the 6'4'' weapon is still a downfield threat who uses his frame and ball skills to box out defenders in contested catch situations.