This was a big week for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the bye couldn't have come at a better time. While getting some much-needed rest, Mike Tomlin, Omar Khan, and Pittsburgh's front office had time to gauge the market before the NFL trade deadline set on November 5.
Pittsburgh didn't sit idly by at let the deadline pass without making a move. In the latest Steelers news, Pittsburgh executes a pair of trades in the waning hours before the deadline and Mike Tomlin offers optimism surrounding the return of five players.
Steelers trade for WR Mike Williams before the deadline
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't let the sun set on the NFL trade deadline without making a bit of a splash. With just hours to finalize a deal, Omar Khan and the front office pulled the trigger on a trade that brought Mike Williams to Pittsburgh.
In exchange for the veteran wide receiver, the Steelers sent one of their two fifth-round draft choices in 2025 to the New York Jets. This seems like a steep price for a 30-year-old receiver coming off an ACL injury and having a down season, but Pittsburgh was running out of options to fill a hole at receiver.
Steelers make surprise trade for Preston Smith
Shortly after trading for Mike Williams, the Steelers showed they weren't done yet. Pittsburgh executed a surprising trade for pass rusher Preston Smith. The long-time edge rusher and defensive lineman has been impressive throughout his decade-long NFL career and is still an excellent run defender.
The trade for Smith came after the Steelers experienced numerous injuries to their edge rushers in the first half of the season. Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig each missed multiple games with soft tissue injuries, while DeMarvin Leal went on season-ending IR with a neck injury he suffered against the Dallas Cowboys.
Smith offers depth and security to a critical position for Pittsburgh, and his versatility will be an asset.
Mike Tomlin shares optimistic injury news
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media in his weekly Tuesday press conference ahead of Week 10. Among being asked about Pittsburgh's activity at the trade deadline, Tomlin revealed that five important players have returned to practice and have a chance to play this week.
The names Tomlin mentioned included cornerback Cory Trice Jr. edge rusher Nick Herbig, running back Cordarrelle Patterson, center Zach Frazier, and linebacker Tyler Matakevich.
Mike Tomlin on #Steelers injury updates
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) November 5, 2024
Chance to return based on practice this week:
Cory Trice
Nick Herbig
Cordarrelle Patterson
Zach Frazier
Tyler Matakevich
Trice landed on IR with a hamstring injury suffered in the team's third game of the season against the Chargers. Meanwhile, Herbig and Matakevich have both missed multiple games with hamstring injuries, while Patterson and Frazier have been absent with ankle injuries.
Getting back five role players would be huge for a Steelers team about to start a brutal stretch of their schedule. We'll keep an eye out for which of these players will be suiting up on Sunday in Washington against the Commanders.
Steelers release TE Rodney Williams
After trading for two players at the deadline, the Steelers have released tight end Rodney Williams. Williams dealt with an injury early in the season. Prior to his release, the tight end saw just five offensive snaps in six games, though he did log 105 snaps on special teams in the first half of the season.
Meanwhile, the Steelers have waived both wide receiver Andy Isabella and linebacker Craig Young from their practice squad.
Steelers unchanged in Week 10 NFL power rankings
The Pittsburgh Steelers had the week off, so it's not a shock to see them stand pat in Week 10 NFL power rankings. Eric Edholm of NFL.com mentions the Steelers find themselves in a good spot at 9th overall after their Week 9.
Despite teams like the Packers and Texans slipping in the power rankings this week, the Steelers were leapfrogged by the Philadelphia Eagles, who defeated the Jaguars in Week 9. Landing inside the top 10 is never a bad thing.
Meanwhile, the Commanders claim Edholm's 5th spot in the power rankings. With a convincing win over Washington in Week 10, the Steelers could fly up the list.