Steelers won't have to play against Raiders star Pittsburgh wants to trade for

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to avoid their third straight loss after beginning the season 3-0. After Week 4, Mike Tomlin's team was riding high above the competition in the AFC North. Two weeks later, the Ravens claimed the No. 1 spot in the division as the Steelers crumbled under the pressure.

Though Pittsburgh won't even have an opportunity to lose a divisional game until Week 11 when they play an AFC North opponent for the first time, they can ill-afford to drop another contest in what is supposed to be the easiest stretch of their schedule.

Fortunately, things just got a bit easier.

On October 9, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that Las Vegas will be without Davante Adams when they face the Steelers this Sunday. This comes just one day after Raiders' star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was placed on IR with a Jones Fracture.

Adams, a three-time First-Team All-Pro receiver and six-time Pro Bowler, has been listed on the injury report in recent weeks with a hamstring ailment, but media outlets on 'X' have joked that the reason for his absence is not wanting to play for the Raiders.

Adams has been the player most frequently discussed in trade rumors over the past several weeks, and most don't believe he will be with the team when the November 5 trade deadline passes.

Steelers could see Davante Adams on their own sideline soon

The irony is that the Pittsburgh Steelers have been trying as hard as any team to acquire Davante Adams. After their reported trade on the table with the 49ers for Braond Aiyuk fell through, it's been evident this team is lacking receiving threats. Adams could change that in a heartbeat.

Things have gone from bad to worse. Pittsburgh's top wide receiver George Pickens is now under fire and his effort has come into question after All-22 footage makes it look like he gave up on his team on Sunday Night Football.

In addition to the ongoing frustration with Pickens, no other option in the passing game has been consistent. Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin are unreliable and unspectacular, while rookie WR Roman Wilson has yet to see the field this season.

On the other hand, Adams put up impressive numbers with the Raiders in his first three games before watching from the sidelines. He recorded 18 receptions on 27 targets for 201 yards and a touchdown on just 178 snaps in 2024.

The Steelers have had their eyes set on Adams, and while he'll be sidelined again this week with a 'hamstring' injury, the star receiver could find himself on a new squad very soon... perhaps even on Pittsburgh's sideline sporting the black and gold.