The Steelers’ wide receiver room just got a shake-up-and not the kind that goes unnoticed on a game week.
Pittsburgh made a pair of notable moves ahead of their Week 14 matchup, adding veteran Adam Thielen to the roster and promoting Marquez Valdes-Scantling from the practice squad. Those two additions bring experience, route-running savvy, and a new wrinkle to a Steelers offense that’s been searching for consistency in the passing game.
But with every addition comes a subtraction. Rookie Roman Wilson will be inactive on Sunday, a clear domino effect from the team’s roster shuffling. It’s a tough break for the young wideout, who’s shown flashes this season but now finds himself on the outside looking in-at least for this week.
Thielen, who asked for and was granted his release from Minnesota, brings a reliable veteran presence. He’s not the burner he once was, but his hands, route precision, and football IQ still make him a valuable asset, especially in a system that could use a steady target to move the chains. For a Steelers team that’s leaned on its defense while trying to find offensive rhythm, adding a receiver who knows how to get open in tight windows could be a timely boost.
Valdes-Scantling, meanwhile, gives Pittsburgh a vertical threat with big-play potential. He’s had his ups and downs, but his ability to stretch the field adds a different dimension to the offense-something that could open things up underneath for guys like George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth.
The Steelers’ full inactive list for Sunday includes:
- WR Roman Wilson
- QB Will Howard (emergency third quarterback)
- S Kyle Dugger
- OT Calin Anderson
- DT Brodric Martin-Rhodes
- WR Ke’Shawn Williams
- DT Derrick Harmon
With two wideouts sitting this one out-Wilson and Williams-it’s clear the Steelers are leaning into veteran experience as they make a late-season push. Whether that strategy pays off will depend on how quickly Thielen and Valdes-Scantling can get in sync with the offense and find their roles in a unit that’s still evolving.
For now, the message is clear: Pittsburgh is looking for answers in the passing game, and they’re not afraid to shuffle the deck to find them.