HBO’s new documentary on Kordell Stewart has put “Slash” back in the spotlight, and the timing feels notable. Stewart was one of the most popular Steelers of that era because he could line up all over the field - WR/KR/PR/QB and more - and the nickname followed naturally. He always wanted to be a quarterback, though, and eventually got that chance, guiding Pittsburgh to two AFC title games before Tommy Maddox took over as the starter in 2002.
The documentary also digs into the ugly rumor that spread about Stewart and the fallout that came with it. For anyone who remembers that period in Pittsburgh, or helped spread it along, it sounds like the film is worth a look.
On the field, the Steelers are still dealing with injuries. Ben Skowronek was limited in practice Wednesday after missing the last two games with a calf injury, which doesn’t mean much this early in the week but does at least point in the right direction. Pittsburgh’s special teams could use him back badly.
Alex Highsmith was also limited Wednesday because of a groin issue. That one deserves a closer watch, given that his health problems have often been tied to soft tissue injuries. DeShon Elliott, meanwhile, played only a handful of snaps last week, and that seems to be part of a ramp-up process after a serious injury.
There was also some noise around George Pickens after comments from Gerry Dulac. He said, “You don’t know even half the story of Pickens’ issues here.
The Cowboys are already finding out. Let’s see how long he lasts there.”
That leaves the obvious question hanging: if there’s more to the story, why not say it? If not, keep it to yourself.
The Browns, for their part, have been practicing all week with “Renegade” blasting in the background. That’s not exactly new territory for an opponent.
Whether it matters is another matter entirely. The song itself is only part of it; the real punch comes from the crowd and the moment.
And yes, the rivalry with Cleveland feels alive again, which is a welcome change after those years when the result seemed pretty predictable. Baltimore has its own tension brewing too, with Lamar Jackson a big storyline there heading into Sunday’s game in Buffalo.
Elsewhere, the November release of the new Godzilla movie is on the watch list, especially if you missed “Godzilla Minus One,” which was easily the best Godzilla film ever made. If the Steelers do make a move for a receiver before the trade deadline, it needs to be someone who can win at the line and beat man coverage. And a congratulations is in order for the Milwaukee Brewers and their fans after such a long wait for that first title - something Steelers fans can understand.
In Other News...
Steelers May Have A Sell High Decision On Patrick Queen
Patrick Queens recent stretch has only sharpened the conversation around what the Steelers might do with him before the NFL trade deadline. The linebacker has shown the kind of impact that made him an intriguing addition in the first place, and that matters for a Pittsburgh team trying to balance present-day competitiveness with longer-term roster value.
At the same time, Queens career has been marked by uneven play, which is why some around the league could view him as a sell-high candidate if the Steelers ever decided to listen. Draft picks would be the obvious lure, but with Pittsburghs current record, a move still feels like more of a possibility to monitor than a decision thats close to being made. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Face A Costly Troy Fautanu Decision With No Easy Answer
The Steelers have a familiar front-burner issue taking shape on the offensive line, and it involves a player they invested heavily in just last year. Troy Fautanu, a 2024 first-round pick, has flashed enough to keep the organization intrigued, but his play has also come with enough uneven stretches to make the long-term math tricky. Pittsburgh is already looking ahead to contract talks for other young linemen such as Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick, which only adds to the pressure of getting the tackle situation right.
Fautanus future now sits in that awkward space between promise and commitment, where the Steelers have to decide how much patience they want to buy and how much risk they are willing to carry. Exercise the option and they are betting on growth, but waiting too long could leave them exposed if he takes the next step elsewhere. For a team trying to stabilize its offensive line for the long haul, it is the kind of decision that can shape more than one season. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Can't Afford A Flashy Move That Mortgages Their Future
Recent NFL trades have once again put draft capital under the microscope, with big-name players changing hands for prices that can reshape a franchises future. Deals for stars such as Jeffery Simmons and Quenton Nelson are reminders that the league will always tempt teams to chase immediate help, but the cost can be steep enough to echo for years if the fit or the timing is off.
For Pittsburgh, that makes the temptation to swing big a dangerous one. The Steelers have long been at their best when they build through the draft and let their roster grow together, and the latest trade chatter is a useful reminder that a flashy move can look smart in the moment while quietly draining the flexibility needed to keep a contender healthy over time. [Read more 🡒]