Steelers May Be Bringing Back A Familiar WR At The Right Time

Could Isaiah Hodgins be the much-needed addition to the Steelers' receiving corps amid injury concerns?

Isaiah Hodgins may be on his way back to Pittsburgh.

The veteran receiver gave the strongest hint yet that a Steelers move is coming, posting a Steelers logo on his Instagram story with the caption, "God is good," while also adding, "Steelers WR," to his bio on the platform. That came after Chat Sports’ Jack Sperry pointed out the update and noted that Hodgins appears headed to join the Steelers in some capacity.

Pittsburgh could certainly use the help. Michael Pittman Jr. missed the Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots because of a foot injury, and head coach Mike McCarthy said he doesn't, "have a feel one way or the other," about Pittman Jr.'s status for the Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hodgins has already been in the Steelers’ orbit once before. Pittsburgh signed him to its practice squad on September 17, 2025, a few days after the Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He had been released by the San Francisco 49ers at final roster cuts and did not return to their practice squad, which opened the door for the Steelers to add him.

He never made it onto the field for Pittsburgh. Even with the receiver room struggling last year, Hodgins was never elevated from the practice squad and did not appear in a game for the team. Then, on November 13, the New York Giants signed him to their 53-man roster from Pittsburgh’s practice squad, ending that two-month stint with the black and gold.

The fit makes sense if the Steelers are looking for a short-term answer while Pittman Jr. is banged up. Hodgins and Pittman Jr. share a similar style of play, and Hodgins could slide into that role if needed. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he’s a bigger possession target who blocks willingly and well, just like Pittman Jr.

There’s also a track record to lean on. Hodgins has been productive at times across multiple runs with the Giants, totaling 708 yards and eight touchdowns on 66 catches in 35 games since 2022. He doesn’t bring much explosion and isn’t a pure playmaker, but his dependable hands and wide catch radius give him a chance to fill in capably.

Even if Pittman Jr. is able to play against the Bengals, Pittsburgh still had a need for proven depth at receiver. Hodgins could be that piece this season.

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