Jabrill Peppers signed with the Steelers, adding veteran versatility to Pittsburgh’s secondary as DeShon Elliott nurses a sprained MCL. Elliott’s expected absence could push Peppers into a larger role early, with Sebastian Castro perhaps blocked on the practice squad. The move also spotlights Jalen Ramsey’s potential cross-training but acknowledges Pittsburgh’s cornerback depth is thin enough to complicate any immediate safety swap.

Bottom line: Peppers gives the Steelers a versatile man in the back end, increases safety depth behind Chuck Clark, and could shape how Pittsburgh aligns its DBs during Elliott’s absence and beyond the Week Four bye. Ramsey’s fits and the defense’s nickel plans will be watched closely as the year unfolds.

Steelers practice squad reshuffle features three notable surprises: Robert Woods returns to the practice squad, Max Hurleman and Sebastian Castro are back on board, and DeMarvin Leal is kept over Eku Leota. The moves emphasize depth-building and a patient development plan as Pittsburgh gears up for the regular season.

Fantasy angles center on Woods providing veteran reliability if elevated, while Hurleman and Castro offer multi-position upside and special-teams value. Leal’s retention hints at a potential future surge, whereas Leota could have a larger impact elsewhere. The depth chart is taking shape ahead of Week 1.

Pittsburgh’s 17-14 loss to Tampa Bay was a grindstone for evaluation. Roman Wilson flashed again, hauling in a couple of big catches and showing he could grab a meaningful role as Calvin Austin III battles injuries. Lew Nichols continued to pop as a potential No. 3 back, while Sebastian Castro stood out on defense with active play and six tackles. James Pierre struggled, underscoring how thin the Steelers’ corner depth might be without their assumed starters. Mason Rudolph’s outing tightened the QB conversation with Skylar Thompson, and Cameron Heyward’s absence opened a door for Derrick Harmon to flash in pass rush and run defense, including his first career sack. The safeties’ steadiness and the overall emphasis on evaluation rather than final results painted a clear picture: the Steelers are sorting roles ahead of the season, with a few young players staking claims and others needing to show more consistency.