The Pittsburgh Steelers finalized their game plan for a crucial Monday Night Football clash with the Miami Dolphins, making a series of roster moves that signal both immediate need and veteran reinforcement. Headlining the transactions was the signing of veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster. The 30-year-old deep threat, who caught four passes for 40 yards in five games with San Francisco earlier this season, made his Steelers debut last week against Baltimore, playing 16 snaps. To make room, the team released receiver Ke’Shawn Williams. Additionally, the Steelers elevated offensive lineman Jack Driscoll and defensive end DeMarvin Leal from the practice squad for the Monday night contest, with both set to revert after the game. This flurry of activity underscores the high stakes as Pittsburgh looks to solidify its position in a tight AFC North race.
These roster adjustments come at a critical juncture, with the Steelers holding a 7-6 record and a slim half-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens. A victory over the 6-7 Dolphins would give Pittsburgh valuable breathing room with three weeks to play, while a loss would create a logjam at the top of the division. The game also marks the return of All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to Acrisure Stadium, traded back to Miami before the season after a decorated stint with the Steelers. Fitzpatrick, who has 76 tackles and an interception this year, downplayed the emotional return, but Miami’s defensive coordinator suggested the veteran would be extra motivated to secure a win for his current team.
In the secondary, the Steelers will turn to Asante Samuel Jr. to make his first start for the team. The 26-year-old cornerback, signed to the active roster earlier this month, steps in for the injured James Pierre (calf). Samuel Jr., who is returning from spinal fusion surgery, earned high praise from teammate Jalen Ramsey for his professionalism and fit in the defensive back room. His performance against Dolphins star Jaylen Waddle will be a key test, not just for this game but for his future with the Steelers’ secondary. On the defensive line, veteran leader Cameron Heyward addressed the unique dynamic quarterback Aaron Rodgers has brought to the locker room, stating the team welcomes Rodgers’s direct criticism as a sign of maturity and a drive for excellence.
The passing attack, a point of inconsistency this season, received a boost of veteran savvy last week with the additions of Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen, claimed off waivers from Minnesota. While their stat lines were modest—Thielen had one catch for four yards—their impact was felt immediately. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers credited the ‘professionalism’ of the two veterans for elevating the entire unit’s preparation and execution, which resulted in the team connecting on all four of its deep pass attempts against the Ravens. With a full week of practice under his belt, Thielen is expected to be more involved in the game plan against Miami. Meanwhile, receiver Ben Skowronek, who has been dealing with a hand injury, was a full participant in Friday’s practice and carries no injury designation into Monday night, providing additional depth.
As kickoff approaches, the Steelers’ reshaped roster reflects a team in win-now mode. The integration of experienced players like Valdes-Scantling and Thielen on offense, the audition for Asante Samuel Jr. in a revamped secondary, and the steady leadership of Cameron Heyward and Aaron Rodgers have set the stage for a high-pressure December showdown. With playoff implications and division supremacy on the line, Pittsburgh’s latest roster moves are all aimed at one goal: securing a vital victory on Monday night.