The Big Lead’s Week 8 running back power rankings list the NFL’s top 15 backs, highlighting injuries, recent performances and matchups. Notable entries include Arizona’s Jeremiyah Love, who missed two games with an ankle injury but may return against Dallas; Chicago’s D’Andre Swift, fresh off his seventh touchdown; Tampa Bay’s Bucky Irving, who rushed for 106 yards and two scores; and Pittsburgh’s Jaylen Warren, who posted his third 100‑yard game. The top five feature Jonathan Taylor (Colts), Derrick Henry (Ravens), Christian McCaffrey (49ers), Kyren Williams (Rams) and Javonte Williams (Cowboys), each with multiple touchdowns and strong week‑7 showings.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler ranks Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. as the league’s No. 2 trade candidate, giving him a 45% chance of moving before the Nov. 10 deadline. After a 1,200‑yard rookie season in 2024, his production dropped to 707 yards in 2025 and just 105 yards with one TD through six games this year. At 24, Thomas is in the third year of a four‑year, $14.38 M contract, and the Chiefs, Steelers and 49ers are listed as likely destinations. Kansas City needs receiver depth after injuries, Pittsburgh eyes him as a fit, and San Francisco could use a replacement for the injured Mike Evans.
After a week of criticism, Steelers inside linebacker Patrick Queen delivers a breakout performance, leading Pittsburgh with the most tackles, racking up a sack on the Saints' final drive, and flirting with an interception. The surge boosts his stock value to "up" in the Steelers Depot’s 2026 player watch, though analysts note the scrutiny will likely continue.
Mark Kaboly dismisses reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers are hunting a cornerback via trade, insisting their focus is elsewhere. While he anticipates a trade move within weeks, he says the team will target a wide receiver, not a defensive back or any other position. The insight challenges circulating speculation about the Steelers' draft‑day priorities.
Here is everything you need to know about Penguins vs. Mammoth, including TV and streaming options for the game.
The Pittsburgh Penguins return to action after a four‑day break, facing the Utah Mammoth at the Delta Center on October 19, 2026, with a 7 PM Sportsnet Pittsburgh broadcast. The article notes the Penguins’ recent 11‑day loss to the Mammoth, roster moves—including Justin Brazeau’s activation from IR, Elmer Soderblom’s placement there, and the return of prospects—and trade chatter surrounding winger Rickard Rakell. Injuries to Sam Girard and Ben Kindel are addressed, while teammates celebrate Halloween in costume. The piece also highlights Semyon Varlamov’s first win since November 2024 and looming NHL salary growth projected at $113.5 million next season.
The Browns head to Pittsburgh for their Week 8 AFC North showdown, recalling the franchise's infamous 51‑0 victory over the Steelers on Sept. 10, 1989 – the fourth‑largest Week 1 margin in NFL history. That game saw Cleveland surge to a 17‑0 first‑quarter lead with defensive scores from Clay Matthews and David Grayson, eventually cruising to a 51‑0 shutout. Now, after a strong start to the season and a first‑place hold in the division, Cleveland aims for a season sweep, though a win of any size would be notable given the Steelers haven’t lost in Pittsburgh since 2003. Coach Todd Monken stresses focus, while injury updates and trade rumors swirl ahead of the clash.
The Pittsburgh Pirates wrapped a 82-80 season with a solid but youthful rotation—Paul Skenes (10-11, 3.82 ERA), Jared Jones, Braxton Ashcraft (14-6, 3.65 ERA) and Bubba Chandler—sparking calls for veteran depth. Writer Bucs Dugout advocates signing a free‑agent starter like Nick Martinez, who posted a 3.10 ERA and league‑lowest 1.30 BB/9 in the Rays' World Series run, or Michael King, who rebounded to 3.21 ERA over 32 starts for San Diego and may opt out of his $75 M deal. While pricier options such as Freddy Peralta or Tarik Skubal exist, adding experienced arms could stabilize the rotation and protect the team’s young talent.
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter says the team added former Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins to their practice squad with the intention of elevating him for Sunday games. Minter highlights Jenkins’ versatility and potential to fill multiple roles on defense, explaining why Baltimore moved quickly after his release from Pittsburgh.
The article debates whether the Steelers should involve tight end Darnell Washington more in the passing attack amid a rash of WR injuries. Washington logged six targets against the Buccaneers, mainly as a safety valve, hauling in four catches for modest yardage. The piece examines his fit as a secondary receiving option, compares his usage to other tight ends, and outlines how expanding his role could offset the depleted receiver corps.
DK's Daily Shot of Steelers: The case for Downs
After the Steelers' 16-10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Paris, Aaron Rodgers says the flight home was the most fun he’s ever had in his 22‑year NFL career. The team turned the long trip into a party with music, ice cream and a photo of Rodgers sporting sunglasses and gold chains alongside Cam Heyward, snapped by backup QB Mason Rudolph. Coaches and teammates praised the camaraderie, noting Rodgers’ youthful spirit. The victory lifts Pittsburgh to 5‑2, extending their three‑game streak, with Rodgers throwing for 212 yards and a TD while Jaylen Warren rushes for 101 yards. The story highlights the unique post‑game celebration on the return flight.
DK's Daily Shot of Penguins: What did McGroarty and Hayes show?
DK's Daily Shot of Pirates: Importance of young core
The Steelers' red‑zone ground game is collapsing, with just one rushing touchdown in the first seven games—the fewest since 1940. Aside from Jaylen Warren’s 50‑yard sprint, the team has barely run the ball in scoring range, leaving a glaring hole in their offense. The article examines why Pittsburgh isn’t running enough in the red zone and what it means for their playoff hopes.
Zach Frazier isn't the most vocal player on the Steelers' offensive line, but he's growing as a leader, understanding that he's more equipped to lead by example while choosing to speak when necessary.
In the Oct. 28 "Depot After Dark" roundup, Steelers fans get a blend of hot takes: rookie safety Cameron Crosby breaks his silence on Aaron Rodgers' surprise scramble, the Browns unleash an unorthodox blitz dubbed the "Renegade" that challenges Pittsburgh’s offense, and former linebacker Troy Polamalu receives a special honor from the franchise. The segment also notes Rodgers' solid play this season and highlights key moments from the latest Steelers game.
Welcome to Steelers Night Shift! Our LIVE audience interaction broadcast across YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook hosted by Jobe Morrison and Brendan Howe! We discuss Week 8 vs. Cleveland Browns. Check out more from Alan Saunders, Zachary Smith and the rest of the team on the Steelers Now YouTube page.
Aaron Rodgers expresses optimism that former Steelers wideout Marquez Valdes‑Scantling could suit up for Week 8 after the team’s receiver corps, hit by injuries to Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek, added him to the practice squad. Valdes‑Scantling, who was with Pittsburgh last season, is expected to provide a needed boost to the depleted passing attack as the Steelers chase a playoff berth.
Veteran Steelers left tackle Cam Heyward hails former fifth‑round pick Yahya Black as a ‘sustainable’ upgrade on the defensive line, noting the youngster’s increasing energy and impact. Heyward says Black’s growth shows the franchise’s heavy investment in trench talent is finally paying off, as the 2026 rookie begins to earn a starting role and draw attention away from higher‑profile teammates. The article details Black’s recent performances, coaching praise, and what his development means for Pittsburgh’s defense heading into the final stretch of the season.
Strong safety DeShon Elliott returns from injured reserve just in time for the Steelers’ second showdown with the Cleveland Browns. After missing the first meeting, Elliott says the rematch is a classic Pittsburgh‑versus‑Cleveland battle and he’s eager to help preserve the Steelers’ unbeaten home record against Cleveland. The interview hints at his confidence and the stakes for Pittsburgh’s defense as the rivalry reignites on October 28, 2026.
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Joey Porter Jr. brushes off criticism after joining the team in October. After missing the first four weeks of the season due to a contract dispute with the Steelers, Porter has appeared in three games, allowing just one catch for five yards on nine targets. He says he ignores online chatter and lets his play speak for itself, promising silence once opponents study the tape. Porter, acquired for a 2027 sixth‑round and a 2028 second‑round pick, aims to impact the Week 8 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium.
Browns head coach Todd Monken stresses that the upcoming divisional showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday is about winning the next game, not past history. He notes the rarity of a Cleveland victory in Pittsburgh since 2003 and the chance to sweep the season series, but insists the focus stays on preparation, practice and securing a win to chase a playoff spot. Monken’s message aims to keep his young roster grounded as they chase a sixth straight win and aim to break the franchise’s long‑standing road woes.
The new Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast kicks off with hosts Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith dissecting the latest Steelers updates. They review injury reports for Ben Skowronek, Doneiko Slaughter and Brandin Echols, recap Mike McCarthy's recent comments, and share insights from chats with Zach Frazier, Riley Nowakowski, Deshon Elliott and Asante Samuel Jr. The episode also tackles the Cam Heyward‑Jared Verse debate, highlights ESPN's Top 25 trade targets, and more. Listeners can catch the show on YouTube, Megaphone or their favorite podcast platform.
Adam Thielen reveals why Steelers’ rookie wideout DK Metcale and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggle to click on the field. After Pittsburgh’s high‑profile 2025 trade that made Metcalf the team’s intended No. 1 receiver, his first season fell short, prompting both players to discuss chemistry issues. Thielen breaks down the misaligned routes, timing gaps, and off‑field factors that hindered their connection, offering insight into what the Steelers must fix to unlock Metcalf’s potential alongside Rodgers.