Behind the Steel Curtain
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Steelers could be forced to bus to Cincinnati after FAA grounds flights
The Steelers face a travel dilemma ahead of Sunday Night Football against the Bengals for AFC North supremacy after the FAA grounded all flights nationwide due to a communications outage. With the team scheduled to fly Saturday, they may have to switch to a 4.5‑hour bus ride to Cincinnati. Steelers senior director Burt Lautin says they are monitoring the situation, and the delay shouldn’t majorly impact preparations. The grounding, the first nationwide stop since January 2023, could affect sports events across the weekend.
Friday Night Happy Hour: Division showdown edition
Behind the Steel Curtain’s Friday night thread sparks debate ahead of the Steelers‑Bengals clash for the AFC North lead. The post invites fans to share predictions, rivalry banter — noting Ja’Marr Chase’s quip about Bengals‑Chiefs rivalry — and reactions to Pittsburgh’s quiet trade‑deadline, praising the decision to keep draft picks. It also gauges the AFC playoff picture, questioning whether the Steelers can finally break their drought. fans are encouraged to weigh the Steelers’ prospects against potential surprise teams like the Ravens or Texans, all set to a backdrop of Taking Back Sunday’s “A Decade Under the Influence.”
The Steelers can’t stop talking about this practice squad WR
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers are buzzing about practice‑squad WR Max Hurleman, who landed on injured reserve on Sept. 19 with a suspected leg injury. Despite never playing a regular‑season game, the undrafted Notre Dame alum has impressed with his work ethic, GPS data and preseason highlights, earning praise from WR1 DK Metcalf, who nicknamed him “White Chocolate.” Both coaches suggest Hurleman could soon join the active roster alongside returning stars Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr., offering another weapon for Pittsburgh’s receiving corps.
Steelers DL Derrick Harmon questionable for Bengals matchup
The Steelers eye first place in the AFC North after a Week 9 bye, but defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is listed as questionable for Sunday Night Football versus the Bengals. Harmon participated in limited practice and a Friday walkthrough, yet the team opened his 21‑day practice window, so he may sit out. The rest of the defense—Ben Skowronek, DeShon Elliott, Brandin Echols and Donieko Slaughter—is cleared. Harmon's earlier strip‑sack of Joe Burrow adds intrigue, while WRs Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. remain on IR.
Steelers reporter doesn’t expect Derrick Harmon to return against Bengals
Steelers reporter Ray Fittipaldo says defensive lineman Derrick Harmon likely won’t play against the Bengals on Sunday. Despite participating in Friday’s walkthrough, Harmon has only had limited practice since his 21‑day IR activation on Oct. 5, after missing four games with a foot injury. Harmon himself is hopeful but will confirm tomorrow. Pittsburgh, lacking depth on the defensive line, faces Cincinnati’s high‑powered offense, meaning the team may need to cope without him for another week.
2027 NFL Draft: Prospects to watch for the Steelers
Behind the Steel Curtain breaks down the Steelers' biggest need ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft: wide receiver depth. After a quiet trade deadline and a lackluster performance from presumed WR1 DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh's receiver room remains thin despite additions like Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard. Injuries and modest production from Pittman (89 yards in three games) keep the position on the draft radar, potentially as early as the first round to support a young quarterback. Prospects to watch include size‑forward Nick Marsh (Indiana) and breakout LSU receiver Jackson Harris, while veteran Ben Skowronek heads to free agency. The article also notes the financial implications of moving Metcalf or releasing Pittman.
BTSC Thursday Night Football thread: Commanders at Giants
Thursday Night Football kicks off Week 10 with an NFC East showdown as the 5-2-1 New York Giants host the 2-5-1 Washington Commanders. Both clubs aim to avenge their 27-27 tie from Oct. 11 and seize division momentum. The post invites fans to weigh in on predictions, key matchups, and fantasy implications, sparking community discussion ahead of the game.
Steelers center Zach Frazier tabbed as midseason First-Team All-Pro
Center Zach Frazier earns a spot on ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell’s midseason First‑Team All‑Pro, highlighted by a league‑best 79.5 PFF grade and just one sack allowed through nine weeks. His play anchors Pittsburgh’s top‑tier rushing attack, averaging 117.9 yards per game, and puts him in contention for the Protector of the Year award. The 2024 second‑round pick is set for a lucrative extension this summer, potentially making him the highest‑paid center in the NFL.
Steelers’ Derrick Harmon still limited ahead of Bengals matchup
Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon remains on the sidelines for a second day as the Steelers gear up for Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Though Harmon says he’s “100% healthy,” he’s still evaluating a return after landing on IR on Oct. 10 with a foot injury. The team gets a boost with safety DeShon Elliott moving from limited to full practice, and WR Ben Skowronek plus cornerbacks Brandin Echols and Doneiko Slaighter also fully participating. Meanwhile, Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt sit out for rest, while TE Darnell Washington returns to full duty.
Mike Tomlin finally reveals why he stepped down as Steelers head coach
Mike Tomlin, who led the Pittsburgh Steelers for 19 seasons, explains why he stepped down in January after the wild‑card loss to the Texans. In a chat with Cam Heyward on the “Not Just Football” podcast, TomTomlin says the decision came to him quickly—“by the time I pulled into my driveway”—and was driven by his desire not to overstay his welcome and to give emerging leaders like Heyward and T.J. Watt a chance to thrive. He emphasizes respect for the game and the belief that the team still has championship potential, even without him at the helm.
Steelers mid-season awards: Rookie of the Year
Behind the Steel Curtain reveals the Steelers' mid‑season Rookie of the Year award, with staff votes split between offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, wide receiver Germie Bernard and safety Robert Spears‑Jennings. Iheanachor, the first‑round pick who took over the right side in Week 3, is praised for stabilizing the offensive line and sparking a 6‑2 run. Bernard has logged 32 catches for 284 yards and earned Aaron Rodgers’ trust, while Spears‑Jennings, a seventh‑rounder, ranks among the top rookie safeties with 20 tackles and an interception. The article details each candidate’s impact as the team heads toward the season’s second half.
The Steelers made zero trades – and that’s completely fine
The Steelers ignored the NFL trade deadline, opting to keep their roster intact as the 2026 season unfolds. Despite fan speculation about adding safety Amani Hooker or cornerback Riq Woolen, Pittsburgh’s defense ranks fourth in points allowed, seventh in yards, and leads the league in run defense. Offensively, the team shines when operating under center and using three tight ends, making “bully‑ball” the ideal strategy. While the front office faces criticism for past moves—DK Metcalf’s trade, George Pickens’ departure, and the quarterback succession dilemma—the article argues that staying put is a sensible choice given the Steelers’ strong unit and lack of truly impactful trade targets.
Ben Skowronek, Derrick Harmon return to Steelers practice
The Steelers gear up for a pivotal Week 10 showdown against division rival Cincinnati Bengals, with AFC North supremacy at stake. Wide receiver Ben Skowronek returns to full practice after a three‑game calf injury, while Derrick Harmon is back on the field but stays on IR due to a foot issue from Week 4. Cornerbacks Doneiko Slaugher and Brandin Echols practice fully despite hamstring woes, and safety DeShon Elliott participates limitedly with an ankle injury. Veterans Darnell Washington, T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward receive a day off, and no other players are listed on the injury report.
Former Steelers RB, coach Dick Hoak dead at age 86
Former Steelers running back and longtime coach Dick Hoak dies at 86, the team announced Wednesday. A Jeannette, Pa., native, Hoak was drafted in the seventh round of the 1961 NFL Draft and scored 25 rushing touchdowns over a ten‑year playing career solely with Pittsburgh. Hired by Chuck Noll in 1972, he served as the Steelers’ running backs coach through the 2006 season, contributing to all four 1970s Super Bowl victories and a fifth title in the 2005‑06 season. Steelers President Art Rooney II called Hoak a "legendary" figure who helped shape the franchise for 45 years.
Steelers DT Derrick Harmon returns to practice
Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is set to return to practice on Wednesday as head coach Mike McCarthy opens his 21‑day activation window. Harmon's foot injury in the Week 4 loss to the Browns placed him on IR, and the team must decide by the window’s end whether to activate him for the season. Since his absence, Pittsburgh boasts the NFL’s top defensive rush success rate and ranks fourth in total EPA. His comeback arrives before a tough stretch featuring a Week 10 matchup with the Bengals, followed by games against the Eagles, Broncos and Texans.
Mike Tomlin not thinking about coaching return
Mike Tomna, who stepped down as Steelers head coach in January and now works as an NBC analyst, tells an NBC Sports conference call that he hasn’t given "one iota of thought" to coaching again, though he admits the decision will surface later this season. The comment comes ahead of the Steelers’ Week 10 matchup against the Bengals, where Pittsburgh enters as underdogs. Despite Tomna’s denial, teammate Cam Heyward says Tomna has been advising him via text and his podcast. The article notes the team’s recent trade chatter—three wide‑receiver targets, a missed deadline move, and a WR trade that landed with the Chiefs—highlighting the uncertain future of both the coach and the roster.
Cam Heyward says Mike Tomlin is still coaching him up from a distance
Veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward reveals on his "Not Just Football" podcast that former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin still guides him from afar via a nonstop group chat. Even after Tomlin stepped down in January, he texts Heyward and T.J. Watt each week, offering film notes and morale boosts—most recently after the Steelers’ Week 8 28‑17 win over the Browns that kept Pittsburgh atop the AFC North at 6‑2 under new coach Mike McCarthy. Heyward says Tomlin’s mentorship underscores their lasting "players coach" bond, showing the ex‑coach’s influence remains a quiet force in Pittsburgh’s success.
Steelers mid-season awards: Defensive Player of the Year
The Steelers’ midseason awards spotlight T.J. Watt as Defensive Player of the Year. Multiple writers from Behind the Steel Curtain praise Watt’s return to form, noting his league‑tying 7.5 sacks through eight weeks, a career pick‑six, and his impact on the Steelers’ top‑10 scoring defense. While other defenders like Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Jalen Ramsey receive mentions, Watt’s disruptive play and fresh usage by coordinator Patrick Graham earn unanimous votes.
Steelers had trade discussions about three WRs
The Steelers stayed idle at the 2026 trade deadline, but insider Gerry Dulac says they explored deals for three receivers: Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr., Colts' Josh Downs, and Titans' Calvin Ridley. Downs was ultimately traded to Kansas City, while Thomas remained in Jacksonville and Ridley fell out of favor after an alleged airport incident. The depth of Pittsburgh’s interest remains unclear. Meanwhile, coach Mike McCarthy hints a potential boost as Michael Pittman Jr. is "getting close" to returning, offering a possible upgrade to the WR corps.
Steelers make no moves at NFL trade deadline
At 6‑2 and leading the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers shout ‘no trades’ at the 4 p.m. NFL deadline on Nov. 10, 2026, trusting GM Omar Khan’s roster to sustain their playoff push. While rivals like the Jaguars, Broncos, Bills and Chiefs bolstered their squads—adding players such as safety Jessie Bates, LB Daiyan Henley, interception king Amani Hooker and WR Josh Downs—the Steelers and Bengals remain idle. The only AFC North move was the Ravens’ acquisition of QB Jacoby Brissett. With glaring needs at receiver and corner, Pittsburgh banks on its existing talent to finish the season.
Steelers WR trade target dealt to Chiefs
The Steelers’ pursuit of a new wide receiver stalls as Indianapolis trades target Josh Downs to the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City acquires Downs and a seventh‑round pick in exchange for fourth‑ and fifth‑round selections, aiming to replace injured Tyquan Thornton. The Chiefs’ remaining receivers rank near the bottom of the league in yards per route, prompting the move. With under 20 minutes before the trade deadline, Pittsburgh appears unlikely to secure a deal unless a last‑minute offer emerges.
Steelers LB Patrick Queen looking forward to seeing Mike Tomlin on Sunday
The Steelers head to Cincinnati for a Week 10 showdown with the Bengals, a game that could decide the AFC North title after a 27-6 win over the Browns. It also marks the first time former coach Mike Tomlin, now NBC analyst, will be in the same building as his old team. Linebacker Patrick Queen, enjoying a career‑high season with 59 tackles and six tackles for loss in eight games, says he hopes to greet Tomlin but wants to keep it low‑key. The matchup carries big playoff implications on Sunday Night Football.
Steelers Week 10 power rankings roundup: Pittsburgh climbs to top 10
The Steelers enter their Week 10 bye riding a four‑game winning streak and sitting alone atop the AFC North, prompting a jump in several media power rankings. CBS Sports lifts Pittsburgh to No. 9, while FOX Sports, The Athletic, NFL.com and others place them between No. 12 and No. 13, noting their surging defense and the crucial upcoming showdown with the 6‑2 Bengals on Sunday Night Football. A season sweep of Cincinnati would cement the division lead and likely push the Steelers into the top ten next week. The roundup shows the team gaining respect despite the off week.
Steelers news: Are the Steelers real Super Bowl contenders?
The Steelers sit atop a tight AFC North race as they head into a Sunday Night Football showdown at Cincinnati after their bye week. A win would extend their division lead and bolster claims that they’re true Super Bowl contenders, especially with veteran depth and a mid‑season MVP nod to running back Jaylen Warren. Meanwhile, the trade deadline looms, with the Jaguars making moves and the Bengals adding rookie Arnold Ebekeite. The article teases updates on Josh Downs, Jordan Davis trade rumors, and the broader NFL trade tracker, all pointing to Pittsburgh’s title push.
Steelers 2026 mid-season awards: Offensive Player of the Year
Mid‑season awards spotlight Pittsburgh’s breakout running back Jaylen Warren as the consensus Offensive Player of the Year. Staff votes highlight Warren’s third‑rank NFL yards from scrimmage, near‑1,500 rushing yards and second‑team receiving yards, eclipsing even veteran QB Aaron Rodgers’ 1,871 passing yards. Center Zach Frazier also earns praise as the league’s top‑graded center, but the majority of votes favor Warren for his dual-threat impact. The article previews the upcoming Defensive Player of the Year vote and links to related Steelers coverage.
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