The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a series of intriguing moves ahead of their Week 9 clash, quietly bolstering their practice squad with three new additions as the team looks to regain balance after back-to-back defensive struggles.

While much of the attention remains on the team’s defensive concerns, Pittsburgh’s latest signings show a deeper strategic focus — emphasizing flexibility, speed, and creativity, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Among the new faces is former college quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, a dynamic athlete known for his explosive playmaking ability at Ole Miss and UCF. Now, he’s embarking on a new journey — this time, as a wide receiver.
“I don’t care what position I play — quarterback, receiver, special teams — I just want to contribute. If the Steelers believe in me, I’ll give them everything I’ve got,” Plumlee said with conviction.
Plumlee went undrafted in 2024 but has drawn comparisons to New Orleans Saints star Taysom Hill, whose versatility made him one of the league’s most unpredictable offensive weapons. Pittsburgh sees a similar spark in Plumlee’s skillset.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Plumlee’s ability to handle short-yardage and red-zone plays could open creative opportunities for the Steelers, offering head coach Mike Tomlin a new chess piece in his evolving offensive scheme.
In addition to Plumlee, the Steelers signed safety Darrick Forrest and offensive lineman Jack Driscoll, adding valuable depth and experience to the roster. The front office’s quiet diligence continues to shape a more resilient, adaptable team.
As the Steelers prepare to face the 7–1 Indianapolis Colts, these subtle yet strategic signings could make the difference between a team patching holes — and one building a foundation for a late-season surge.