The Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time reinforcing their wide receiver depth, signing former first-round pick Treylon Burks to the practice squad — just one day after his release from the
Tennessee Titans.
Burks, drafted 18th overall in 2022, was officially waived from injured reserve on October 7 after being medically cleared from a broken collarbone suffered during training camp. The 6’2”, 225-pound receiver was once viewed as the heir to A.J. Brown in Tennessee, but injuries and inconsistency derailed what was expected to be a breakout career.
During his three years with the Titans, Burks totaled 665 receiving yards and one touchdown across 27 games. Despite the underwhelming numbers, his physical frame, strong hands, and ability to win contested catches still intrigue front offices across the league.
For Pittsburgh, the move comes at a critical time. Calvin Austin III is sidelined with a shoulder injury, leaving the team thin at wide receiver. By adding Burks to the practice squad,
GM Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin are betting on a low-risk, high-reward opportunity — giving Burks a chance to reset his career in a stable system known for player development.
Team insiders say Burks impressed during his first workout in Pittsburgh, displaying improved burst and route precision after months of recovery. Coaches were reportedly “encouraged” by his conditioning level, hinting that a practice squad elevation could come sooner rather than later if he continues trending upward.
Pittsburgh’s offense has lacked a true physical presence outside of George Pickens, and Burks’ frame could offer a new dimension if he returns to form. For a Steelers team aiming to sustain its AFC North lead, taking a chance on a once-promising talent like Burks makes perfect sense.
If Burks can stay healthy and regain his confidence, there’s a strong chance he’ll earn an elevation to the active roster in the coming weeks. For now, he’ll look to learn the Steelers’ playbook and prove he still has the talent that once made him a first-round selection.
This could quietly become one of the most intriguing comeback stories of the season — a player searching for redemption in a city built on second chances.
