Friday, November 28

The message is the same: Linebacker T.J. Watt preaches the same message every week.

And this week, he might be preaching a little louder.

Stop the run.

The Buffalo Bills have the NFL's No. 1 ranked rushing attack, led by James Cook.

The focus on Sunday is to stop Cook, as well as quarterback Josh Allen and his ability to use his feet, and make them one dimensional.

"I mean, you guys hear me preach every week that you've got to stop the run first and foremost and obviously whenever an offense is able to effectively run the ball it opens up a lot of things for them," said Watt. "So, if we can keep them bottled up as long as possible, to hopefully get them in one dimensional situations, so that will lead to success for us."

Allen, the NFL's reigning MVP, brings the challenge of a mobile quarterback in a big body.

Not an easy thing to deal with, but something the defense will be ready for.

"Obviously, we faced quarterback mobility throughout the year," said Watt. "Each mobile quarterback presents a different challenge.

"Obviously, he's a bigger guy. So, you need to be able to tackle the football but also tackle him and not try to rough the quarterback in any way possible. So, it's definitely going to be a challenge."

Aiding in that challenge will be the return of linebacker Alex Highsmith to the lineup. Highsmith has missed the last two games with a pectoral injury, and he is expected to start on Sunday.

"It's good for the rotation for sure," said Watt. "We can get guys on, get guys off. You know the guy behind us is going to be able to go out there and perform at a high level.

"I'm excited to get him back."

Ready to go: With Broderick Jones out this week, the Steelers will lean on Andrus Peat to start at left tackle.

And Peat is ready.

"You've got to prepare like you always prepare," said Peat. "Being a reserve, you've got to prepare like you're starting every week and just get in a good habit. So, I am preparing like I always do."

Peat has been inactive for all but one game this season, but experience is something he definitely doesn't lack.

Peat said there is an adjustment when you don't play most of the season to suddenly getting more reps in practice and possibly starting.

"Definitely," said Peat. "Going through the season you get into a rhythm the more games you play. I feel like I played 11 years, so I know what to do."

Peat, who signed with the Steelers during training camp, was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, spending nine seasons with them. He appeared in 111 games, with 102 starts for the Saints, and was named to the Pro Bowl three times (2018-2020).

Peat signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, appearing in 15 games, starting one.

"A lot of comfort with those guys," said quarterback Aaron Rodgers of Peat and fellow tackle Calvin Anderson. "I mean, obviously, Brod (Broderick Jones) has played really well for us. AP (Andrus Peat) has played a lot of football. A lot of confidence in Cal (Anderson) coming in, he's been a great swing for us. He practices with us all the time during the week, so we have a lot of confidence in both those guys."

All hands on deck: Rookie defensive end Derrick Harmon has been ruled out for Sunday's game with a knee injury, the line losing a player who has made a quick contribution to the defense.

"D-Harm has been playing really good for us," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "Heavy hands. Just understanding. Even at a young age he understands the defense. Defensive line play. A lot of his counterparts.

"It's up to other guys to step up. Me and Keeanu (Benton) have to pick up our levels of play as well. When we have these opportunities where other guys are stepping in, it's usually by a group of guys, not just one guy."

With Harmon out, expect to see a lot more of fifth-round pick Yahya Black. Black has also made a fast impression on the defense, picking things up quickly.

"I think Yahya is ready," said Heyward. "Yahya is getting more comfortable in his alignment, playing with better extension. He's coming away with some big plays for us. That fumble (vs. Chicago). He just ripped it from the guy's arms. You need that from your young guys who are continuing to learn.

"But he's in the right spot and I think he'll be ready to play."

And he was in the right spot against the Bears. Black forced a D'Andre Smith fumble and came up with the recovery, leaving everyone wide-eyed.

"All you see is some big creepy hands, just getting hands on the ball and start the prowl at it," said Heyward of the play. "When he came up with it we were all kind of surprised, and I think the refs were a little bit confused.

"But you love it on our side of the ball. We talk about getting the ball away and whatever it takes. And Yahya was able to come away with it."

Big ball weekend: Coach Mike Tomlin often talks about the road getting narrow, and when you are teetering on it almost being December football, that is definitely the case.

The Steelers host the Buffalo Bills this Sunday in a 4:25 p.m. matchup that has a lot of implications on the race in the AFC.

"Really excited about this AFC matchup at Acrisure Stadium," said Tomlin. "Things are tight in the AFC. They're certainly a viable group. It's a big ball weekend here in Pittsburgh.

"We've got a lot to be excited about. We've got a lot from a challenge perspective. It's a big ball weekend. We show our respect to that with how we prepare."

The Steelers have six more opportunities to put what they can do on display, and when asked if he feels like the playoffs are about to start, Tomlin was to the point.

"I always feel that way," said Tomlin. "I've been in this league long. We don't have an 80-plus game schedule or a 160-plus game schedule.

"You get 17 opportunities to state a case for yourself. So, there's extreme urgency in our business, and those of us that have been in it for a long time, players and coaches, we understand that."

That urgency continues on Sunday against the Bills, a team that is fighting themselves at 7-5 and in second place in the AFC East. And that fight is led by quarterback Josh Allen.

"Josh Allen, what a competitor," said Tomlin. "We talk a lot about his talents, his legs, his arms, and things of that nature, but it's the intangible quality that really captures your attention as you study tape.

"His ability to rise up in the moment. His will, his competitive spirit, how he finishes plays, whether it's scramble plays to keep passes alive or when he chooses to pull the ball down and run.

"You've got to be really conscious of what you do schematically in terms of how you rush him and how you support that rush with the coverage behind it because, again, his ability to extend plays without negativity, his ability to break you down with his legs certainly we've seen over the course of this season and certainly we've seen firsthand over the course of his career, some of the games that we've been in against him."

Tomlin also knows the Bills ground game is something that causes headaches for opponents, the No. 1 ranked run game in the NFL.

"They're running the ball extremely well," said Tomlin. "Certainly, Allen's a component of that, but (James) Cook is doing an awesome job. He's almost got 1,100 yards. I think he's No. 2 in the league in rushing. He averages 5.4 per carry. He's got eight touchdowns. He's a bell cow for them and really has been for a number of years now. I think he just got a big contract at the start of the season, and he and they are certainly reaping the rewards of that."

Proud to rep the Rooney legacy: Tight end Pat Freiermuth is the Steelers nominee for the 12th annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, presented to a player for their on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.

For Freiermuth, being nominated for the award is truly an honor.

"Obviously, sportsmanship is part of the game," said Freiermuth. "I'm appreciative of being nominated. Any time you get an award, or get nominated for an award, especially with the significance of it being related to Pittsburgh, means a lot."

The award was created in 2014 to honor Art Rooney Sr., the founder of the Steelers and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"Being here for five years, obviously the Rooney family has made an impact on not just Pittsburgh Steelers organization, but all of Pittsburgh," said Rooney. "Anytime you can be able to represent them the right way and learn more about the Rooney family and what they stood for, and anytime you can bring that into your own life, into how you handle yourself on the field, and in your own community work means a lot."

One player from every team is nominated for the award, and eight finalists, four in each conference, will be selected by members of the NFL Legends Community.

"Sportsmanship is the core of the game, the vanguard of public confidence, the keeper of game integrity," said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations. "These Rooney Sportsmanship Award nominees exemplify the spirit of fair play and the values of respect, integrity, commitment to team and resiliency at the highest level of competition."
Current players will have the final say when the eight finalists appear on their Pro Bowl ballot under NFL Sportsmanship Award. The winner is announced during NFL Honors.
The award was named after Rooney because of the class he brought to the NFL and his approach that always had sportsmanship at the forefront.

Putting their best foot forward: Steelers players can often be seen wearing custom cleats during pregame warmups, but this week against the Buffalo Bills custom cleats will be the norm during the game.

For the 10th straight year the NFL is allowing players to represent a charity that touches them deeply in a unique manner with the league's player cause initiative, My Cause My Cleats.

The initiative was created for NFL players to showcase a charitable cause in order to bring attention to it, and the players take part in helping with the design of their cleats.

After the players wear the cleats, they have the option to auction them off to raise money for their cause on NFL Auction, with 100% of the funds raised given to the charity. Fans may bid on player cleats at NFL.com/Auction.

Learn more about what causes are special to Steelers' players HERE, as well as player we will feature here each day this week. Today is tight end Jonnu Smith.

Tight End Jonnu Smith – Nu Family Foundation

His foundation is one that has a strong mission, but it's not just a statement.

It's a commitment.

Tight end Jonnu Smith didn't create the Nu Family Foundation, which he is using his cleats to represent this week, just to put his name on something.

He created it to make a difference for something he is passionate about.

"The mission is to empower at-risk youth and inner-city families that are less fortunate and provide them with education and wellness resources that will help improve their lifestyle," said Smith. "As a young African American male growing up in an inner city, there's a lot of adversity that you'll endure day to day.

"That always hit home to me to make sure that if I made it out and make it in the world, to always go back and grab the ones that were in the same situation and try to provide a platform for them so they can see there's a lot of hope for them in this journey."

Smith's childhood wasn't an easy one, growing up in a challenging area of Philadelphia and losing his father, Wayne Smith Sr., in a tragic accident while at work when he was only four years old. His mother, Karen Smith, saw the violence that was erupting in their neighborhood and sent Jonnu to live with his aunt in Ocala, Florida, where he would go on to have a successful high school career, that eventually led to him going to Florida International and ultimately being drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

He made a promise to himself that he wouldn't forget where he came from. He wouldn't forget others who struggle to survive in the rough inner-city neighborhoods.

And he hasn't.

"I just want to do what I can," said Smith. "Coming from the same type of area as those I am helping, there is a relatability factor. It makes this experience special and more impactful because I've been in their shoes.

"I don't think for one second that I've had the horror story of a childhood, or I had the fairy tale of a childhood. I didn't have it either way. So, I recognize that people have been in worse situations than I have been in, but I've also been in some pretty tough circumstances in my life that define me and who I am today.

"The fact that I can go back and relate to those young ones and even the older ones as well. Obviously, it's geared more towards the youth because I do believe the youth is the future, but to have our hands on the entire community of those people who we can help, that's my mission."

Smith knows it isn't easy to get out of the inner city. He knows it's an environment that it's hard to break free from the cycle.

But he also knows no matter where you start in life, you can achieve your dreams.

He did just that, and that's a message he shares.

"My dream was to be where I am today," said Smith. "I'm so blessed and it's very easy for a man like me to focus on just the sport aspect of what I do and not off the field. I would say the biggest thing for me that has kept me grounded is my faith and recognizing that football is not Jonnu's life. It's a part of Jonnu's life, and an extremely grateful part I will cherish forever, because at some point it's going to come to an end.

"The man under that helmet is the man that I really want to continue to show the world who I am and how can I impact. I'm a man of faith and my biggest thing is impacting God's kingdom.

"The NFL, the NBA, MLB, it's just very hard to achieve those levels. But I do motivate and instill hope that you can do it. I was a kid that was told that you can't do it. I would never do that to an adolescent or any child growing up that has big dreams.

"One of the most precious things that kids carry is their dreams. I remember how my imagination led me to a lot of different places in life and God gave us a powerful tool with our brains. If we use it the right way we can cultivate a lot of positive things. I was just a guy that always dreamed big and that's the message I give today."

That message of dreaming big is something that never stopped in his life.

And he recently fulfilled another dream. Helping his older brother, Wayne Smith Jr. His brother is currently incarcerated at SCI-Fayette, a short drive from the Pittsburgh area, for a third-degree murder, aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime and carrying a firearm on public streets conviction. His sentence was revisited a year ago, and reduced, meaning he is eligible to get out of prison in July.

What his brother has been through has been a driving force in his life, trying to help his brother get his life back on track through his appeal, while helping others along the way.

"It was a driving force, a huge driving force for me to making it and pushing through tough days when things didn't look so bright," said Smith. "Just his situation, looking at it and seeing that it's real, made me push even harder.

"To get where I am, to provide a chance for him. It wasn't even anything that was for certain, but just to say that I provided my brother a chance at freedom, that gave me peace within itself. And now we have it, it's coming. That's just literally my biggest accomplishment. Being able to do that and provide my brother with the proper resources to fight for his freedom and for him to come home. That was my motivating factor for getting where I am today."

Try, try again: The Steelers took four deep shots down the sideline against 1-on-1 coverage last Sunday against the Bears and didn't hit any of them as intended, but wide receiver Calvin Austin III maintained the offense remains confident enough to keep taking them.

"You gotta be," Austin emphasized. "You want to get to the goal that you want to get to, the biggest game, the Super Bowl, you're gonna have to be able to hit those shots.

"So yeah, we have full confidence, working every day to hit 'em."
The first such shot resulted in an interception on a pass intended for wide receiver DK Metcalf on the Steelers' second offensive snap.

Subsequent attempts to wide receiver Roman Wilson and Austin were, likewise, worth taking in Austin's estimation.

"We have one of the fastest wideout groups," Austin said. "We definitely feel like 1-on-1 we can get behind our guy or just make the contested catch."

Austin drew a flag for defensive pass interference when he got behind cornerback Nick McCloud on a 1-on-1 deep shot on second-and-6 from the Steelers' 38-yard line with 4:45 left in the third quarter and the Steelers trailing, 24-21.

The 27-yard infraction advanced the ball to the Chicago 35 but still wasn't what the Steelers were hoping for on the play.

"Not really," Austin said. "You definitely want the ball in that situation. With the ball in your hands, that's how you get touchdowns. Penalties move you into position to score at times but you don't want to make a living off of that because that's leaving the game in the officials' hands and you don't want that."

Another regrettable moment in the 31-28 loss in Chicago was the flag the Steelers drew for an illegal formation on third-and-4 from the Steelers' 28 with 2:14 left in regulation and the Steelers trailing by three. The penalty negated a 22-yard scramble by quarterback Mason Rudolph to the 50.

Austin recognized the alignment error and initially tried to signal to running back Kenneth Gainwell, who was lined up in the slot to Austin's right, to move up to the line of scrimmage, where Gainwell would have legally covered offensive tackle Troy Fautanu. Failing that, Austin tried to get Rudolph's attention prior to the snap but was unsuccessful in the attempt.

"There was a lot going on right there," Austin said. "I just gotta learn from that and do whatever it takes to make the formation right. At the end of the day I gotta be better and make things right.

"At that time, regardless of formation or anything, just step (up) on the ball. At least we have a legal formation."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Cast your vote: Steelers fans, get out and vote.

Voting is now open for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, presented by Verizon. The Pro Bowl Games will be held on Tuesday, February 3 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco as part of Super Bowl LX week.

Fans can vote as often as they would like to send Steelers players to the Pro Bowl Games from now until December 15. Fan votes count for one-third of the overall votes, along with player and coaches votes each counting for one third as well.

Social voting – Fans can vote directly on "X" (formerly Twitter) by posting the first and last name of the player, tagging the player's official X handle or creating a hashtag including the player's first and last name. All three of these methods must include either #ProBowlVote or Pro Bowl Vote. During the final two days (Dec. 14-15), social votes will count as double.

Madden Mobile – New this year, fans can access Pro Bowl Games voting on Madden NFL 26 Mobile through the Pro Bowl event tile in the Madden Mobile Ultimate Team™ mode. Votes can be made using Ballot Tokens (up to 30 per day) and Ballot Tokens reset daily at 10:30 a.m. ET. Votes on Madden Mobile also count double during the final two days of voting (Dec. 14-15).

The Pro Bowl Games will once again feature a flag football game and other fun, competitive events. Coverage will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the game starting at 8 p.m.

-->> Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.

Thursday, November 27

Staying on the details: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was a full participant in practice on Thursday, the first time he has been a full participant since he suffered a broken bone in his left wrist against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 and went on to miss the team's Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears. (Full injury report)

"I'm going to see how I feel after (Thursday), but I'm going to go (Thursday) and get casted up and then see how I respond," said Rodgers on Wednesday.

"I wasn't able to go last week. So, I'm hoping for a different outcome this week.

"I've had more days for the callus to form and more healing, especially Monday and Tuesday, just doing rehab. (Wednesday) I did a little bit more. (Thursday), I'll do a little bit more and see where I'm at come Friday."

If Rodgers' returns to the lineup this week, he brings with him the experience of knowing what it takes to get a team to the postseason.

He has been there, done that in his 21 seasons in the NFL.

He understands what separates the teams that make it to the playoffs vs. teams that don't.

"They start playing the right way this time of year," said Rodgers. "I think sometimes injuries play a part in that. We've been pretty fortunate for the most part, to not have a ton of major injuries to starters.

"But you start to play the right way. We've got good opponents on the schedule the last six. We have three division games, so there's a lot in front of us."

Rodgers said the key for the Steelers to take the next step is all in the details.

"You've got to be on the details, same thing we've been talking about all year," said Rodgers. "There's just too many times where we haven't been able to survive downs. I think the best way to put it where there's an MA or a mental error or a missed assignment, and we're not able to kind of survive the down and either get through it with an incompletion or a zero-yard gain or a dump off that keeps us in front of the sticks.

"So, we got to do a better job at that."

Rodgers said as of late the key they need to attack is the execution.

"The preparation is there, it's the execution," said Rodgers. "I wouldn't say it's been up and down just the last six weeks, this has been the entire season, just a little bit off on some of the details.

"So, we can tighten that thing up, all 11 of us, and I expect us to play really well."

Gap sound the key: The Steelers have another challenge on their hands this week with one of the top running backs in the league.

Buffalo's James Cook III has 199 carries for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns through just 11 games, helping the Bills lead the NFL in rushing.

Stopping the run is always a focus for the Steelers defense and it will be no different this week.

"I think we've been playing the run pretty well the past few weeks, especially since Indianapolis," said linebacker Payton Wilson. "But it's just that everything we've talked about since the beginning of the year, people executing gap control and with the running backs and the quarterbacks we've been facing, a lot of is gang tackling, getting a lot of people to the ball."

Cook has become a key ingredient in the Bills offense over the last few years, taking pressure off the passing game.

And he can hurt a defense in the blink of an eye.

"Any little amount of space he finds, he can hit the hole and he can go," said Wilson. "If you have any type of crease in there, he's going to hit it and he can take it to the house.

"So, you have to be really gap sound and schematically sound against this team."

While Cook is a major weapon, it's quarterback Josh Allen who steers the ship for the Bills.

"Obviously, you know what he's capable of, he's MVP for the league for a reason," said Wilson. "So, just making sure everybody once again is schematically sound, and when he gets running, we have to have guys that are in coverage that are plastering.

"We have to have guys coming to get him."

While Sunday's game is not a must-win for the Steelers to stay in the playoff hunt, players are focused on finishing the season strong and that starts Sunday.

"You want to win every game, no matter what week of the season it is, but there's definitely more pressure towards the end of the season, especially where we're at right now," said Wilson. "We've got to win some games, and some big games, to get where we need to be."

Ready if called upon: The saying you are only one snap away has been proven time and time again for the Steelers, including last week against the Chicago Bears.

Left tackle Broderick Jones left the game in the fourth quarter with what Coach Mike Tomlin referred to as a neck injury during his press conference on Tuesday.

It was Calvin Anderson who had to be ready at a moment's notice, stepping in for Jones and not missing a beat.

This week, Anderson knows he could be called upon again, but he is approaching the week the same as he always does.

"I think you have to approach every week like you're going to start," said Anderson. "So, the good thing is I've been doing this for a long time now. And my approach doesn't change. And I'll be ready. If the team needs me, I'll be ready."

Anderson, who is in his seventh season, signed with the Steelers during the 2024 season and appeared in four games, but finished the regular season on the Reserve/Injured List. He was activated and appeared in the Steelers Wild Card Game against the Baltimore Ravens. He was re-signed to a two-year contract in the offseason.

He is a player who understands his role, and in understanding it, knows he has to be ready.

"I've been in situations that are even more crazy than this," said Anderson. "You have to approach game day, when you're a swing (lineman), being ready at any moment's notice. Just being able to turn it on. That's part of the preparation. And that way when the time comes, you can kick it off."

The key for Anderson is balancing the physical side with the mental side of the game to be ready to go when called upon.

"I think it's a combination, but most of it is mental because on game day it's easy to just start getting into the flow of the game and check out," said Anderson. "But you just have to be following the game and be ready to snap your body into playing, because at any moment the team will need you.

"And if the team needs you, you've got to perform so."

When Anderson got the call against the Bears on Sunday, he said the adrenaline was pumping.

"It starts pumping," said Anderson. "I can tell you that. It starts pumping pretty quick.

"There's certainly that feeling. Certainly not jitters. I think mentally, for me, I think to myself, I know that we're in a critical situation, still have an opportunity to win the game. Got to be your best when your best is needed.

"So, I quickly kind of snap into, let me get into my role of being the left tackle. I've been in situations where you have to go in during a crucial moment to know that you just have to snap in and you can't have any drop off.

"So, that's the goal."

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to be back under center this week after missing the Bears game with a broken bone in his wrist. Anderson said while there are similarities in what the offense does, there are differences in dealing with different quarterbacks.

"I wish I could say it was the same," said Anderson. "Every quarterback is a little bit different in terms of drop and cadence and all that.

"So, that's a good thing about the week of preparation is just to try to get a feel for the quarterback. Luckily, we've had all the preseason and training camp and such to get to know those guys. So, you try to adjust to whoever's back there, try to gel as much as you can."

One day at a time: The 2025 season has had its share of ups and down, with the last four weeks a microcosm of that.

The team won in Week 9, lost in Week 10, won in Week 11 and lost in Week 12.

Through those ups and downs, one of the key factors has been players staying even keeled.

"It's taking it one day at a time and just coming back to practice again, doing what we did last week and just try to get a win this week," said running back Kenneth Gainwell. "We have to come together as one, go back to practice this week and just get better.

"I think it's a one day at a time type of thing. We can't be looking forward to the future or anything. You never know how a week will go. You never know how a team will game plan. You never know how we will come out and do things.

"It's a play-by-play type of thing, and we just have to go in this week and try to be 1-0."

Cornerback Brandin Echols said the key is not riding the emotional roller coaster.

"I mean, we're pros," said Echols. "We go through that every week, regardless of what team, what person.

"That's the way we go about our business."

This week it's about going out and making it right again.

"We've got to bounce back this week," said guard Mason McCormick. "Attack the fine details. There were some missed details in the last game.

"And so, we've got to be better as players. And we will be."

Plenty to be thankful for: As families gather today for their Thanksgiving dinner, Steelers players have shared what they are thankful for and what they count as their blessings in life.

Linebacker Carson Bruener:
"I'm thankful for my family, the Steelers, football and God. For everything. A West coast kid moving across the country to kind of fulfill my dreams. This whole opportunity.

"My whole family flew out here for Thanksgiving. My mom and my sister got here on Saturday. My dad and brothers got here on Tuesday. So, even though I'm away from home, they're still coming back and wanting to have that time to spend Thanksgiving with me, even though I'm the only one removed. All of them are picking up on what they're doing and coming out here. So, it's pretty special."

Defensive end Derrick Harmon:
"I'm thankful for a lot. For being where I am. I am thankful for my family. They keep me grounded. I am thankful for my brothers, here and back home. They keep me grounded too."

Cornerback James Pierre:
"I'm thankful for my family. For God. My home. For everything under my roof. My dogs. This team and organization. I am thankful every day I wake up."

Punter Corliss Waitman:
"I'm thankful to be alive. To be healthy. For my family. To be a part of this Steelers organization. Yeah, a lot of things. A whole lot of things. Mostly being healthy. My family and my teammates and all the blessings I'm living in."

Running back Jaylen Warren:
"I am really thankful for my family. Also, the opportunities I've been given. I'm also thankful for having great people around me."

Offensive lineman Calvin Anderson:
"The list could go on and on. I am thankful for my family. I'm thankful for my wife. I'm thankful for clarity. I'm thankful for freedom. I'm thankful for the moments that I get to experience here in football, but then also the people I get to experience them with. Relationships.

"I'm grateful for alignment. I'm grateful for authenticity. Being able to be my true, authentic self. That was a journey. It's not always easy for people.

"The list could go on, honestly, but I guess you have the ones that stands out. I'm grateful for all the people I get to be around here. The NFL is a short period of time in your life in retrospect. So, I feel grateful just to be around the guys that I get to be around. And I'll cherish those relationships."

Putting their best foot forward: Steelers players can often be seen wearing custom cleats during pregame warmups, but this week against the Buffalo Bills custom cleats will be the norm during the game.

For the 10th straight year the NFL is allowing players to represent a charity that touches them deeply in a unique manner with the league's player cause initiative, My Cause My Cleats.

The initiative was created for NFL players to showcase a charitable cause in order to bring attention to it, and the players take part in helping with the design of their cleats.

After the players wear the cleats, they have the option to auction them off to raise money for their cause on NFL Auction, with 100% of the funds raised given to the charity. Fans may bid on player cleats at NFL.com/Auction.

Learn more about what causes are special to Steelers' players HERE, as well as player we will feature here each day this week. Today is linebacker Jack Sawyer.

Linebacker Jack Sawyer - JBS Strong

As linebacker Jack Sawyer sat as his locker, he couldn't hide his emotions.

He was speaking from the heart, sharing the connection he had with someone who touched him in a manner he never could have imagined.

Someone who not only shared his passion for football, but someone who also shared his name.

A teenager in Mentor, Ohio, also named Jack Sawyer, became a fan of the gusty linebacker for his play, and honestly for his name as well. The younger Sawyer reached out to the player he looked up to via Instagram, sharing his story with him. At the time the younger Sawyer was a freshman in high school and was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a bone and soft-tissue cancer.

It immediately touched Sawyer.

"I had heard his story, and he wrote me a note, and I felt like I needed to do something," said Sawyer. "I had my sister get this poster, and I signed in and sent him a note.

"I was able to stay in contact with him and his parents and just formed a relationship."

Sawyer also sent along other gifts, and was there for him, whether it was on the phone or in person when he could, to provide encouragement during a tough battle.

Sawyer also wore JBS Strong on his arm band for Ohio State games, to let him know he was right there with him.

"I got to see him ring the bell," said Sawyer with a quick smile, a smile that didn't last long. "Going into my junior year (the cancer) came back and had gone into his back and lungs. At that point, we knew that he didn't really have much longer to live.

"I was able to talk to him a couple of days before he passed away on FaceTime and stayed in contact with his parents since."

Jack B. Sawyer lost his battle with cancer on Nov. 5, 2023, at just 17-years old.

It hit Sawyer hard.

And that is why he is using his cleats to further show his support for JBS Strong.

"He held a very special place in my heart," said Sawyer. "I feel like a lot of times, we think that we're giving them inspiration and stuff. But I know he gave me more inspiration than anything I could ever give him.

"He was a special kid, and I always think about him. I carry his football card in my truck still to the day and look at it almost every day.

"His parents actually were here for our game in week two, his family and his uncle and his friends came. They were there for my first sack, which was cool. I got to see them after the game, and I still stay in contact with them.

"He was a special kid."

The relationship the two had made Sawyer realize two things.

First, the impact you can have on someone's life without even realizing it.

"Growing up and always being a huge sports fan and looking at guys that are in my position now. Thinking how much it would mean just to even get to meet somebody like that," said Sawyer. "For me, as much joy and motivation that we can bring someone, I think it's the opposite. They give us more than we could ever imagine.

"We're blessed to be able to play this game at this level. And giving back means more than anything we can do on the field."

The second thing he learned is just how precious life is and the things that really matter.

"It puts things in perspective," said Sawyer, who played in the first Jack B. Sawyer Memorial Golf Outing. "When you think about the time they had as a family, and how challenging that is to see your son go through something like that. And for him to go through and fight and have a smile on his face every day. It makes you look at your life and you want to be like him and have a smile on your face through the toughest adversity, because that's life.

"Being able to talk to him and know the type of kid he was and how hard he fought, it brings tears to my eyes every day. I think about it because he went through a battle that was way harder than anything I've ever gone through in my life. And I find myself thinking about him during hard points in my life and thinking about, what would Jack do. He was just special."

Learn more here.

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Wednesday, November 26

The Steelers are 6-5 with six games remaining.

Plenty of time to get the job done.

But also, it's time to make a statement.

"You've got six games to really punch our ticket," said Heyward. "The way I look at it for our group, we've got to plant a flag.

"It comes down to we lost our last game. And we move on. And I'm more concerned on what we do in the future.

"We've got six games to really right the ship and get going and looking forward to that.

"I'm excited. We're facing a really good offensive team. If you can't get excited for these games, if you can't get excited for any NFL games, shame on you. I'm very fortunate to be a part of this game and be a part of this team. And there's a lot of football in front of us that we got to take advantage of.

"We just got to keep going. We're not talking about being a perfect product at the beginning of the season. But at the end we got to hit our stride. That's got to be the plan."

And the plan starts this week when the Steelers host the Buffalo Bills.

The Bills come into Acrisure Stadium on Sunday with a 7-4 record, in second place in the AFC East.

But they also come in with quarterback Josh Allen, one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the game today.

"Josh doesn't want to play superhero ball, but he's the closest thing to a superhero in our game," said Heyward. "He can make a lot of things happen. That's athletic ability. That's arm talent. You name it, he's got it. And when he usually extends plays, he's finding (receiver Khalil) Shakir and others open.

"We have to use that against him. It's usually a lot of guys running to the ball because he will make two to three guys miss per play.

"It all goes hand-in-hand, but it's really going to stress our defense."

With Allen being the superhero, does that mean the Steelers defense has to play the role of the villain this week?

"Yes, yes we do," said Heyward with a smile.

And it won't just be Allen they have to key in on. Running back James Cook III has 199 carries for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns through just 11 games, helping the Bills lead the NFL in rushing.

"The fact that he can jump out of any block, he's able to bounce anything and get upfield," said Heyward. "And when he gets his feet going and he sees a lane, he's able to go 0 to 100 pretty fast.

"So, guys have to be in their gaps. You have to get off blocks And, we can't give those creases.

"I think Cook is, just every year you seen him build. They just really started relying on Cook. And you just saw the explosion from the run game. There was one game, I feel like they were playing New England, and all they did was run the ball. It was nothing but runs. That's a testament to them feeling confident in him and not trying to put everything on Josh's shoulders."

A legendary player: Former Steelers receiver Hines Ward is one step closer to football immortality as he was named a Modern-Era Semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Ward is one of 26 semifinalists for this year's class.

Ward, who is a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist for the 10th straight year (2017-26), played 14 seasons for the Steelers, after being selected in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft.

Ward had 1,000 career receptions for 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns. His versatility was always on display with his blocking ability a shining example of that.

Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about Ward and why he should be in the Hall of Fame.

"His numbers do not tell his story, although his numbers are special. They are," said Tomlin. "I think that's a guy with a 1,000 or so career catches.

"But, if you were around him, if you were in stadiums with him, if you were a member of his team or an opposing player, you understood what playing with and against Hines Ward was about.

"He was a football player first, a wide receiver second. To be quite honest with you, he was an offensive perimeter bully, and I say that in a complimentary way.

"To me, he's a legendary player in his generation because of the way that he played, the amount of respect that he carried when he didn't have the ball in his hands, when it wasn't even a pass, is stuff of legend."

Putting their best foot forward: Steelers players can often be seen wearing custom cleats during pregame warmups, but this week against the Buffalo Bills custom cleats will be the norm during the game.

For the 10th straight year the NFL is allowing players to represent a charity that touches them deeply in a unique manner with the league's player cause initiative, My Cause My Cleats.

The initiative was created for NFL players to showcase a charitable cause in order to bring attention to it, and the players take part in helping with the design of their cleats.

After the players wear the cleats, they have the option to auction them off to raise money for their cause on NFL Auction, with 100% of the funds raised given to the charity. Fans may bid on player cleats at NFL.com/Auction.

Learn more about what causes are special to Steelers' players HERE, as well as player we will feature here each day this week. Today is tight end Pat Freiermuth.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth - Freiermuth Fund

Tight end Pat Freiermuth grew up in a family filled with educators, including his parents Dianne and John Freiermuth, so when he was thinking about a way to give back to the community, the decision was easy.

He launched the Freiermuth Fund, with education front and center. And he is using his cleats to highlight the foundation and the work it does.

"It's awesome to be able to do this," said Freiermuth. "In the past, I was always repping a hometown foundation and that meant a lot to me, but being able to start my own now and wear the cleats for my own purpose and my own cause, it means a lot. It's going to be cool to be able to do a lot for fundraising with those cleats and being able to put the brand out there on national television."

Freiermuth jumped right into getting the foundation rolling this year, inspired by those closest to him.

"My parents are both educators, my brother is an educator, my sister-in-law is an educator," said Freiermuth. "Basically, everyone in my family are teachers. So, I wanted to give back to schools, specifically the teachers. I wanted to base this off giving to teachers in low-income areas the supplies and stuff needed to have a successful classroom for all the kids.

"Sometimes the low-income areas are forgotten and it's harder for kids to have the necessary tools to go on and be successful later in life. So just being able to help provide support for that, it's been big."

The mission of the Freiermuth Fund is to 'connect with students and teachers at every level who have big goals but may lack the resources to achieve them…from classroom supplies and technology to financial support.'

The Fund's goal is to provide students and educators with the tools necessary to succeed in the classroom and beyond. The plan is to provide classroom essentials and materials, including laptops, books and supplies.

"Growing up in the family I did, especially with my parents as educators, they played a major role in the importance of school," said Freiermuth. "Being successful in football in high school and college, they never allowed me to forget how important school is.

"If I can do my part to allow teachers to express that to the kids, how important school is, and help them succeed to be successful, then I'm doing something bigger than my impact on the field."

The Fund will also honor a Teacher of the Month in the Western Pennsylvania area, with winners selected from online nominations. The Fund will recognize outstanding educators who embody compassion, resilience, and leadership in the classroom. The winning teacher will receive $1,000 toward classroom supplies, a Steelers game day experience and Steelers merchandise. There will also be a season-ending winner who will receive a visit from Freiermuth to their classroom.

Freiermuth kicked things off earlier in the fall when he visited Clairton Elementary School, helping an area that has been through a lot this year.

Freiermuth worked in conjunction with the Education Partnership, who provide supplies to students and teachers in under-resourced schools across Southwestern Pennsylvania, to provide necessities for the Clairton students at an Adopt-A-School assembly.

Freiermuth distributed backpacks and school supplies to the students, bringing not just much needed items, but also plenty of laughter and joy.

"It's very special just seeing all the kids smile," said Freiermuth. "It's an exciting part of their day, and it's also an exciting part of my day. It's always fun to see their reaction, see the smiles when they get a new backpack and the school supplies. It means a lot because they are excited to see me there as well.

"I enjoy the opportunity to be able to give back.

"I want to be able to help people as much as I can. It's important to do our part."

Freiermuth himself showed the importance of education when he went back to school the last two years to earn his degree from Penn State, completing his mission this summer.

"It was great to get it done," said Freiermuth. "I had a lot of help with my academic advisor at Penn State, Todd Kulka. He did a great job getting me on track to graduate and it's just an awesome feeling."

Freiermuth left school early for the NFL Draft, but wanted to complete his education for multiple reasons, including making his mother proud.

He took 15 online courses during the spring and summer the last two years, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Labor and Human Resources from Penn State's College of Liberal Arts.

Going back to school wasn't easy, but he welcomed the challenge.

"It was definitely pretty tough, but I got through it," said Freiermuth. "I was happy to see the smile on my mom's face that I did it."

Learn more here.

Little things mean a lot: The defense isn't where it wants or needs to be coming off a 31-28 loss in Chicago, but rookie outside linebacker Jack Sawyer remains confident the unit can and will get there.

"We're so close to executing at a level that is our standard," Sawyer maintained. "The little things we're still cleaning up and looking to put together a complete performance. We've seen what we're capable of. Just sustaining that for a whole game, for four quarters, is gonna be key, especially when you're going against an offense like this.

"We're moving in the right direction in a lot of areas."

The "offense like this" Sawyer referenced belongs to the Buffalo Bills, who will visit Acrisure Stadium on Sunday.

The "little things" he cited could potentially prove significant against the NFL's No. 3 total offense (No. 1 rushing, No. 9 passing) if not adequately addressed.

"It starts with practice," Sawyer continued. "It starts with identifying them, which we have, then correcting them and shoring them up in practice and doing it in practice first, because what you do in practice you're going to do in the games. That's the key to that."

Buffalo's offense struggled in its most recent outing, a 23-19 loss on Nov. 20 at Houston. The Bills managed just 14 first downs and one offensive touchdown against the Texans, and quarterback Josh Allen was sacked a career-high eight times.

"They're a really good offense," Sawyer assessed. "It's the NFL, sometimes teams are going to make more plays than others and obviously the Texans did that last game against them. Obviously, as a defensive front you always want to get to the quarterback. We're going to have to get to him and affect him because he's one of the best players in the league. We got a big challenge ahead of us in that area."

Allen has been sacked 28 times in 11 games. He's also thrown for 2,709 yards, rushed for 371 and accounted for 28 touchdowns (10 rushing, 18 passing), including six in a 44-32 win over Tampa Bay on Nov. 16. Allen ran for three TDs and threw for three against the Bucs, the second time in his career he's managed three of each in the same game. That had happened just once previously in NFL history (Otto Graham in 1954).

"He does a lot of things well," Sawyer said of Allen. "That's why he's the reigning MVP of the league. He's having another really good year. He's big, he's physical, we were talking today about how competitive he is. He plays with that spirit and really drives his group. When you're playing a guy like that it's key to get stops early and get stops often, keep him off the field.

"When you're going Up against a guy like josh, he's one of the best in the league for a reason. He challenges you in a lot of areas."

Sawyer is ready to stick his hand in the defensive pile as needed against Allen and the Bills.
"I'm feeling good with the comfortability right now," he said. "We're more than halfway through the season. It's time for me to step up a little bit more, too, in my role. I feel confident that I'm still learning a lot, gaining the experience as I'm playing.

"I'm excited about the direction we're going."

Making moves: The Steelers made multiple roster moves today, signing defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow and receiver Cornell Powell to the practice squad.

Goodlow was originally signed by the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft.

Goodlow spent time on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad the last two seasons, and was elevated to the Active/Inactive roster for three games in 2025.

Goodlow played college football at Oklahoma State where he played in 14 games. He recorded 42 tackles, 18 of them solo stops, seven tackles for a loss and three sacks. He began his college career at Tulsa, appearing in a total of 48 games in his college career, with 22 starts.

Powell was originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Powell spent three seasons on the Chiefs practice squad, appearing in three games in 2022.

Powell also spent time on the Seattle Seahawks practice squad in 2024 and with the Houston Texans in the 2025 offseason.

Powell played for the DC Defenders in the United Football League, where he led the UFL with seven receiving touchdowns in 2025. He had 29 receptions for 418 yards, eighth in the league, in nine games.

Powell played college football at Clemson where he had 93 receptions for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns while appearing in 54 games.

The team also released defensive back Daequan Hardy and linebacker Mark Robinson from the practice squad.

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

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Monday, November 24

Embracing it: When running back Kenneth Gainwell broke around right end for a 55-yard gain on what appeared to everyone as a tush push, he thought for sure he had one more yard and scored.

But, 'after further review,' he realized he just missed the goal line.

"I did think I got in the end zone," said Gainwell. "But I looked back at it, and my hand was out. But I thought I got it.

"It's within the moment. You think you scored, but the playback assistant thing that's going on is showing everything nowadays. Every little opportunity you get you try to score, get as much as you can.

"But we set it up for a touchdown the next play. Jaylen (Warren) got in, and I am happy for him."

Gainwell, who finished the day with 10 carries for 92 yards, a 9.2-yard average, and six receptions for 30 yards, said the play is something they worked on in practice, and it was just about using it at the right time.

"We worked a little bit and it was called, right place, right time," said Gainwell. "And we executed."

Gainwell has been executing a lot for the offense as of late as his role continues to increase, whether it be in the passing game, where he had 81 yards against the Bengals in Week 11, or to his performance this week.

"It's growing," said Gainwell. "I'm taking on that opportunity. I always talk about opportunities, and I'm taking full advantage of that.

"I'm just embracing it."

On the run: While the Steelers 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears was disappointing on Sunday, there were some positives to take from the game.

One such, was the ground game.

The Steelers put up 186 yards rushing on the day.

Running back Kenneth Gainwell had 10 carries for 92 yards, a 9.2-yard average.

Fellow running back Jaylen Warren had 18 carries for 68 yards, a 3.8-yard average, and one touchdown.

"We've two really good backs and our O-line is just coming together, getting better every week," said guard Mason McCormick. "We've been saying it all year. We just want to keep climbing, keep getting better every week."

McCormick has seen the growth in the line from last year, and from the beginning of this season, and it's paying dividends now.

"We just really want to attack every day," said McCormick. "Go out there and really it starts on the practice field. It starts on Wednesday.

"Fine tune the details and continue and just get better.

"I feel like we've got a lot of guys that can move well in space. So, we don't have to be pinned down to any certain scheme. I feel like we can do a good job, run on all sorts of different schemes, and I think our O-line coaches do a really good job of putting us in good positions."

Tackle Broderick Jones had to leave the Bears game with what Coach Mike Tomlin referred to as 'stingers.'

Veteran swingman Calvin Anderson stepped in and held down the fort, and McCormick said there is plenty of confidence in him.

"Calvin has always done a really good job," said McCormick. "So, we were confident with Calvin coming in, and so he came in and did a good job.

"We know it's the next man up mentality."

Going about their business: Over the last four weeks, the Steelers have had their ups and downs, with a win, followed by a loss, followed by a win, and then a loss.

It's something that could play with the psyche if you let it, but inside the Steelers locker room, that isn't the case.

Cornerback Brandin Echols said the key is not riding the emotional roller coaster.

"I mean, we're pros," said Echols. "We go through that every week, regardless of what team, what person.

"That's the way we go about our business."

Echols learned in his career you can't get too high with the highs, or too low with the lows. He spent his first four seasons with the New York Jets, where they didn't have a winning season and seven wins were the most he saw.

To still be in the heat of things in the division heading into Thanksgiving weekend is something new for him.

"I was just talking to Donte (Kent) earlier," said Echols. "I told him this is the most I won up to this point. No disrespect to the Jets, but that is just what it was.

"This is what I've been looking for coming into my career and I'm glad to get a taste of it now.

"We've just got to keep the main thing the main thing. You can't take any game for granted. We have to work day in and day out.

"We have to continue to get better every week."

This week will be another tough test with the 7-4 Buffalo Bills coming to Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, led by quarterback Josh Allen.

Allen can be a threat with his arm or his legs, so it's something the defense has to be ready for.

"Details," said Echols of how to face the challenge. "Basically, that's all it comes down to. Details.

"From all three, special teams, offense and defense."

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

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