It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for a weekly Steelers links roundup at BTSC. But first, let’s take a look around the AFC North:
- Ravens post most encouraging injury report in weeks (Baltimore Beatdown)
- These are still the same old Bengals: How a championship contender fell apart since Super Bowl appearance (Cincy Jungle)
- Is it time for the Browns to trade Myles Garrett? (Dawgs By Nature)
What’s the latest on the Steelers’ upcoming opponent?
- Colts’ Week 8 QB Analysis: Jones continues to impress (Stampede Blue)
- Jonathan Taylor is the NFL’s Mid-Season MVP (Stampede Blue)
- Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. is Amidst a Career Year (Stampede Blue)
Now, onto some
Steelers news and discussion:
Steelers acquiring S Kyle Dugger from Patriots with DeShon Elliott headed to IR
(From NFL.com’s Bobby Kownack): The Black and Gold sit atop the AFC North at 4-3, but Mike Tomlin’s bunch is reeling of late, having lost two straight games in which they gave up 68 combined points. Safety DeShon Elliott suffered a hyperextended knee in the team’s Week 9 loss to the Packers and is going on injured reserve, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, so the acquisition of Dugger provides Pittsburgh with a potential replacement for the time being, plus excellent depth whenever Elliott is able to return.
It looks like DeShon Elliott is headed to injured reserve despite Mike Tomlin calling his injury week to week in Tuesday’s press conference. Still, IR’s four-game minimum means Elliott might not be out for the season.
Pittsburgh hasn’t put Elliott on IR yet, but expect that move to be announced soon. The Steelers have a number of reported roster moves they haven’t yet made official this week.
Steelers Teammates Honor Cole Holcomb With Award
(From SI’s Jacob Punturi): After suffering and recovering from a potentially career-ending knee injury, (Holcomb’s) returned to starter-level football. In recognition of his journey, his teammates voted him as the 2025 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award.
The award is voted on annually by Steelers players and given to ”a player who has shown courage either coming back from an injury or a life-altering situation.” Holcomb follows Cory Trice Jr., who received the honor in 2024.
It’s hard to think of a more deserving Steeler for this year’s Ed Block Courage Award. Whatever your thoughts are on this year’s inside linebacker rotation, Holcomb’s return to significant snaps after 2023’s gruesome injury is nothing short of impressive.
Steelers Are ‘Open for Business’ ahead of Trade Deadline
(From Steelers Now’s Chris Ward): “I think we’re always open for business,” Tomlin said. “Particularly as we get close to the trade deadline. We’re always buyers. We’re always buyers. We’re always trying to position ourself to be the best that we can be this year. But that not only applies to the secondary that you asked about. I’m sure that applies to all three phases of the game.”
A statement that proved quite literal with the team eventually trading for Patriots safety Kyle Dugger on Tuesday. However, it’s also a look into Tomlin’s philosophy as a head coach — and the possibility of Pittsburgh not being done yet ahead of the Nov. 4 deadline.
Packers-Steelers generates 25.5 million viewers for NBC
(From Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio): It was the fifth NBC game this season to pass the 25 million-viewer threshold, the most through eight weeks in any season for Sunday Night Football. It also passed last year’s Cowboys-49ers contest (23.9 million) as the most-watched Week Eight Sunday night game.
It appears Aaron Rodgers facing his old team was in fact an easy storyline to sell. The Steelers still seem to draw good primetime ratings, and they’ll be back on Sunday Night Football Week 10 against the Chargers.
Steelers Leave Door Open for Injured Starting Offensive Lineman vs. Packers
(From Steelers Now’s Brendan Howe): “Isaac Seumalo can be characterized as questionable with his pec injury,” Tomlin said Tuesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “I just had a brief conversation with him in the training room. He’s in a good mindset. He certainly is gonna be limited at the early portions of the week, but he’ll have a chance to contribute, particularly because he’s a veteran player.
While both DeShon Elliott and Daniel Ekuale are headed for injured reserve after suffering injuries against the Packers, it appears Isaac Seumalo’s isn’t as significant. Getting him back in the lineup is important — Seumalo hasn’t been the most impactful player for the Steelers, but having him available opens up the Steelers’ six-O-linemen jumbo package that has been incredibly successful this season.
Steel Curtain? Steelers’ dysfunctional defense is flailing instead | Opinion
(From USA Today’s Jarrett Bell): Once upon a time, tough, physical, championship-level defense was the Steelers calling card. It matched the reputation of a city known for blue-collar grit. What happened to that tradition? It’s a fairy tale now, considering the current edition of the Pittsburgh D.
Heyward said, “If you can own your mistakes and make them disappear, it goes a long way.”
If only that can really happen – like fast
I like to add a national opinion on the Steelers in these link compilations when I can. This time, it’s a USA Today national columnist who’s also disappointed in the Pittsburgh defense.
Patriots Paying Most of Kyle Dugger’s Salary after Trade to Steelers
(From Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders): According to a report by NFL Network, the Patriots are paying most of the remainder of his $9.75 million salary and $1 million in per-game roster bonuses while Dugger plays for the Steelers.
Additionally, the 2026 and 2027 seasons have been removed from Dugger’s contract, making him a free agent at the end of this season.
The Day 3 pick swap for Dugger looks even cheaper now that the Steelers reportedly won’t be hooked on much of his contract, either.
Instant grade for Patriots trading Kyle Dugger to Steelers
(From Pats Pulpit staff): Pat Lane: Once again, it’s hard to give the Patriots a very good grade for getting almost nothing back in return, but the Patriots had to move on from Dugger, who was clearly not a scheme fit. I really hope Pittsburgh can help him find his old self, but it looks like a lot of that freakish athleticism that made him such an intriguing prospect is gone. | Grade: D
When evaluating a trade, it’s always valuable to look at what the other side is saying. Over on SB Nation’s Patriots website Pats Pulpit, the overwhelming sentiment matches the one quoted above. Dugger was once a dynamic player, but it was clearly time to move on.
What’s your “instant grade” for the Steelers after the Kyle Dugger trade?
If Pats Pulpit can do it, we can too!
Ultimately, given the low trade compensation and the fact that the Patriots will be footing most of the safety’s salary, this looks like a good, low-risk move to help fill Pittsburgh’s current gaping hole at the position. Dugger certainly isn’t the player he used to be, but he remained one of the better cheap names available at safety. I’d give this move a B-.
How would you grade the Kyle Dugger trade? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments!
