The Steelers made a necessary move on Saturday. For the upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts, they elevated wide receiver Brandon Smith from the practice squad. This decision comes after Michael Pittman Jr. re-aggravated a foot injury that will keep him out for at least four games. The team announced the roster change on Saturday. It is a clear sign that the depth chart is thinner than anyone hoped.
Aaron Rodgers has been singing Smith’s praises. The quarterback saw something special during Saturday Night Lights. Rodgers said, “As you saw on Saturday Night Lights, possibly the play of the day was from Brandon Smith.” He went on to describe Smith’s recent work. “He had a phenomenal practice. He made a ton of plays,” Rodgers said, according to Yahoo Sports. The connection between the two is not new. They had met previously while playing for the New York Jets in 2024.
Rodgers Sees a Change in Smith
The veteran quarterback noticed a physical transformation in the young receiver. Rodgers recalled seeing him last year and noted a difference in his build. “I knew him from my time in New York. When I saw him last year, he looked like he dropped about 10 pounds,” Rodgers said. He believes the weight loss has helped Smith’s movement. Rodgers added that Smith looks “a little leaner” and feels he is moving better now. This physical change seems to be paying off in practice.
Smith has been through the wringer to get here. He entered the 2025 season with the Jets but was waived. New England released him on Jan. 13, 2026, after he moved to the Patriots practice squad. The Steelers signed him to a reserve/future contract back in January. He was waived on Aug. 30 and then re-signed to the practice squad. Now he gets his first real chance. He has not made a catch in his NFL career. His stats are thin, but his preparation looks solid.
The Depth Chart Reality
The injury to Pittman forces a reshuffle of the entire receiving corps. Pittman led the team with 58 receiving yards in the opener. Ruled out for the Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots, he sustained a plantar fasciitis injury during practice. Despite playing in Weeks 3 and 4, he was not at 100%. He was spotted with his foot on a scooter.
With Pittman sidelined, Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard must step up. Smith will likely be the sixth option vs. the Colts. He likely won’t get called upon, but he needs to be ready. In addition, the Steelers signed defensive back Doneiko Slaughter and moved Lew Nichols to the Active/Inactive Roster.
The roster is tight. One more injury could break the unit. The team has to hope Smith’s training camp flash turns into game-day production. The clock is ticking for the rest of the group. They have to find a way to move the ball. The Colts will test them hard.
