The Canadiens (7-3-2) head into Thursday’s 8 p.m. ET game against the Dallas Stars (7-4-1) without captain Nick Suzuki and with a surprise starter: Jakub Dobes, despite rookie netminder Jacob Fowler’s 1.54 GAA and .942 save percentage over a six‑game winning streak. Coach Martin St‑Louis may be buying Fowler for Saturday’s showdown with the Penguins while giving Dobes a chance to rebound. Montreal has shuffled its top six, inserting Alex Newhook with Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield, and moving Oliver Kapanen to the second line. Dallas, fresh off a 5‑1 loss to New Jersey, relies on Jake Oettinger (1.43 GAA, .929 SV%). The matchup airs on TSN2 and RDS.
Facing a receiver injury crisis, the Steelers sign former wideout Marquez Valdes‑Scantling to the practice squad before Sunday’s game in Paris against the Saints. Coach Mike McCarthy explains that while Valdes‑Scantling didn’t dress for the matchup—opting instead for depth players Brandon Smith and Brandon Johnson—he can earn playing time by mastering the playbook and contributing on special teams. McCarthy praises the veteran’s work ethic, noting that a solid performance could see him elevated for the upcoming schedule.
Cleveland Browns edge rusher Jared Verse doubles down on his pregame comments, calling the Pittsburgh Steelers “dirty” and vowing to dominate Sunday’s AFC North showdown. After Steelers veteran Cam Heyward warned the remarks would be addressed, Verse insists he isn’t worried about Heyward, the O‑line or any opponent, promising to “make Pittsburgh ours.” The Browns lead the series after a 27‑24 win in the first meeting and both teams sit 5‑2, with first place in the division at stake.
The Cleveland Browns surge to the top of the AFC North with a 5-2 record, having won both divisional matchups—including a recent victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jarvis Landry declares a Steelers sweep 'long overdue' and jokes about the end of their 'terrible towels' streak. The article highlights the unexpected Browns' rise and the stakes of the upcoming Browns-Steelers showdown.
Jaylen Warren has finally broken onto the national radar as a top NFL running back. After a modest rookie year, he posted 1,000+ scrimmage yards in 2023, nearly 1,000 in 2024 despite two missed games, and exploded to 1,291 yards with eight touchdowns in 2025. With Rico Dowdle injured, Warren now ranks seventh in rushing (561 yards) and second in yards per carry (5.5) this season, while his 12.5 yards per reception tops all backs. He’s fourth in total scrimmage yards league‑wide and second in EPA behind only Christian McCaffrey. Warren’s surge fuels Pittsburgh’s three‑game winning streak and gives the Steelers a much‑needed offensive identity.
Coach Mike McCarthy says most of the Steelers’ seven injured‑reserve players could return this season, with only defensive lineman Logan Lee confirmed out for good. The IR list includes wide receivers Roman Wilson (Oct. 17) and Michael Pittman Jr. (Oct. 10), defensive linemen Derrick Harmon (Oct. 5) and Sebastian Joseph‑Day (Oct. 22), plus linemen Gennings Dunker (Sept. 26) and Jack Driscoll (Aug. 30). The team has used two of its eight permissible IR‑to‑roster moves and still can activate five eligible players after they miss the required four games; Dunker, Driscoll, Harmon and Pittman could be back as soon as the Steelers‑Browns game on Nov. 1.
Browns edge rusher Jared Verse fires back at Steelers legend Cam Heyward after Heyward criticized Verse’s post‑game comments on The Rich Eisen Show. Verse, who called Pittsburgh’s offensive line “dirty” following a 27‑24 Browns win in Week 4, says he’s ready to dominate the Steelers when the two AFC North rivals meet Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. Both teams sit 5‑2, with Cleveland leading the division after its first win in Pittsburgh since 2003. Heyward dismisses Verse’s complaints as part of the game but adds he respects the Browns and looks forward to a “five‑star” matchup.
Coach Mike McCarthy announced that four Steelers on injured reserve—WR Michael Pittman Jr., WR Roman Wilson, DT Derrick Harmon, and DT Sebastian Joseph‑Day—are slated to return this season. Pittman and Harmon, both nursing foot injuries, could be activated as early as next week once their practice windows open. Wilson’s finger injury keeps him out through Week 10 versus Cincinnati, while Joseph‑Day’s triceps issue sidelines him until after the Week 11 matchup with Philadelphia. The Steelers have already used two of their eight IR return slots on DeShon Elliott and Jack Driscoll, leaving flexibility for the remaining comebacks.
The Steelers could explore a trade before the Nov. 10 deadline, but their biggest boost comes from health. Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon and wide receiver Roman Wilson are currently on injured reserve; activating them midseason would significantly strengthen both the defensive front and the passing game.
After the Browns' 27-24 Week 4 upset over the Steelers, veteran defender Cam Heyward warned he’ll “address” the Browns’ post‑game taunts on the field Sunday. Cornerback Jared Verse fired back Thursday, declaring the Steelers are about to “make Pittsburgh ours” and promising retaliation. The exchange sets up a heated divisional clash on October 29, 2026, with both sides vowing to settle the rivalry on the gridiron.
The Milwaukee Brewers clinched their first World Series title by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays, highlighting how low‑payroll teams can dominate the league. With a $146.2 million budget (19th in MLB), the Brewers and Rays (ranked 30th) outperformed big‑spending clubs. The Pittsburgh Pirates, sitting at $106.7 million (23rd) and finishing 82‑80 – their best record since 2018 – broke an eight‑year streak of losing seasons. After boosting their payroll from $84.4 million in 2025 and adding players like Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe, they improved by 11 wins. Continued smart spending could push the Pirates toward their first playoff run since 2015.
In Week 8, the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Denver to take on the Broncos in a pivotal AFC West showdown. A Chiefs win could extend their division lead to three games and boost their AFC title odds from 38% to 84%, while a loss would tighten the race. The matchup is part of a broader slate of critical AFC contests, including the Bills vs. Ravens and Steelers vs. Browns, all influencing playoff seeding and bye prospects. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:25 p.m. Sunday, making it a must‑watch for AFC playoff implications.
Kindel missed two games after collapsing on a team flight home from Utah.
Analyst John Doe lauds Patrick Graham’s early work as the Steelers’ new defensive coordinator, saying the unit finally matches its lofty talent level. After Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin left, Graham’s schematics have already tightened coverage and boosted the pass rush, earning a 27-17 win over the Ravens on Oct. 22. The piece highlights standout performances from Minkah Pfeffer and rookie linebacker Ka‘Dee Williams, and notes a significant uptick in sacks and turnovers since Graham took over. The article argues the defense could become the league’s most feared unit if the trend continues.
The Steelers head into Sunday’s AFC North showdown with the division‑leading Browns after losing the first meeting earlier this month. Cleveland will likely stick with man coverage, which they used on 73% of Pittsburgh’s dropbacks and held the Steelers to a 36% success rate—well below the league’s 42% average, with an EPA of –0.19. To win, Pittsburgh must find reliable man‑coverage beaters. The preview also notes trade chatter around LB Patrick Queen and WR Ben Skowronek’s return to practice, while highlighting the ongoing Browns‑Steelers trash talk.
The Steelers see seventh‑round safety Robert Spears‑Jennings as a potential long‑term starter, a rare find since past late‑round gems like Kelvin Beachum and Brett Keisel. Pittsburgh Post‑Gazette writer Ray Fittipaldo reports the team regards Spears‑Jennings as a key piece of their future defense, highlighting his upside despite the draft’s low round. The article explores how this prospect could echo the impact of previous late‑round successes for the franchise.
In the latest Steelers Morning Rush podcast, Alan Saunders previews the NFL trade deadline—just 12 days away—highlighting a flurry of high‑profile moves already underway. He discusses a potential blockbuster trade the Steelers previously backed that could reshape the league’s landscape. The episode offers deeper insight into the deadline’s impact on Pittsburgh and the NFL, with links to the full archive and the Steelers Now YouTube channel for more analysis.
Dylan Larkin remains on Detroit’s roster but sits out his second straight game, escalating his trade request and planning to miss the foreseeable future, while interim GM Shawn Horcoff prepares a statement amid slow trade activity. The Red Wings are set to host their first home game in two weeks, featuring a surprising return of Patrick Kane to the lineup. Meanwhile, rookie goalie Michal Postava earns praise in his NHL debut, and Swedish prospect Charlie Forslund (1‑0 win in Sweden, 8 points in 15 games) draws fan interest. The post also recaps recent NHL news, including Penguins roster tweaks, a 5‑2 Flyers loss to the Capitals, and Colorado’s dominant win over New Jersey.
ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano lashes out at Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for claiming the NFL once discussed an “international week” where all 32 teams would play abroad in exchange for an extra bye. Graziano says none of the 2020 CBA negotiators recall such talks, calling Rodgers’ remarks “utter nonsense.” The dispute surfaces as Pittsburgh, fresh from a 16‑10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Paris, prepares for a crucial Week 8 rematch with the Cleveland Browns—both teams sitting 5‑2 in the AFC North. The article outlines the alleged proposal, the insider’s rebuttal, and the upcoming division showdown on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
A former NFL wide receiver argues that Aaron Rodgers remains an elite quarterback despite recent struggles, noting his sustained skill set and veteran leadership. The commentary comes amid the Steelers' ongoing quest for a franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, highlighting the gap in Pittsburgh’s roster of top-tier signal-callers. Published on October 29, 2026 by Steelers Depot, the piece examines Rodgers' performance metrics and legacy in the context of today’s quarterback landscape.
The Buffalo Bills, fresh off a bye‑week win, sit tied with the Chiefs at 5‑1 and are just an interception away from the AFC No. 1 seed. A game‑and‑a‑half lead over the Patriots puts them in prime position to clinch the AFC East, while a victory over Baltimore this weekend could improve their conference record and set up a decisive Thanksgiving clash with Kansas City. The post also outlines key AFC matchups that could affect Buffalo’s playoff tiebreakers, highlighting the Titans‑Bengals, Colts‑Jaguars, and Steelers‑Browns games as beneficial if the underdogs win.
Entering the bye week at 2‑5, the New Orleans Saints face a stark reality in the NFC South. Head coach Kellen Moore cites glaring flaws: an anemic run game—Tyler Shough’s leading 7‑yard rush—and a defense that struggles to stop opponents on the ground, highlighted by Aaron Rodgers’ dominance. Despite occasional passing fireworks and a solid secondary that keeps teams out of the end zone, missed field goals and a costly interception against Pittsburgh cost a winnable game. With rivals Carolina, Tampa Bay and Atlanta pressing, the Saints must revamp their rushing attack and tighten execution to stay playoff‑alive.
ESPN veteran Jeremy Fowler says Pittsburgh’s Jaylen Warren is now the Steelers’ most dynamic offensive weapon and predicts his role will only grow. In the past five games Warren has racked up 472 rushing yards on 81 carries (5.8 avg) and 233 receiving yards on 17 catches, putting him on a 2,000‑yard scrimmage pace and tying Kenneth Walker for the league’s most 125‑yard games. The team has shifted to jumbo packages, even fielding six linemen against the Saints, to give Warren more blockers. While durability concerns linger, coaches from other teams say he should see the ball as often as possible.
The Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has delivered a string of outstanding performances, making him one of the team’s most vital players. Warren emerged as a major offensive weapon after the Steelers adjusted their offensive line following a difficult start to the season. His ability to produce both as a runner and receiver has […]
The post Jeremy Fowler Reveals How Steelers Are Building Their Offense Around Jaylen Warren appeared first on Gridiron Heroics .
The Browns and Steelers enter Week 8 tied at 5-2, with Cleveland eyeing its first AFC North title after a 27-24 win over Pittsburgh in Week 4. The article lists three reasons the Browns could prevail—stifling an early Steelers drive, using short passes and swing runs to set up manageable second downs, and relying on cornerback Denzel Ward to shut down D.K. Metcalf. It also outlines three Steelers advantages: a dominant run defense anchored by LB Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen, relentless pass rush from T.J. Watt and Keeanu Benton, and the home‑field boost at Heinz Field. The outcome will likely dictate the division race as the Bengals trail at 4-2.