Steelers bring back Marquez Valdes-Scantling as injuries thin receiver depth
Pittsburgh signed the veteran to its practice squad ahead of a game against New Orleans in Paris, with Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson on injured reserve.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad on Tuesday, October 20, ahead of their game against New Orleans in Paris, according to the Associated Press. The move gives Pittsburgh an experienced option after two receivers were placed on injured reserve; the Steelers also announced the signing.
Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson went on injured reserve during the preceding week, the AP reported. That left limited experienced depth behind DK Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard, who combined for 22 catches in Pittsburgh’s comeback win over Tampa Bay on Sunday. The Steelers did not give a reason for signing Valdes-Scantling in their announcement.
Valdes-Scantling’s previous stint in Pittsburgh
Valdes-Scantling, 32, spent part of the 2025 season with the Steelers. He caught 10 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in five games, then added three receptions in a first-round playoff loss to Houston, according to the AP. The Steelers said he initially joined their practice squad that season before being elevated to the 53-man roster in mid-December.
Pittsburgh’s announcement lists his career totals at 119 games, including 70 starts, with 221 receptions for 3,708 yards and 21 touchdowns. Those figures describe his experience, while the transaction announced Tuesday places him on the practice squad.
Recent stops with Dallas and the Chargers
This is Valdes-Scantling’s third team in less than two months, the AP reported. Dallas released him in late August; he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in September and was released last week. He appeared in three games for the Chargers, making two catches for 22 yards, according to the Steelers.
Valdes-Scantling also knows Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay. He made 123 catches across four seasons with the Packers from 2018 through 2021, the AP reported. Their shared playing history adds familiarity as Pittsburgh prepares for the New Orleans game in Paris.
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Sources and context
- Wide receiver-needy Steelers bring back veteran Marquez Valdes-ScantlingAssociated Press via Yahoo Sports
- Steelers sign Valdes-ScantlingPittsburgh Steelers
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