The Pittsburgh Steelers managed to escape Tampa Bay with a win in Week 6 as they came back to win 26-19 in overtime. The offense did not wake up until the fourth quarter, but once it got going, there was no stopping that moving train. Pittsburgh outscored the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-3 in the fourth quarter and overtime. Hopefully, they can learn from their mistakes so they can dominate on both sides of the game for more than just the end of the contest, but that is much easier said than done.
Kim Klement Neitzel / Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike McCarthy looks on at Raymond James Stadium during a 2026 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
That endgame domination was even more impressive when you take the severe lack of wide receivers into consideration. Pittsburgh had two wideouts on the 53-man roster active, as well as two practice squad players that did not get a single target. DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard each had 11 receptions, with the rookie scoring the go-ahead touchdown. Against a stingy defense, that is a great sign for the future.
On paper, the Steelers could use some help at receiver with all the injuries, but Head Coach Mike McCarthy disagrees. He gave his take on adding help from the outside in the latest McCarthy Monday press conference.
"I think the biggest thing is just continue to develop," McCarthy said. "You're probably tired of hearing this; I know Omar [Khan] is too: I believe in the 68 guys that we have in the building, and when opportunities are presented, that's who I prefer to go with."
It's been repeatedly documented that General Manager Omar Khan is always looking for a way to boost the team, whether it's via a big splash to make the team more dynamic or with small, depth moves that may not be noticed by many fans. That's not a bad thing, as keeping an eye out for any sort of help is what good teams do. It sounds like McCarthy would like him to take it easy on that front, however.
McCarthy has spoken a lot about all the faith he has in the 53-man roster, as well as the men on the practice squad. He doesn't seem to be very interested in a guy like Tyreek Hill when he has practice squad players that have learned the system and are developing a relationship with the quarterback and fellow teammates. The coach even mentioned how he liked what he saw from Brandon Smith and Brandon Johnson despite neither of them getting targets.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stands alongside General Manager Omar Khan as the two watch the team practice during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Obviously, Khan will continue signing depth pieces as injuries keep piling up. Smith and Johnson may be capable blockers at the receiver position, but adding another wideout to the practice squad wouldn't hurt just in case another injury pops up. It is just very unlikely that a splash for someone like Hill or Brian Thomas Jr. will happen in the middle of the season.
Steelers May Have A Frustratingly Quiet Trade Deadline
There have been plenty of trade rumors surrounding the Steelers, but most of them will likely not come to fruition. There is always the possibility that Khan makes a deal to acquire a lowkey depth option in exchange for a late-round selection or potential pick swap, but the odds of him shipping off his quality draft picks are slim to none. Fans can likely lower their expectations when the trade deadline rolls around.
At the same time, McCarthy is still trying to win, so they are likely done trading away key pieces. Players like Alex Highsmith and Mason Rudolph will most likely stay in Pittsburgh for the remainder of the 2026 season. It's to be determined how Khan will deal with players like them in the offseason, but for now, the Steelers' current draft pick stock will remain the same or be very similar until February or March at least.
What do you think about McCarthy and Khan having different visions with the roster at this point? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
#SteelerNation