Steelers Forced To Make Important Brandon Smith Decision After Third Elevation

The Pittsburgh Steelers have elevated wide receiver Brandon Smith from the practice squad for the third time this season, putting the team in an interesting position as it tries to navigate its growing need for depth at wide receiver.

Pittsburgh announced Saturday that Smith and Brandon Johnson had been elevated ahead of the team's matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The move marks Smith's third elevation after previously being called up for games against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. Through those two weeks, Smith has recorded 0 catches and just 1 tackle on special teams.

Smith has already earned praise from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who knows the receiver from their time together with the New York Jets.

"I've been around him for a few years. He was with us in New York and always enjoyed him being on the field, his ability. I think he's a talented guy," Rodgers said.

Under NFL rules, practice squad players can receive up to three standard elevations during the regular season. Smith will revert to the practice squad after Sunday's game, but if Pittsburgh wants him available for another game day roster, the team will need to sign him to its active roster rather than elevate him again. With injuries affecting the Steelers' receiver room, Smith's situation creates an important roster decision for General Manager Omar Khan.

Steelers Have A Potential Workaround

One possible solution would be for Pittsburgh to sign Smith to its 53-man active roster while using its practice squad elevation options on veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The Steelers signed Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad earlier this week, giving them another experienced option who has previously played with the team. He also has experience playing alongside Rodgers, which could make him an appealing option as he gets familiar with Pittsburgh's offense.

If the Steelers have room on their active roster, signing Smith would allow them to keep him available beyond his three elevations. Meanwhile, Valdes-Scantling could potentially be elevated for up to three games, giving Pittsburgh additional flexibility while it waits for injured receivers to return. This would not technically be a loophole in NFL rules, but rather a way to manage the roster within the league's existing rules. The Steelers would still need to make room on the 53-man roster for Smith, and Valdes-Scantling's three standard elevations would be a separate limit.

The approach could give Pittsburgh a chance to retain a receiver who has already been involved in its game day plans while also giving a veteran newcomer opportunities to contribute. Pittsburgh's receiver depth has been tested by injuries. Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson are on injured reserve, while Ben Skowronek has also dealt with an injury. Those absences have increased the importance of having enough reliable options behind DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard.

Smith has already been trusted with opportunities in the offense. Although he has yet to record a reception this season as mentioned, he has contributed snaps on offense and special teams, giving the coaching staff a chance to evaluate what he can offer. Valdes-Scantling brings a different skill set. The veteran has a history of stretching defenses vertically, and his familiarity with Rodgers and Mike McCarthy could help him settle into the offense. However, Pittsburgh may want to give him time to learn the playbook before relying on him in a game. That could explain why the Steelers have continued using Smith and Johnson rather than immediately elevating Valdes-Scantling for the Saints matchup. 

Signing Smith and using Valdes-Scantling's available elevations could offer Pittsburgh a way to maintain depth while evaluating its options over the coming weeks. Ultimately, the Steelers will have to decide whether Smith has earned a permanent spot on the active roster or whether they would rather use that roster space elsewhere. With multiple receivers working their way back from injuries, the team's next moves could be just as important as Saturday's elevations.

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