The Steelers made a pair of roster moves ahead of Sunday’s rivalry game in Baltimore, elevating wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling and offensive tackle Dylan Cook from the practice squad for the matchup at M&T Bank Stadium. Both players will return to the practice squad after the game.
Veteran Speed Joins the Receiver Room
Valdes-Scantling brings plenty of experience — and big-play ability — to the active roster. The veteran receiver signed with Pittsburgh’s practice squad on Nov. 4 and gives the offense another proven deep threat.
Originally a fifth-round pick by the Packers in 2018, Valdes-Scantling has played in 111 career games across eight NFL seasons with Green Bay, Kansas City, Buffalo, New Orleans, and San Francisco. He’s totaled 209 catches for 3,606 yards and 20 touchdowns, plus postseason production that includes four playoff TDs.
Most recently, he spent time with the 49ers earlier this season before landing in Pittsburgh. He also has extensive playoff experience, appearing in 11 postseason games and starting seven of them — valuable experience in a high-pressure AFC North battle.
Depth Up Front with Familiar Face
The Steelers also added Cook to bolster the offensive line depth. Cook has been with the organization in various roles over the past two seasons, including time on the active roster, practice squad, and injured reserve.
An undrafted free agent out of Montana, Cook originally signed with the Buccaneers in 2022 before joining Pittsburgh. While he hasn’t appeared in a regular-season game yet, he’s a known quantity in the building and adds flexibility along the line.
With injuries always a factor late in the season, these short-term elevations give the Steelers extra insurance — and in Valdes-Scantling’s case, a potential spark — for one of the biggest games on the schedule.