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Giants Steal Wide Receiver From Steelers' Practice Squad

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Parker Abate | Last updated Nov 13, 2025 8:28 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers needed some reinforcements at the wide receiver position, but General Manager Omar Khan could not pull the trigger prior to the NFL's annual trade deadline. The first game after came against the Los Angeles Chargers, and no pass-catcher had more than 35 receiving yards. It was a very strong reminder that the offense in the Steel City still has strides that it needs to take. Sitting down on the practice squad is Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who could be elevated sooner rather than later. Another option prior to Thursday would have been Isaiah Hodgins, who has been with the team since September.

Hodgins has bounced around during his NFL career, but only has been able to get on the field in a professional game with the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. He has had a couple of respectable seasons; however, the majority of his tenure in the league has been with him on practice squads. The Steelers have yet to give him an opportunity to participate in a meaningful contest, and that will remain the case.

On Thursday morning, it was reported Dan Duggan from The Athletic that Hodgins will be moving on from Pittsburgh. He was signed to the Giants' active roster directly from the Steelers' practice squad, thanks to a move made by General Manager Joe Schoen.

A reunion: The Giants are signing Isaiah Hodgins off the Steelers’ practice squad, per source.

Six weeks after this was an obvious move, but better late than never! Hodgins knows the system and will provide a reliable target to a WR room lacking reliable targets.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) November 13, 2025

Teams know the risk associated with having talented individuals on practice squads. Any of the other 31 organizations can sign these players to their active rosters. This was the case here with Hodgins. For guys like Valdes-Scantling and Asante Samuel Jr., however, they can reject a move as such if they know Pittsburgh will be elevating them soon. It takes two to tango in these situations, and Hodgins was ready to depart the Steel City.

The Steelers' wide receiving corps is rather light, but fans should not be surprise if the team elects to re-sign Trey Sermon to the practice squad in an attempt to replace Hodgins. The running back and key special teams piece was released during a plethora of moves that the franchise made on Wednesday.

We have activated QB Will Howard to the Active Roster from the Reserve/Injured List, signed CB Asante Samuel Jr. to the Practice Squad, waived RB Trey Sermon from the Active Roster & released DB Darrick Forrest from the Practice Squad. @BordasLaw https://t.co/1Fxb4XYDnB
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 12, 2025

All eyes will turn towards Valdes-Scantling. He is the only remaining wide receiver on the Steelers' practice squad, but the team could have none as a part of that unit come a Week 11 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. It can't hurt to see what the veteran has left in the tank, particularly because he has such a strong rapport with Aaron Rodgers. It doesn't matter who necessarily, but Pittsburgh needs more pass-catching options getting open so that DK Metcalf can be freed up.

Steelers Didn't Seem Very Interested In Hodgins

While it never is ideal to lose a depth piece that works in with the practice squad, Hodgins wasn't given a true chance in Pittsburgh to excel. With the arrival of Valdes-Scantling is made complete sense for the pass-catcher to agree to a contract with the Giants, a team that is struggling at the wide receiver position. It will be interesting to see what the decision-makers in the Steel City will do to replenish the position.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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