Steelers New Receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling Could Play Sunday

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very rough game all around on Sunday Night Football, as they lost to the Los Angeles Chargers by a score of 25-10. There were issues all over the place in that game, but the main one was quarterback Aaron Rodgers clearly being very uncomfortable and having an unusually bad day. He was overthrowing his receivers and holding onto the ball far too long. Statistically, it was one of his worst games ever.

Rodgers also did not seem very comfortable with his receivers, especially since DK Metcalf was double-teamed so often. That brings up the question of if Marquez Valdez-Scantling could get a helmet and play ball in Week 11. The 41-year-old has always had a lot of comfort when he has former Green Bay Packers players on the team, so that could be the case here. 

During his typical Tomlin Tuesday press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the potential of elevating Valdez-Scantling for this upcoming contest. He gave a typical answer where he tries to not reveal much, but he did acknowledge the constant usage of the practice squad throughout 2025.

"We'll see what the week holds for [Valdez-Scantling] and all the others on the practice squad," Tomlin said. "We're not opposed to elevating people and giving them an opportunity to contribute. I think it's just been about every game this year where we've elevated someone and utilized their talents... I'm certainly open to evaluating Scantling, his ability to know what to do, and the quality of that execution and how it might fit into what we're trying to do offensively in an effort to engineer victory, certainly."

Rodgers has done nothing but praise Valdez-Scantling, especially since he was largely the reason the team signed him in the first place. The two had a high level of chemistry during their time in Green Bay, and the hope is that they can get on the same page quickly with this new verbiage. If that's the case, he could easily get a helmet and a few passes thrown his way, especially against one of the worst defenses in the NFL statistically. 

The big question for Valdez-Scantling is if he can run block and/or play special teams. That is typically how a young or new wide receiver makes it on the field for the Steelers. Rodgers could urge the coaches to give him some more reps than they normally would, but if he can't be a contributor in the run game or on the third phase, he will lose chances to show his connection with his former/current quarterback. 

Steelers' Roster Outlook For Valdez-Scantling

If Valdez-Scantling does get a chance to play, he would likely replace Ke'Shawn Williams on the field, as Tomlin was not happy with him after his muffed punt in Week 10. That does not necessarily mean that the undrafted rookie gets cut, but his spot on the 53-man roster could be on the line here, especially if Valdez-Scantling does well with Rodgers once again. 

Of course, the rule here is that after three practice squad elevations, the Steelers will have to make a decision on if they want to sign Valdez-Scantling to the 53-man roster or cut him loose. That means the team will have two games to determine if he is worth keeping over someone like Williams, or if he should just stay in the practice squad to help keep Rodgers happy.