Several Young Steelers Could Return After Bye Week
PITTSBURGH — The most recent draft class of the Pittsburgh Steelers is already making an impact as the team jumps out to a 3-1 record entering their bye week.
First-round pick Derrick Harmon has been an immediate contributor along the defensive line, while mid-round picks Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black have been impressive in small doses through four weeks. Two of their fellow draft classmates, however, have not been able to get their careers off the ground in 2025.
With the pending bye week and another week of preparation until their next game, the Steelers have the opportunity to finally get two of their most important rookies back into the fold. Sixth-round pick quarterback Will Howard and seventh-round defensive back Donte Kent are both eligible to come off the Reserved/Injured List and open up their practice window to return to the the 53-man roster.
The team hasn’t officially activated any of these players, but it’s a strong possibility that at least Howard and Trice return to practice with the goal of getting them in for their Week 6 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
For Howard, it could be a step back in the right direction after his impressive start to training camp. The first-year QB had earned the third-string position on the depth chart before a broken pinky sidelined him for the initial portion of the season. The 23-year-old could now be in line to stick as the number three/emergency quarterback for the rest of the year and take a more active role learning under Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.
Defensive Back Help
Getting Kent back will be a welcomed addition for the defense. Mainly, having Kent gives the team another player they really like in the secondary. While superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey recovers from a lower-body injury that could keep him out multiple games, another NFL-caliber defensive back will be needed to keep their rotation going.
Trice Could Return
Adding to that potential help is another young player nearing a return.
Cory Trice Jr, a third-year cornerback brimming with potential, has been recovering from a hamstring injury suffered during training camp. The 25-year-old is well-regarded by the Steelers but has only played in six games in his NFL career due to multiple injuries. Still, the 6'3" DB is a strong outside cornerback who, when healthy, has the length and speed to blanket receivers.
He is an immediate help and contributor if he comes off the IR.
Steelers set to crush Dillon Gabriel in brutal AFC North welcome
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel is reportedly set to make his maiden NFL start in Week 5. He'll replace veteran Joe Flacco under center when the club travels across the pond to face the Minnesota Vikings in London, England.
CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz is under the "current belief" that the Browns will pivot from Flacco to Gabriel against the Vikings. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski has been hesitant to make this move, though the team's offensive shortcomings have ostensibly forced his hand. Nevertheless, looking past the international bout with Minnesota, a date with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers awaits the 2025 third-round selection.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, a clash with the Steelers in Pittsburgh is on the docket for a Gabriel-led Browns squad in their ensuing contest. It'll mark the 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist's first taste of AFC North action; talk about a warm welcome to the division moment.
Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel in for rude awakening in first AFC North clash vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Black and Gold faithful will surely be on their best behavior when Gabriel takes the field in Pittsburgh -- not.
Gabriel was touted out of college for carrying himself with moxie, in addition to having a pro-ready arm, strong pocket presence and plus mobility. However, the Steelers will put his self-belief to the test in ways he's yet to experience.
Steelers fans in attendance figure to give Gabriel a hearty and boisterous crowd he'll never forget. The goal is to rattle his confidence so much that the Browns wind up with their next bust of a draft pick. Strive to send a message that Cleveland's annual trip to Acrisure Stadium is like stepping into the lion's den.
Not only is Gabriel slated to enter a hostile environment, but he'll be challenged with overcoming a fierce Steelers front seven. Perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt and Co. can generate pressure at will and get to the passer. Pittsburgh's tied for the second-most sacks in football (14) through four games, highlighting their ability to make life difficult for an opposing signal-caller.
Pittsburgh's knack for disruption is bad news for Gabriel and a Browns squad listed as Pro Football Focus' No. 30-ranked pass-blocking unit ($). The undersized southpaw is barbecue chicken for Watt and his Steelers comrades. This truly feels like one of the more unenviable matchups imaginable for any young player getting their bearings in the league.
