Pittsburgh’s decision to bring in Marquez Valdes-Scantling earlier this month was about giving Aaron Rodgers a familiar vertical threat as the offense tried to build on a statement win over the Indianapolis Colts.
After some early anxiety about Rodgers’ health when he appeared bothered by his hand in warmups, he settled in and delivered, and the front office followed by securing a two-time Super Bowl winner who already knew his quarterback from their Green Bay days, hoping he could stabilize what has been a talented but uneven receiving group.
Now that move is about to matter in a bigger way. According to Tom Pelissero, the Steelers have elevated wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling from the practice squad, putting him in position to make his Pittsburgh debut on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. The elevation signals that the team is ready to see how his experience and chemistry with Rodgers can translate in a critical AFC North clash.
His arrival comes as Pittsburgh battles to keep its season on track. The earlier surge against the Colts helped push back the pressure after a damaging home loss to the Green Bay Packers, but the Ravens represent a much tougher test and a direct threat to the Steelers’ postseason hopes.
Adding Valdes-Scantling to the game day mix gives Rodgers another trusted target to search for down the field, and it offers the coaching staff more flexibility with personnel groupings and route combinations.
This all unfolds against the backdrop of constant noise around head coach Mike Tomlin’s future. Some have suggested that Tomlin is on the hot seat, but Tom Pelissero has made it clear he sees no real indication that ownership is ready to move on.
In that context, elevating Valdes-Scantling is a classic Steelers move: bet on continuity at the top, tweak the roster at the margins, and hope a familiar receiver can help Rodgers and the offense find just enough spark to keep Pittsburgh in the playoff chase, starting with Baltimore.
