The Pittsburgh Steelers, sitting atop the AFC North with a 3-1 record, are reportedly closing in on a deal to acquire veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick from the
Jacksonville Jaguars, according to NFL insider Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated.
The potential trade — expected to cost Pittsburgh a seventh-round draft pick — comes as the team looks to strengthen its receiving corps amid concerns over
Calvin Austin III’s shoulder injury. The move signals the front office’s intent to give quarterback Russell Wilson more proven options heading into the second half of the season.
Patrick, who revived his career last year with the
Detroit Lions after two major injuries (ACL and Achilles tears), played in 16 games, tallying 33 receptions for 394 yards and 3 touchdowns. Now with the Jaguars, he’s seen limited opportunities — playing just
22% of offensive snaps behind Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and rookie Travis Hunter.
For Pittsburgh, the fit makes sense. Beyond DK Metcalf, no other receiver has stepped up as a consistent threat, with Austin III leading the remaining group at just
10 catches for 139 yards through four games. Patrick’s size, route-running, and experience would immediately add depth and stability to the offense.
The good news for Steelers fans: X-rays on Austin III’s shoulder came back negative, giving hope for a quick return after the team’s
Week 5 bye. He could be back on the field when Pittsburgh faces the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 following their Dublin win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Receivers coach
Zach Azzanni praised his unit’s attitude during this stretch:
“These guys just do what’s asked — whether it’s blocking 40 times or catching 40 passes. Nobody complains. It’s a humble, team-first group, and that’s what makes them special.”
As the October trade deadline approaches, the Steelers are making their intentions clear — fortify the offense now, support Wilson’s rhythm with another reliable veteran target, and keep the team’s Super Bowl push alive deep into the season.
Broncos Sign CB Micah Abraham, Waive CB Gregory Junior with Injury Designation Six Days After His Signing
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Micah Abraham (33) reacts after scoring a defensive touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter of a preseason NFL football game, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Westfield, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
With the Broncos having some injury issues at cornerback, they signed Micah Abraham on Friday.
To make room on the roster, the Broncos waived cornerback Gregory Junior with an injury designation. Junior was signed last Sunday but hurt his hamstring in a joint practice Thursday with the Arizona Cardinals.
Denver reserve cornerback Reese Taylor has been sidelined the past week with a hamstring injury. That is why the Broncos had brought in Junior.
Abraham was a sixth-round pick by Indianapolis in 2024 out of Marshall. In the preseason opener on Aug. 11, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium, Abraham forced and recovered a fumble by Broncos running back Audric Estime and took it 45 yards for a touchdown.
However, Abraham was waived by the Colts at the end of last year’s preseason. He was signed by Cincinnati last October and was on the Bengals’ practice squad the rest of the season. After being waived by the Bengals last May, Abraham played for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League in the spring season.
Abraham’s father, Donnie Abraham, was an NFL cornerback with Tampa Bay and the New York Jets from 1996-2004 and made the Pro Bowl with the Buccaneers in 2000.
The Broncos will play their second of three preseason games against the Cardinals on Saturday night at Empower Field at Mile High. Head coach Sean Payton has said most starters won’t play.
