The Pittsburgh Steelers opened Week 5 with long-awaited good news. After weeks of setbacks, the team confirmed several injured players are back on the field.
Depth had been stretched thin on both sides of the ball. Defensive breakdowns and quarterback injuries created urgency heading into a crucial midseason stretch.
On Tuesday, cornerbacks Cory Trice Jr. and Donte Kent, along with rookie quarterback Will Howard, officially returned to practice. Their comeback brings depth and renewed optimism for Mike Tomlin’s roster.
Trice has fought through multiple injuries, including an ACL tear and hamstring strain. When healthy, his length and physical style give Pittsburgh an intriguing option in coverage.
Kent, a seventh-round rookie, recovered from an ankle and foot injury. His versatility allows him to play multiple roles in the secondary, a valuable asset given lingering injuries.
Howard’s return is critical for quarterback depth. The rookie broke his hand in preseason but now provides insurance with Skylar Thompson on injured reserve.
The timing is key. With Jalen Ramsey battling a hamstring issue, Trice and Kent ensure the secondary won’t collapse under pressure.
Coach Tomlin praised the group’s determination during rehab. Steelers fans now hope their return sparks stability and momentum for a demanding playoff push.
Trade: Commanders Send Running Back to 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have added more power to their offensive backfield, pulling off a late-summer trade just before roster cutdowns. The move highlights San Francisco’s intent to strengthen depth behind Christian McCaffrey.
Washington, meanwhile, continues reshaping its roster under new leadership. By moving on from a starting-caliber back entering the final year of his rookie deal, the Commanders create flexibility and add a valuable future draft asset.
That player is Brian Robinson Jr., the former Alabama standout drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. At 26, he arrives in San Francisco with playoff experience and a reputation as a rugged, reliable runner.
Trade: Commanders are trading RB Brian Robinson to the 49ers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/bqYjKoxgl5— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 22, 2025
“He’s the kind of physical back who can wear down defenses,”
one NFC scout told ESPN. “Adding that element alongside McCaffrey makes San Francisco’s offense even tougher to defend in short-yard and red-zone situations.”
Robinson overcame adversity early in his career, returning from gunshot wounds as a rookie to finish with nearly 800 rushing yards. He has since developed into a dependable starter, totaling 2,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in three seasons.
His 2024 campaign was his most productive, recording 799 rushing yards and eight touchdowns across 14 games. He added 159 receiving yards while posting strong playoff numbers, including 77 yards and two scores against Detroit.
For Washington, the decision reflects a shift toward younger, more versatile options in the backfield. Injuries and fumble concerns factored into the move, though Robinson remained highly respected for his toughness and leadership qualities.
For San Francisco, the acquisition represents a low-cost, high-upside move. By giving up only a 2026 sixth-round pick, the 49ers gain a proven runner who can complement McCaffrey and provide stability entering the 2025 season.
