Steelers Rumors: Matt Canada is just a cantankerous old man
When Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada spoke to reporters on Thursday about the state of the team's offense, he emulated a particular character from TV. Abe Simpson never coached football, but he still found things to yell about.
Well, Canada did his best Abe Simpson impression when he angrily went off on the insinuation that the Steelers' offense wasn't build to come back from behind.
That insinuation came straight out of Canada's mouth, though his words were perhaps misconstrued. During the CBS broadcast of the Steelers' loss to the Texans last week, commentator Spero Dedes said, "One thing Matt Canada told us himself yesterday at their hotel: They're not quite built to come back from big leads."
Canada was naturally raked over the coals for that statement. He then did a complete 180 in Thursday's interview, telling CBS, "I firmly believe we're built to come from behind."
Canada ranted about how the commentator took his words out of context and that he has the utmost faith in this Steelers offense. All we hear is the sound of a coach blabbing non-stop about problems he hasn't yet fixed.
The Steelers still rank 25th or worse in points per game and yards per game. Their fearless leader, Kenny Pickett, is recovering from injury. They face the AFC North-leading Ravens next.
Chances are, things are going to get worse before they get better.
Steelers Rumors: Pittsburgh could add linebacker depth with Elerson Smith
The Steelers hosted ex-Giants linebacker Elerson Smith for a visit on Wednesday, according to beat reporter Aaron Wilson.
Nothing has come of it yet, but keep an eye on whether Pittsburgh will end up signing the 25-year-old defender, who was a fourth-round pick by the Giants in 2021. Smith played just 13 games in two seasons, got injured at Giants' training camp this summer, and was released on an injury settlement.
Smith recorded no sacks during his time in New York; he was more valuable as a special teams stud and played 145 snaps on the Giants' special teams in total.
If the Steelers decide to sign Smith this season, he'll likely start out on Pittsburgh's special teams corps before trying to play his way into a rotational role.
Steelers Rumors: Kenny Pickett on track to play in Week 5 vs. Ravens
After suffering a bone bruise in Week 4's loss to the Texans, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett appears on track to play on Sunday in a key divisional matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
According to the Steelers' practice report, Pickett was a full participant on Thursday, which is usually a good sign for a player's likelihood of suiting up.
In the Texans game, Pickett injured his left knee on a sack in the third quarter. He visibly limped off the field and couldn't put too much weight on his injured leg. He was ruled out for the rest of the game, and afterward, it was revealed he had suffered a bone bruise.
With Pickett, Diontae Johnson, Pat Freiermuth, and others nursing injuries or on IR, the Steelers are going through something of an injury epidemic right now.
If Pickett isn't healthy enough come Sunday, veteran Mitch Trubisky will get the start instead.
Pickett has thrown 200 yards and recorded four touchdowns against four interceptions, and suffice to say, his Year 2 isn't going much better than his rookie campaign. Given that the Steelers have a bye week in Week 6, benching Pickett against Baltimore and letting him recover to full strength feels like the wisest move. Yet, Tomlin doesn't always make the wise move.
