Friday, November 8

Getting a helping hand: The Steelers defense will have their hands full on Sunday dealing with Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Daniels can do damage with his strong arm, but he can also make a team pay with his mobility.

The Steelers are accustomed to playing mobile quarterbacks, especially in a division with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, but that doesn't make the challenge any easier.

"I think quarterbacks in general are just getting so mobile and using their legs," said linebacker T.J. Watt. "And it's not just mobility. It's the ability to throw the ball down the field, extend plays, and you can be dangerous on the ground or throwing.

"You've seen that in some of the really deep passes. He's able to break contain, break a couple tackles and make those game changing type plays. And that's a challenge for us. I'm not very comfortable with it. No matter who you play, it's a challenge."

The defense has gotten plenty of help this week from quarterback Justin Fields, who has been giving them looks of what Daniels can do with his mobility.

"It definitely helps," said Watt. "Justin has done an unbelievable job all week of giving us a good look, and so has Kyle as well. I feel like they prepare us as well as we can for a mobile quarterback."

The defense will have help in dealing with Daniels with the addition of outside linebacker Preston Smith, who the team acquired this week via a trade with the Green Bay Packers, a timely add with linebacker Nick Herbig still out with his hamstring injury.

"I've been watching Preston from afar," said Watt. "Impressive edge rusher, he's been doing it for a long time, and he brings a lot of experience. He's a big body guy who can move well. Bend around the edges. He's had a lot of production.

"I'm really excited to have him to add to the rotation and help keep us fresh.

"Just being with him throughout the last couple of days, very smart guy. He's been around a 3-4 defense before, so I don't think it'll be too challenging. But it's also an NFL defense, a whole new language. I'm not going to say it's an easy task either."

Execution is the key: The Steelers defense knows the challenge in front of them this week in Commanders' rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and they are ready to attack it head on.

Daniels has completed 163 of 228 pass attempts for 1,945 yards and nine touchdowns, with just two interceptions, so far this season, leading the team to a 7-2 record to date.

"He definitely has a ton of confidence," said cornerback Donte Jackson. "Huge fan of him. He's going to be a great player in this league for a long time. He's very dynamic. He can run just as good as he can throw, and he can throw just as good as he can run.

"He is a guy who can really do anything that the offense needs from him. He can distribute the ball really well or he can take over games on his own very well.

"We've just got to come out and execute and be detailed.

"You've got to be on your P's and Q's when you're going against an athlete like that."

It's not just the passing game the defense will be focused on. The defense was disappointed with their performance in the run game against the New York Giants, when they gave up 157 total yards rushing.

"Just small things that we all could get better at," said linebacker Patrick Queen. "I think all of us are just trying to go out there and trying to make too many plays and just not just seeing the offense as what it is. We've got to do our own job to the best of our ability. It's going to take all 11 to stop the run.

"It's just things here and there. Just everybody wanting to make a play knowing that we've got every single person on the team that can make a play. So that's why we just have to refocus ourselves like we did during the bye week and come out here and be fundamentally sound."

No where to run: The Steelers defense has been their own worst critics this season, and probably were louder than ever when they defeated the New York Giants.

In the Giants game, they allowed running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. to rush for 145 yards on 20 carries. They were critical of themselves afterwards, but are now looking to improve on it, even though they are ranked No. 4 in the league against the run.

"It's just small things that we can get better at," said linebacker Patrick Queen. "I think all of us are just trying to go out there and make too many plays and just not just seeing the offense as what it is. I think everybody's seeing a play to be made and stuff. So, we've just got to go out there and own our job, just do our job to the best of our ability. It's going take all 11 to stop the run."

Stopping the run right off the bat is something the defense aims to do, but it also has to be sustained as the game goes on.

"I think we just all need to do our assignments and make sure we're starting fast," said defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk. "I feel like if you can go out there the first couple drives and really be able to shut them down, it's kind of demoralizing for an offense, especially if you go out there and do it physically, kind of set the tone.

"So, I think that's a big thing for us is being able to go out there early and set the tone and be physical and pretty much just show them that it's going to be a long day."

And Loudermilk agrees with Queen that they have to do their jobs and focus on the assignment, but he also knows when you have players with special talents, sometimes taking a risk is a key.

"It's tough to balance, but when we've been coached the way we have, we know what it can do when we all do our job," said Loudermilk. "There are times you can go out and trust your abilities to maybe play outside of what we're supposed to do and kind of take a risk.

"I think good defenses have to do that every now and then. You see a lot of the top guys, guys like T.J. (Watt), Cam (Heyward), Alex (Highsmith) making crazy plays. I think that just comes with reps and knowing what's coming.

"Knowing when you can take that risk, but you can't do it every time. I think it's good for guys to take that risk every now and then."

Back to full strength: A lot of talk around the Steelers this season has been focused on the next man up mentality with so many injuries plaguing the team on both sides of the ball.

This week, it's a different story.

For the first time this season health isn't an issue and with a full contingent expected to be available for the defense, linebacker Alex Highsmith is excited about what they can do.

"It's awesome," said Highsmith. "We know the type of players we have on our defense. We know it's only going to get better throughout the season. Knowing that everyone's coming back healthy, a lot of guys coming back, it's just exciting.

"I just can't wait to continue to ball with these guys."

And it's not just about those who are coming back healthy, which includes outside linebacker Nick Herbig.

It's about new additions to the team, including newly acquired outside rusher Preston Smith, who the Steelers made a trade for on Tuesday with the Green Bay Packers.

"I'm very excited to have Preston on our defense," said Highsmith. "His resumé and what he's done in this league, he's going to add a lot of value to us. I can't wait for him to get on board and help us out and make a lot of plays for us. It's going to be exciting."

With the combination of Highsmith, T.J. Watt, Herbig, Jeremiah Moon and Smith, the potential is there for the group, and the defense overall, to do some damage in the second half of the season.

Highsmith is excited about the prospect of that.

"It's going to be awesome," said Highsmith. "We're going to have the scariest unit in the league. All of us can get after it and make plays. That's the thing. I think offensive lines, tackles aren't really going to have a break when they play us because no matter who's in, we're all going to make plays.

"I'm excited with the group we have and that all of us are able to make plays."

Division of labor: Free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick hasn't had an interception since he registered an NFL-best six in the 2022 season, defensive back Cam Sutton's last in his initial six-year tenure with the Steelers.

Might there be a connection the Steelers rediscover against the Commanders?

Sutton is poised to return from an NFL-imposed eight-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy on Sunday at Washington. His ability to play multiple positions, including free safety, could potentially allow Fitzpatrick to do more than play the deep post.

But defensive coordinator Teryl Austin isn't certain there's a correlation between Sutton's presence on the field and Fitzpatrick's ability to find the football.

"I'm not sure," Austin said. "I haven't gone back and studied if there's a cause and effect with Cam being here and Minkah making plays. I don't know if that's how I would phrase it or put it.

"I just think what Cam brings to us is the fact he's a very versatile player and he allows guys to maybe move around and do some things without losing effectiveness in other areas."

Fitzpatrick is content to play wherever and however he's asked to play, whether turnovers are forthcoming or not.

"I'm just happy playing football," he said. "I would love to get my hands on the ball. I'm cool playing football."

Austin is happy with Fitzpatrick playing football, too, even if he's rarely if ever challenged in the deep middle and conversely infrequently gets opportunities to come up with an interception.

"He's mostly been centerfield because that's where we like him," Austin said. "I know right now people get caught up, 'He hasn't had interceptions.'

"I know this, he shores it up the middle of the field for us 99 percent of the time and makes teams think twice about going down the middle of the field. We haven't given up a lot of big plays this year. The last couple of years when we've had to play him down (in the box) and do some different things with him, we've given up a lot of big plays.

"My goal was to make sure as a defense we don't give up a lot of big plays, big scoring opportunities. To me, if he's doing that, he's doing a great job."

The Steelers are No. 9 in the NFL in total defense (310.9 yards per game against) and No. 2 in scoring defense (14.9 points per game allowed) through eight games.

"I think we're doing a good job," Fitzpatrick said. "We're keeping points off the board, keeping big plays off the board.

"We're making the splash plays when we need them."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.

Thursday, November 7

Lightening in a bottle: There are so many storylines heading into Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders, with both teams sitting at the top of their division and looking to keep it that way.

And one of those storylines is the Steelers run defense, ranked No. 4 overall in the NFL, against the Commanders rushing attack which is ranked No. 3 in the NFL.

The Commanders have a tandem at running back in Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler who have been providing a spark for their offense. Robinson has 101 carries for 461 yards and six touchdowns, while Ekeler has 50 carries for 282 yards and two touchdowns.

"It's a collection of backs," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "It's not just one guy. I think that allows each running back to stay good throughout the game. They don't get tired. And then they run hard. A lot of combo blocks, a lot of pulling guards.

"I think it's not just them. You add in the quarterback factor, it allows for their whole offense to feel comfortable.

"No matter who's on the field, no matter if it's empty, you've still got to value the run. You've got to be very cognizant of everybody's game."

And focusing on stopping the run is always first and foremost for the defense, no matter where they are ranked.

"Just work on gap integrity," said Heyward, who among other defenders wants to improve on their performance after the Giants game. "I think a couple of times we weren't where we needed to be. We didn't get off blocks. We just need to tackle better. As much as we practice it, it only counts once we get to the game."

While stopping the run is always a focus, it's not the only one this week. Stopping rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is a must.

"Lightning in a bottle," said Heyward. "There's not a situation he doesn't like. He can throw the ball, he can run the ball, he's dynamic, and he will make you pay if you give him a lane.

"These guys are coming in fully ready to take over the offense, like C.J. Stroud last year. It's really cool to see the game progress where it doesn't take a lot of time for these guys to produce at a high level."

The defense will have a little extra help with both assignments this week after acquiring outside linebacker Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers.

"I think it helps us out a lot," said Heyward. "He's a bigger body guy, can stop the run, get after the pass. He's a seasoned vet. It's nothing new to him.

"I think it's just getting used to our defense. He has a lot of experience playing the 3-4 front, so you couldn't ask for a better guy to trade for in that situation. We welcome him with open arms and are excited to see him play on Sunday."

Hard to find flaws: When it comes to rookie quarterbacks, you will often hear veteran defenders give them praise, but there is also the reality that they are in fact rookies.

But what linebacker Elandon Roberts had to say about Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels might just be the ultimate compliment.

"In my nine years, not being able to see a flaw in a rookie quarterback, it's a great thing for him," said Roberts.

Daniels, the Commanders No. 1 pick out of LSU, has led the team to a 7-2 record to date. Daniels has completed 163 of 228 pass attempts for 1,945 yards and nine touchdowns, with just two interceptions, and is leading the offense like a seasoned veteran.

"He's been doing a great job," said Roberts. "You can't really find anything wrong in his game right now. He's controlling that offense. The whole offense is going through him.

"He's very poised for a rookie. He's not making mistakes and he's doing everything. You look for a quarterback to be the main source of leadership on your team. I think he's been doing that well. It doesn't even look like it's uncomfortable to him.

"Obviously, his ability to be mobile, that brings another aspect to the game. In my nine years and not being able to see a flaw in a rookie quarterback, it's a great thing for him. But it's a challenge for us and that's why we're in practice. We're practicing hard and attacking it."

Daniels' poise will make it hard for the defense to rattle him, but that doesn't mean they won't try.

"I think you just play with the defense," said Roberts. "Our coaches are going to prepare us to be ready to go. And that's just what we're going to do."

Getting to full strength: Linebacker Nick Herbig couldn't help but smile thinking about what lies ahead for the Steelers, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Herbig, who said he is 'ready' to get back on the field, loves that the defense is getting healthy and added a new piece in outside linebacker Preston Smith, who was acquired via a trade with the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday.

"I'm excited," said Herbig. "Having a guy like him be able to come in and help us right away. A 10-year vet, he's done it. It's awesome."

Herbig knows Smith just adds to the potential the defense has, a defense that he feels hasn't come close to peaking yet.

"I think we can do a lot," said Herbig. "I don't think we have been clicking on all cylinders yet. There's a lot of stuff we need to improve on, obviously.

"I think we can be a championship caliber defense."

He isn't the only one who feels that way. Defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk knows what the defense is capable of when at full strength, something they haven't been since the start of the season.

"It's exciting," said Loudermilk. "We know how dominant of a defense we can be. But we've had guys get hurt here, guys get hurt there. So, we haven't really all been together all at once.

"But now, seeing that everyone's out there and we're really clicking, we can really go out and dominate a football game. We're hoping to do that this weekend."

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.

Wednesday, November 6

Adding a playmaker: It didn't take long for newly acquired receiver Mike Williams to get into the groove with his new team, practicing on Wednesday for the first time after he learned he was traded from the New York Jets to the Steelers.

Williams said he learned of the trade after he had multiple missed phone calls on Tuesday.

"I was asleep," said Williams. "I was feeling like my phone vibrating, but I thought I was dreaming. It was five missed calls from my agent and then the GM from the Jets called me and told me about the trade.

"Excited for the opportunity. Happy to be here. Looking forward to it. Ready to get this thing rolling.

"It's exciting. It starts up front, the running game. And then everybody sees plays that the receivers make. GP (George Pickens) going out there, making big time plays every game. So, adding me just added another threat, a guy that can go out there and make plays.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity. I'm a playmaker. I want to make plays. I want to get the ops. I'm going to go out and work and show that I deserve to be on the field."

Williams got a chance to make some plays in his first practice with the team, even staying on the field after practice with the other receivers to get extra work in.

He is excited about the prospect of working with Russell Wilson, a quarterback he said everyone is familiar with what he brings.

"Russ, everybody sees it," said Williams. "He puts the work in. Time in, time out. A leader on and off the field.

"I'm just very thankful to have a guy like that, a quarterback on this team. A leader to put us in the right position to be successful."

Williams knows it will take some time to get into a rhythm with Wilson, but he is willing to work at it.

"I'm looking forward to getting more reps in off to the side with him," said Williams. "Getting that connection down. Seeing the spots he likes. Where I like the ball so we can be on the same page."

Williams said what role he will have on the team, especially at the outset, is something they haven't talked about yet and he is just taking things day-to-day.

"I had a pretty good day today," said Williams. "I've been in quite a bit. I was moving around everywhere. I'm trying to learn as much as possible. You never know what can happen, people move, things change. So, I'm just learning all the positions. I got some reps with Russ also.

"So, keep building the rest of the week and see where we are on Sunday."

Williams said he didn't know where he would end up in a trade, or if he would definitely be traded, but he did hear his name out there in the rumor mill, and even had some fans bring it up to him when the Jets played the Steelers in Week 7 at Acrisure Stadium.

"That was crazy," said Willimas. "When we played here, the people were in the stands telling me don't go back, stay, don't take the plane back. I thought it was funny."

Keeping the physicality: As the Steelers prepare for the Commanders this week, they are coming off three straight wins ahead of the bye, two in which they put up more than 30 points.

The goal this week is to stay that hot as they face a Commanders team that is 7-2 and has the top pass defense in the NFC, fifth overall in the NFL.

"They're a good defense," said tight end Pat Freiermuth. "They've got two really good linebackers, No. 4 (Frankie Luvu) and No. 54 (Bobby Wagner) four and 54 and they have a really good safety in No. 11 (Jeremy Chinn). So, it's going to be a challenge for us.

"But we've got to continue what we're doing to bring physicality, run the ball, open up the play action game and take shots down field."

The things that Freiermuth described are the things that helped them win the last three games. The ground game was pounding the ball, with Najee Harris rushing for 100 plus yards three straight weeks. And in the air, things were clicking as well.

"Just the physicality, the offense, putting the points, being able to execute at a high level," said Freiermuth. "We had a good time to reset, look at some things individually and collectively as a unit.

"We were able to adjust and move forward and hopefully continue to put up points and look good on that side of the ball."

The offense will have some help looking good this week after the team traded for Jets receiver Mike Williams on Tuesday. In eight seasons in the NFL, Williams has appeared in 97 games, starting 65, and has 321 receptions for 4,972 yards and 31 touchdowns.

"He's a threat," said Freiermuth. "He's a downfield guy. He can make plays throughout the field, so we're really excited to have him and hopefully he can bring some good things to our offense."

Williams gives the Steelers another downfield threat alongside George Pickens, something that benefit the offense in multiple ways.

"Having those two guys that can go down and make plays down the field, it's going to limit defenses in what they can do," said Freiermuth. "It's going to hopefully open up opportunities for me and Calvin (Austin III) in the middle of the field to where we can dictate what we want the defense to do."

The trade for Williams, and outside linebacker Presto Smith, has given the locker room yet another sign that the organization is all in on this team going far this year.

"We knew that from the beginning," said Freiermuth. "We know we have to win playoff games. That was our goal coming into this year.

"Any time the front office can add pieces like this that can help us win, it's obviously cool. But we knew from the start we were all in to go win this thing."

The complete package: Mike Tomlin was quick to reference Preston Smith's 68.5 career sacks when asked what attracted the Steelers to the former Packers edge rusher.

But Smith insisted the Steelers didn't trade for a one-trick pony.

"Yeah, man, you gotta watch the film," Smith maintained after practice today. "I've been doing this for a long time. It didn't just start today. I have five career interceptions. None of them was returned for a touchdown. I'm not gonna blame my teammates for a lack of blocking but I do have five interceptions. I did great in coverage. I don't think I gave up any touchdowns, maybe one. Yeah, I gave up one touchdown.

"Other than that I can flip the hips and run with the best of them."

Smith was drafted by Washington on the second round out of Mississippi State in 2015. The native of Stone Mountain, Ga. began his tenure in Green Bay in 2019. The Packers played a 3-4 defense then, very similar to the one the Steelers currently play. Green Bay's shift to a 4-3 this season compelled Smith to seek greener pastures.

"A few weeks ago I requested a trade," he said. "I didn't feel like I was being useful in the system, it wasn't catering to my play style. Moving forward I wasn't surprised when I got the call (about being traded to the Steelers). I got what I asked for and I'm at a great place with some great teammates.

"I'm excited for a new start and I'm excited for the rest of this journey for this season."

Smith noticed a few familiar faces upon his arrival at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

"Crazy story, I don't want to date myself," Smith explained. "I played with (defensive lineman) Dean (Lowry) in Washington. I know a couple of these guys from offseason training. I know (defensive lineman) Larry Ogunjobi, I met him through a mutual friend.

"(Offensive tackle) Broderick (Jones), I know him because he played on a basketball team with my little cousin. I actually watched him play in his last game (as a senior in high school). That's kinda crazy to see him in the NFL, now we're on the same team.

"It dates me."

Smith, who turns 32 on Nov. 17, isn't worried about the Steelers asking more from him than he can provide.

"Just expect me to come in and be who they saw me as," he said, "a violent pass rusher, a violent edge rusher, a guy who can play the run well and pass rush and just contribute any way I can."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Roster update: The Steelers signed defensive lineman Domenique Davis and tight end Matt Sokol to the practice squad.

Davis originally signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft. He was out of the NFL for two seasons before signing with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022. He spent time on the Bengals practice squad and active roster during the past two seasons.

Davis played college football at North Carolina Charlotte where he appeared in 31 games. He finished with 123 tackles, 51 of them solo stops, 15 tackles for a loss and six sacks.

This is Sokol's second stint on the practice squad this season, after he was signed by the Steelers during training camp.

Sokol originally signed with the Los Angeles Chargers following the 2019 NFL Draft. He has spent time on the practice squads of the Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions and New England Patriots. He also spent time on the Chargers active roster.

Sokol played college football at Michigan State where he appeared in 52 games. He had 31 receptions for 348 yards and two touchdowns.

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.

Monday, November 4

Plenty of respect: Linebacker Patrick Queen did exactly what was required during the Steelers bye weekend.

He relaxed.

"It was a chance to reset, refocus," said Queen. "Just to be able to get your body right, your mind right, have a little time off to yourself.

"For me personally, all I it was just chill and watch football all weekend. So, it was a nice reset for me."

It was a smart move on Queen's part, because now that the Steelers are back on the field preparing for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders, there is no time left for relaxation.

The Steelers have a tough second half of the season, starting with the Commanders and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels this week. Daniels, who like Queen went to LSU, has led the Commanders to a 7-2 record this season, including winning the last three games.

"I think he just has confidence," said Queen. "I think they are doing the right things with him, letting him be able to take control of the offense and take what he sees. I think he does a great job of getting the ball out to the guys and letting the guys make plays. When he has the ball in his hands, and it's his turn to make plays, he's making plays.

"I've got the utmost respect for that guy. He's been taking some shots, but he's getting back up and playing football and going after them again. So, he's playing some great football and it's just like I said, I have the utmost respect for him."

Daniels has completed 163 of 228 pass attempts for 1,945 yards and nine touchdowns, with just two interceptions, so far this season and he's brought new energy to their offense.

"I know the type of guy that he is and that's leading to his success and his belief," said Queen. "And he's just doing everything right now. He's seeing the field, he's getting the ball to his playmakers, letting them make plays. And he got the ball in his hands. He's making plays as well. He's got the utmost confidence right now and you got to have respect for that."

Ready to roll: Cornerback Cameron Sutton has returned to the active roster and while he said it was tough missing the first eight games of the season, he is ready to go.

"It's difficult being out, not doing what you love to do," said Sutton. "It's difficult.

"I am ready to roll. Whatever it is, just be ready to roll. I'm feeling good. I'm ready to roll. So just whatever it looks like today, I don't know what tomorrow looks like. I don't know what all that looks like. I'm just living in the moment right now."

Sutton had been on the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner List and hasn't been active yet this season.

He said he doesn't know yet how he will be worked back into the defense, but all he wants to do is play the game he loves, with a secondary that he loves and has been enjoying watching.

"I play football, I don't care what position it is," said Sutton. "I can be on the offensive line. I really don't care. I play football.

"It's very exciting. I love our group. I love the continuity of our guys. I've spent a lot of time with our guys. It's a group that is hungry, love playing together with each other, and it's exciting to be around."

In his absence, undrafted rookie free agent Beanie Bishop has held down the starting nickel spot, stepping up big with three interceptions so far. Sutton likes what he has seen from him.

"He's doing really well," said Sutton. "He's a guy that's just learning each and every day, learning the small things about the game. He's been learning how to take care of his body. He's with (Terrell Edmunds) over there. He's just another guy who's about his work, a great energy.

"He's really just enjoying ball right now. He's taking every day one day at a time. Good things are happening for him. He's playing really well."

Sutton was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Tennessee and was with the team through the 2022 season, before joining the Detroit Lions as a free agent in 2023. He was signed by the Steelers in June to a one-year contract, and said the defense is pretty similar to what it was when he was here before.

"Obviously, different complexities, different changes, different nuances," said Sutton. "Obviously the league and the game changes week in and week out. You have to be schematically flexible and obviously player flexibility as well. We're doing a great job of giving teams different looks, getting after quarterbacks how we should. And then, obviously, win the field position game, get off the field and causing turnovers and getting the ball back for our offense."

Sutton has been in meetings and staying on top of things during his suspension, making his return to the field smooth.

"I've been in the building for a while," said Sutton. "I've been in meetings. I've been working and doing everything I need to do to stay ready."

Winning the battle: Rookie defensive back Beanie Bishop has collected three interceptions so far this season, but he knows it's not going to be easy for the defense to come up with turnovers this week against the Washington Commanders.

Commanders' rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has thrown just two interceptions this year, protecting the ball a huge strength for him.

"They score a lot of points and don't turn the ball over a lot," said Bishop. "I think they have three turnovers, so they take care of the ball a lot. You want to be able to win the turnover battle."

The Steelers have another weapon this week to help them win that battle in cornerback Cameron Sutton, who has returned to the active roster.

Bishop said he doesn't know yet how his role will be impacted by Sutton's return, but he is excited to have him in the mix.

"It means a lot," said Bishop. "Obviously to be able to move pieces around. He obviously plays a lot of spots in the secondary. He can play dime, nickel, corner, safety. So just being able to have that interchangeable piece is major."

Bishop isn't the only one who is happy to see Sutton back.

"He's been on this team for a long time," said cornerback Joey Porter Jr. "He knows the defense really well, so we could plug him in anywhere we see fit. I feel he is a good addition on the team to have that Swiss army knife."

He said it: Beanie Bishop on if he still feels like he has to prove himself:

"That chip would never leave. Honestly, even when I'm done playing football, I will always feel that I have something to prove because somewhere out there is always somebody that still doesn't believe in me. They probably think he just got lucky or something like that I know the amount of work that I put in, the time spent to be able to get those results."

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.