Saturday, October 26

Nothing but respect: Cameron Heyward has been a staple for the Steelers defense over the past 14 years, and he will set a team record on Monday night when he appears in his 202nd game, the most by any defensive player in franchise history.

Linebacker T.J. Watt has appeared in a good chunk of those games with Heyward and knows what a big deal it is to reach such a milestone.

"It's huge," said Watt. "You can tell by all the gray hairs in his beard that he's been here forever. But he's done some amazing things. And he is the true epitome of the Pittsburgh Steelers, on and off the field. A guy we can all look to as a role model, a teammate and player.

"I have so much respect for Cam and he's still doing it at a very high level."

Watt and Heyward have been defensive captains together four times, and it's a relationship that works perfectly for them and the rest of the defense.

"I think we have a good amount of banter, we're goofy," said Watt. "We have fun. But when it's time to lock in, we lock in. And we are able to hold each other accountable.

"We don't take things too seriously and we have fun. We understand how precious this game is, how rare it is for us to be in this position for this long, to be captains together for this long is an awesome thing.

"But we also know that what we've put out product wise late in the seasons hasn't been acceptable. So, we're just trying to continue to enforce what Steelers football is from the start."

Culture shock: Miles Killebrew knows how difficult it is to block a kick in the NFL, whether it's a punt, extra point or field goal.

He has blocked three punts since signing with the Steelers in 2021, and has four blocked punts in his career.

But he knows they don't come easy, and they don't come often.

Except this year for the Steelers.

Special teams coordinator Danny Smith's units have been on fire this season.

The Steelers have blocked three kicks in a three-game span this year, the most recent when defensive lineman Dean Lowry blocked a field goal against the New York Jets.

That is in addition to outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon blocking a punt against the Las Vegas Raiders and defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk blocking a field goal against the Dallas Cowboys.

"It's awesome," said Killebrew, the Steelers special teams captain. "Just being around Danny for as long as I have, I know his passion and his zeal for special teams. To see all of that translate into production on the field is awesome.

"I'm happy for him. I'm happy for the guys. I know that we're capable of great things with this unit and we're just going to keep striving to keep pushing those boundaries."

Killebrew has noticed a change in how they approach special teams since he first arrived in Pittsburgh in 2021.

"It's become a culture shift," said Killebrew. "Just in the time that I've been here, I've been able to see just how much attention to detail goes into preparing to block a kick, whether it be the PAT block or the punt unit. I'm really excited to be a part of it. I'm trying to do my part and we're all just pitching in and under one common belief that any play, we can block it."

The excitement and energy the blocks have brought to all three phases of the team is something that was on display against the Jets when players were pouncing on and happily hugging Smith on the sideline.

"Oh, my goodness," said Killebrew. "I am so excited, as the season continues, for people to really see his true personality on display. He is a delight. He is an encourager, but he just comes up with these sayings. He's just chock full of them and he's a real joy to be around."

Night fever: In six seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Donte Jackson remembers playing in primetime maybe once a year.

But never in his career did he experience anything like he has so far this season, with three primetime games on the schedule in four weeks, including the upcoming Monday night game against the New York Giants.

"I wasn't used to that until I got here," said Jackson. "I didn't play many primetime games besides a Thursday night here and there. I'm definitely loving it. Getting used to primetime games, getting used to really preparing all the way up into it.

"I think you take those games as a 'look at us, we are the only show on TV.' So, we definitely want to come out there and perform and play together.

"I can't wait. I think it's definitely great when you run out there and that fan base is screaming and everybody's dressed up and it's nighttime. It's just awesome to know that you are the only game on TV and know everybody's pulling up to watch you.

"It's always awesome."

Jackson said the key is to make sure what they see is the top of their game. The defense right now is on fire, making big play after big play and bringing energy to the entire team.

"This is a team sport," said Jackson. "All three phases have to come together because it's hard to win in this league. So just knowing that, it feels great to be on the defense like this that can contribute to winning and make big plays on that side of the ball.

"We know how important it is to keep these high-powered offenses off the field. Just have been trying to make plays, stay detailed and continue to work within the scheme, work together."

Pass it on: Center Ryan McCollum's first start with the Steelers last Sunday night against the Jets, a performance that earned "double thumbs up" from head coach Mike Tomlin, was McCollum's most visible contribution in Pittsburgh.

But McCollum has been impactful behind the scenes all along this season.

He entered 2024 with just 13 career NFL games, one career NFL start and 101 career NFL offensive snaps on his resume (all with Detroit in 2021).

But after spending time on the Steelers' practice squad in 2022 and 2023, McCollum felt compelled to do what he could to help second-round center Zach Frazier transition from West Virginia into the NFL this season.

"I'm not the kind of guy and I don't respect the kind of guys that are not going to help somebody for the point of their personal gain," McCollum explained. "If I can help you, I'm going to, and that's just the way it is. Even in training camp when we're fighting for jobs, I'm not going to not help somebody just so I can get an advantage, that's not how I am.

"I want to earn the job. I don't want to try to snake my way around it to earn it. That's just not who I am."

McCollum was originally signed out of Texas A&M by Houston, then wound up in Detroit and, eventually, with the Steelers.

Those experiences gleaned on practice fields, in locker rooms and in meeting rooms provided perspective and understanding worth passing along.

"Being around Zach, being around people, you learn what words hit their brain correctly," McCollum explained. "When you're talking about defensive structures, you learn how it hits his brain and the right things to say to hit his brain so that he understands it clearly.

"It's just been an ongoing process of that since I've known him. That's never going to change no matter what building I'm in, what role I'm in. It doesn't matter if I'm on P-squad (the practice squad) or starting. I'm always going to try to help people if I can."

McCollum was in position to replace Frazier (ankle) in the starting lineup against the Jets, in part, because of the patience and persistence McCollum had applied throughout his NFL journey.

"All my line coaches told me I was good enough to play in this league," he said. "My self-confidence, I thought I was good enough to play in this league. I just needed the right opportunity and someone to have some faith in me.

"Now, it's time to show that they're right."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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Friday, October 25

The standard is the standard: There was a feeling among defensive players this week that despite what the statistics show, which includes the Steelers being ranked second in the NFL in turnover ratio with a +9, something that has been aided by 13 takeaways courtesy of the defense, they aren't satisfied.

Linebacker Patrick Queen said they were 'aggravated' because they know they left plays on the field.

It's a good attitude to have, said linebacker Elandon Roberts, because it shows they aren't satisfied.

"It's a great one because there's no complacency," said Roberts. "Guys are holding each other accountable. I missed a big tackle in the (Jets) game that turned into an explosive play.

"When you're a professional in your craft, the things that you're good at sometimes you waver away from because you're so good at them and you stop really detailing them or making sure your fundamentals are good. That's what it turned into, especially for myself, on that tackle.

"So, now this week in practice, I'm detailing in on that, zoning in on that. And as a player and a teammate, I'm holding myself accountable for it just like everyone else is to make sure that type of stuff gets off the tape."

It's all part of the mantra that Coach Mike Tomlin preaches, that the standard is the standard. And Roberts knows they all have to live up to that standard.

"The little things matter because that creates big plays like turnovers, getting off the field, playing sound defense and stuff like that," said Roberts. "It makes it much harder on the offense. We are just dialing in on little things.

"It's big at the beginning of the season to get them things corrected, so after Thanksgiving, when this football thing really gets amped up, you're locked in and focused on everything."

While Roberts said the season amps up after Thanksgiving, he personally is amped up for Monday Night Football – primetime, Color Rush, and the home crowd.

"Big time pumped," said Roberts. "Just being able to play in Acrisure pumps me up. Last game, coming out of the tunnel, I was like I can't wait until the defense gets called out next week. It was lit.

"I always say Pittsburgh fans are the best fans."

Like father, like son: For Van Jefferson, scoring his first touchdown in a Steelers uniform was special when he caught a four-yard score from Russell Wilson in the fourth quarter against the Jets on Sunday night.

What made it even more special, was he did it against his dad's team.

Jefferson's dad, Shawn Jefferson, is the receivers coach for the Jets and a former NFL player who had a 13-year career.

"He does a lot of dirty work in offense, blocking," said fellow receiver George Pickens. "When you see Van get in the end zone, his dad coaches for the Jets, so it was just a full circle moment for him."

Jefferson said he wanted to hand the ball off to his dad after the score, but couldn't see him on the sideline to do so.

"It was cool, especially with my dad on the other side," said Jefferson. "It was cool to get in the end zone, celebrating my teammates.

"It's an awesome feeling every time I get to go up against my dad and be on the same field as him. It's a blessing. So grateful for it.

"I was trying to (give him the ball). I walked to the middle of the field when I caught it. I was looking for him. He said he would have paid my fine."

This isn't the first time Jefferson has caught a touchdown pass against a team his dad coaches with, doing so three times previously while he was with the Rams.

And like the times in the past, he will give his dad the ball soon, as it's still sitting in his locker.

"I will give it to my pops," said Jefferson. "Every time I score against him, I always give him the ball. So, it's going to be cool to give it to him."

In a rush: With a 5-2 record and looking to go into their bye week strong, there isn't much more the Steelers need to have them pumped up this week to take on the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.

But there is one more thing that has the players pumped up.

Color Rush uniforms.

The Color Rush uniform has become a favorite with players and fans alike, a monochromatic look that was first introduced to wear primarily on Thursday Night Football.

The uniform is a black jersey with gold numbers and gold stripes on the sleeves, while the pants are all black, with a gold stripe

"It definitely pumps you up," said safety Terrell Edmunds. "I think Color Rush is a lot of guys favorite uniform, just going all black and then going out there and playing a night game. It's always fun. Monday night games are always fun. Sunday night games are always fun. We are on primetime and about to have a good time and hopefully we can bring some energy to Steelers Nation."

The Steelers are 7-3 when wearing the Color Rush uniform, and no doubt, the players want to add to that record.

"It's something different," said Edmunds. "We're very traditional here, which is a great thing. And then when you go ahead and spice it up some with the all black and just a little gold, I think I just put a little bit more into everybody and everybody goes out there and plays hard because the more we win in Color Rush, the more they are going to try and bring it back."

He isn't the only one who feels the love for the uniform.

"Every game I still get the chills," said cornerback James Pierre. "Last week, primetime, watching the fan's phones flash when all went dark. And this week all that and Color Rush.

"It just gives you a different feeling. You know your family is out there. You are out there with the guys. We are pumped up and chasing one thing and that's the win.

"Then we hear the 'Renegade' song, and we know what that means. It's everything."

Sky's the limit: Linebacker Payton Wilson knows he is a rookie.

But the one thing he is hoping for, is with the way he plays, that it's not evident.

Wilson continues to grow every week, getting more comfortable in the defense every day.

"It's obviously still slowing down every single rep, every practice," said Wilson. "But I've kind of had the mentality since camp started that I don't want to be really looked at as a rookie. I want to be held to the same standard as someone who's been here for 10 years. I want to know every single thing that's going on.

"I want to fly around and be able to play as fast as I can."

Wilson led the defense with nine tackles against the New York Jets on Sunday night, while playing just 54% of the defensive snaps.

"I think he has that ability," said fellow linebacker Patrick Queen. "We all know he has that ability, actually. So just to be able to see him do that is big.

"But just knowing that his play could get even better, that's the scary part. We have to understand he is a rookie.
"The sky's the limit for him."

A special player: Head coach Mike Tomlin's revelation this week that the NFL had confirmed the leverage penalty that wiped out Minkah Fitzpatrick's blocked extra point against the Jets shouldn't have been called was met by Fitzpatrick with indifference.

"Yeah, it sounds nice on Thursday," he offered. "You know what I'm saying?"

Fitzpatrick remains committed to sticking his hand in the special teams pile as required whether or not the penalty flags fly.

"Here with the Steelers, the starters usually are involved at some point in special teams," he said. "I'm the type of guy that no matter what I'm doing I'm going to give 110 percent. I've been a part of games where a field goal block or an extra point bock was the difference in the game.

So every time that we get a chance to go out there and play football, including special teams, we go out there and play at a high level."

Special teams coordinator Danny Smith is among those who appreciate the commitment to the kicking game by Fitzpatrick, a three-time first-team All-Pro at free safety.

"Those guys on the field, they're thoroughbreds," Smith said. "There's some thoroughbreds out there, like Minkah. Minkah's a damn thoroughbred. Minkah can do things that people can't do. I mean, that's what makes him so special. And so it doesn't surprise you when you see guys like him doing those things. I classify him, there's a few thoroughbreds on every team. He's a damn thoroughbred and there's nothing he can't do.

"They're all in, believe me. They're all in and now everybody wants their shot and that's a good thing. 'Hey, when am I going to get my shot (at blocking a kick or otherwise making a splash on special teams)?' And that's a good thing, you know, that's a cool thing. But guys like him, anything that'll help win a game, anything that'll, you know, be a success.

"Guys like him, shoot, he could coach some of it."

Fitzpatrick is also committed on defense, specifically to seeing the Steelers' defense get off to better starts.

The next opportunity to do so will come on Monday night against the New York Football Giants.

"We still allow teams to put points on the board on the first couple drives," Fitzpatrick said. "Once we get our groove on, we start rolling, we look like the high-level defense that everybody knows we can be."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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Thursday, October 24

More to accomplish: Last week against the New York Jets, Cameron Heyward tied Hall of Fame safety Donnie Shell for the most games played by a defensive player in Steelers history with 201.

Shell was at the game as a part of the team's Alumni Weekend, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Super Bowl IX, and was impressed that Heyward reached that milestone.

"Cam is a great guy," said Shell. "He does a lot in the community. He's an awesome player."

While Ben Roethlisberger holds the record for most games played in franchise history (249), Heyward will break the record for a defensive player this week when he appears in his 202nd career game.

And it means a lot to him.

"I don't take being in this locker room lightly," said Heyward. "Wearing the Steelers jersey, there's always respect there. But to wear it more than 200 times, to be amongst guys like Donnie Shell and others. I am always thankful to be a part of that. But, it still means that I've got to produce and I want to hold up my end of the deal."

There is never an issue with Heyward holding up his end of the deal. But it's not just on defense.

Despite playing in that many games, Heyward still is willing to go the extra mile, do whatever is necessary to help the team. Including being on the field goal and PAT teams. It's something he enjoys, especially with the success the Steelers special teams unit has had this year blocking punts and kicks.

"I don't think I have choice," said Heyward, a 14-year veteran. "I've been doing special teams since I got here. I was raised on this. To be a part of this team you have to play special teams.

"To speak as to why it's been successful, guys take it seriously. It's not just punt, punt return, kickoff return, and kickoff. It's field goal, field goal block. Guys are locked in. We look at this as an opportunity for us to make a splash. Keep points off the board.

"We have guys bought in and you get results elsewhere. It's contagious. We've got to keep building on that and find ways to keep doing it."

If there is anyone who can find a way, it's special teams coordinator Danny Smith, the bubble gum chewing bundle of energy.

"He likes his bubble gum," quipped Heyward. "He is a guy who brings a lot of energy to the group, and he doesn't settle for anything. I think year in and year out, every meeting he's a part of, everybody knows he's a part of that meeting. He is locked in.

"I can't speak enough to his film work. He's always looking at film from other teams weeks into the season or years behind. He's always looking for that edge. and he's making sure we're accountable in our mistakes, but then making sure we can take advantage of that as well."

As a whole, the Steelers have been taking advantage of every opportunity in front of them this season, but Heyward knows, there is still more to do. Like some of his defensive teammates, he doesn't think they have done everything they can so far.

"I just think there's more to accomplish," said Heyward. "Even if you're at the top, you have to stay at the top. We've got to get better. There are still little things we can clean up. Communication can always be better. Don't have the sacks that we want. Stopping the run can be better.

"I think when you look at it collectively, there's a lot we can improve on and we're going to."

Off and running: The Steelers ground game has taken off the last few weeks, with running back Najee Harris turning in back-to-back 100-yard games.

While Harris has been getting a lot of praise for his aggressive running style and what he is bringing to the offense with his energy, he is deflecting the praise directly to the offensive line, a line that has had five different combinations through the first seven games.

"It just shows you how deep our whole line is, how good they are and how much of a team we have right now for those guys to step up for the guys who are that hurt," said Harris. "Guys come in there and play, and these guys never thinking that they had a chance early on and the tables turn so fast, and they're put in a position where they've got to help us win.

"These past two weeks showed how good our line is, and I think it's a credit to them for the success that we're having on the ground. I always say I tip my hat off to them, Coach Pat (Meyer) and everybody in the room for helping us all out."

While things are clicking for the offense, there is one thing they would like to do.

Start faster.

Coach Mike Tomlin has talked about 'warming up' to things faster, and that's been a theme all around for the offense.

But in the second half, it's a different story. The Steelers are one of the NFL's top scoring offenses in the second half, something that isn't a surprise to Harris.

"I think that is the mentality," said Harris. "We take pride in winning the second half. But we've got to perform in the first half too. This is a four-quarter game, four-quarter fight, a 15-round fight, that's how I say it. We've got to try to find a way to do that in the first half. But make sure that at the bare minimum we win the second half.

"That's just going back to how we work during training camp and OTAs and all those other times that we had to dig down deep and find that dog mentality. It starts with the line. I think that they're the ones who are moving things, who are the heart of the team. We're just following them."

It's real: What results from the "block culture" that was on full display once again in the Steelers' 37-15 victory over the Jets last Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium has become part of the plan much more than it is happenstance.

Defensive lineman Dean Lowry's blocked field goal against the Jets was the Steelers' third blocked kick in as many games.

Outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon blocked a punt on Oct. 13 at Las Vegas and defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk swatted a field goal on Oct. 6 against Dallas.

Lowry's effort would have been the Steelers' fourth blocked kick in three games had a blocked extra point by free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick not been nullified by a leverage penalty, a penalty the NFL acknowledged should not have been called, as it turned out.

"It's real," Lowry maintained. "(Special teams coordinator) Danny (Smith) preaches the 'block culture' every single week. He told us if we can get three in a row it would be special and that was kinda on our minds all day on Sunday. 'Mike T' (head coach Mike Tomlin) brings that term up a lot, so does Danny. I think it comes with energy and having a good game plan going into Sunday. Definitely more emphasis on special teams and 'block culture' and just changing a game momentum-wise, and what it can do for a team."

The Steelers are the first NFL team since the 2017 Patriots to have blocked a kick in three consecutive games. That's a feat the Steelers hadn't achieved since 1991. The block parties are occurring with regularity thanks to effort and by design.

"If you watch the Raiders' block, you see me going back and forth, messing with the snapper's eyes," tight end Connor Heyward explained. "He pops his head up and then 'J-Moon' blocks (a punt). There's a lot of stuff that people don't see, but stuff that goes on behind the scenes."

The Steelers have blocked an NFL-best three punts since the start of the 2023 season.

"Danny was saying expect it now, don't be surprised if we block a kick," Lowry continued. "We should have had two on Sunday. The NFL apologized for that so its really kinda cool what we're creating here.

"The coaches are always trying to get us to kinda buy into how to get a block and certain things schematically but it comes down to players executing. And from top to bottom, starters, role players, everyone wants to be a part of it."

Added Moon: "I think it's just something we emphasize every week. You kinda see guys on film (on other teams) coming free but not really knowing what to do. I feel like Coach Smith does a good job of saying be ready for when the time does come. Because you might draw something up where you have somebody you think might come free but it's somebody else (that ultimately does). So it's just being ready when you have that opening.

"I think we have guys that believe that they can block the punt. And then we practice it every day and it's talked about every day so it's nothing magical."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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Wednesday, October 23

Hunting the ball: The Steelers have proven so far this year that no matter what they were taught, it truly is better to take than it is to give.

At least when it comes to protecting the football.

The Steelers rank second in the NFL in turnover ratio with a +9, something that has been aided by 13 takeaways courtesy of the defense.

It's something the defense prides themselves on, something linebacker Patrick Queen was able to see the minute he signed with the team this offseason as an unrestricted free agent from Baltimore.

"Hunting the ball," said Queen. "They preach hunting the ball. We are all rallying to the ball, trying to get to the ball and create a habit. There's just so many more plays out there that we can create, and we let up and we know that. That's why we're so aggravated walking around here right now, just knowing that we could get better. It's what we do. It's what they preach. And I think it can only get better."

Queen said it's missing some of the little things that have defenders irritated because quite simply they know there is more they can do.

"It's small plays here and there," said Queen. "Tackling. A few breaks in coverage. Small stuff that we know we can get better at and that's what we're preaching right now. So that's going to be the focus this week, just capitalize on those things."

It's no secret the Steelers defense is one that can completely change the momentum or wreck a game even with one play. And he thrives on that.

"It's incredible. It's electric," said Queen. "That's what you dream of. Whatever position you are in, you want to be on that side where they dominate and take control. For this defense to be doing what we have been doing, it's crazy. We are all just sitting there talking and there's more that's out there for us to take over and stuff. So, that's the big focus for this week, is just capitalizing on opportunities that we've missed."

And speaking of electric, it will be that way on Monday night when the Steelers take on the New York Giants, the third primetime game in four weeks for the Steelers, and the second in a row after playing the New York Jets on Sunday night. It's a night where fans are being asked to wear black jerseys or black attire as the team is wearing their Color Rush uniforms.

"It's huge," said Queen. "Primetime games don't go around like that. And for us to have back-to-back like this is incredible, especially the uniforms that we get to wear back-to-back weeks is incredible.

"We've just got to go out there and do what we do at a high level and do it the best that we can."

Sign of the times: Rookie defensive back Beanie Bishop, who was undrafted out of West Virginia, had a night to remember against the Jets.

Bishop didn't just have his first career interception, but had two interceptions against Aaron Rodgers, a future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Bishop has so much respect for Rodgers that after the game he said he wanted to get Rodgers to sign the footballs, something for him to keep. But it didn't happen.

"We didn't have a silver Sharpie for me to be able to ask A-Rod to sign it (after the game)," said Bishop. "I don't know where he went after the game. It was just so hectic.

"I know a couple of dudes on that team, so try to get in his ear. Maybe those guys will talk to him for me. And hopefully, he'll be a nice guy and get it signed."

Rodgers does a weekly segment on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show, and McAfee, who like Bishop went to West Virginia, asked Rodgers to help him out.

He agreed.

"Yeah, I can do that," said Rodgers.

And now, it's happening.

"I took them to equipment," said Bishop. "They're going to send them to their equipment team in New York and hopefully we get it signed in the next few days.

"Being a big football guy, he's been in the league since I've been a kid. I obviously have a lot of respect for him. He's going to be in the Hall of Fame one day.

"Just being able to get my first interceptions off of him, and he's being a good sport about signing it."

Creating turnovers: The Steelers take on the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, facing veteran quarterback Daniel Jones.

While the Giants have struggled this year with a 2-5 record, linebacker Elandon Roberts knows it's not going to be a walk in the park going against Jones, who missed time last season after suffering a torn ACL.

"I feel like the offense runs through him," said Roberts. "This man, coming off a major injury and still running the ball and doing everything that you think maybe they'll dial back from with him, and I think he's managed it well."

The key this week will be getting pressure on Jones and trying to force turnovers, something the defense thrives on.

"You definitely want turnovers," said Roberts. "Turnovers are a big part of the game. As a defense, your job is to get the ball back, period. However, you might do it, the job is to get the ball back to the offense.

"When you can be that type of defense for your team, it is big. We thrive on that. We practice day in and day out for them. And obviously when you don't get them, we just want to make sure we're still playing great defense.

"So, being a great defense turns into big plays and creates turnovers."

Making moves: In case you missed it, the Steelers made multiple roster moves this week, signing cornerback C.J. Henderson to the active roster from the practice squad, placed defensive tackle Montravius Adams Sr. on the Reserve/Injured List and signed defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko to the practice squad.

Henderson was originally drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the ninth pick overall, by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has appeared in 49 games, starting 32, and has recorded 172 tackles, 139 of them solo stops, 16 passes defensed, six tackles for a loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack and fumble recovery.

Henderson appeared in eight games for the Jaguars in 2020, starting all of them, before finishing the season on the Reserve/Injured List. He finished the season with 36 tackles, 27 of them solo stops, six passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble.

Henderson was traded to the Carolina Panthers early in the 2021 season and was with them through the 2023 season. He played in 12 games in 2023, starting seven, and finished the season with 39 tackles, 31 of them solo stops, and three tackles for a loss. He signed with the Houston Texans in 2024.

Henderson played college football at the University of Florida where he appeared in 33 games and finished his career with 93 tackles, 66 of them solo stops, six interceptions, 28 passes defensed, four sacks and eight tackles for a loss.

Fehoko originally signed with the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent prior to the 2023 season. He spent the previous three seasons (2020-2022) with the Los Angeles Chargers after signing with them as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft.

Fehoko started the 2023 season on the Steelers practice squad but was promoted to the 53-man roster in season. He was later released from the 53-man roster and signed back to the practice squad.

Fehoko has played in 19 career games, starting four of them.

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.

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