Steelers Sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling to Practice Squad
The veteran wide receiver rejoins the Pittsburgh roster to provide depth amid ongoing injury concerns.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the team's practice squad. The addition arrives following Valdes-Scantling's release from the Los Angeles Chargers on October 17, 2026.
Why it matters
The signing bolsters the Steelers' receiving corps as the team navigates injuries to Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. Valdes-Scantling brings experience with offensive concepts similar to those utilized by quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Valdes-Scantling recorded 10 receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown during his five-game stint with the Steelers in 2025. In his brief 2026 tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers, he totaled two receptions for 22 yards across three appearances.
The players
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
He is an NFL wide receiver who has previously played for the Green Bay Packers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Pittsburgh Steelers
They are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh that competes in the National Football League.
Los Angeles Chargers
They are a professional American football team based in Los Angeles that competes in the National Football League.
Aaron Rodgers
He is a veteran NFL quarterback known for his tenure with the Green Bay Packers and his specific offensive play-calling concepts.
The details
The Steelers added the veteran receiver to fill a gap in their lineup while Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. continue their recovery. The Los Angeles Chargers previously released the player to create roster space for an activation from injured reserve.
Timeline
2018: Valdes-Scantling played for the Green Bay Packers.
2025: Valdes-Scantling played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
October 17, 2026: The Los Angeles Chargers released Valdes-Scantling.
November 10, 2026: The NFL trade deadline occurs.
Season Trajectory
This roster addition positions the Steelers to manage injury-related depth concerns as the team approaches the November 10, 2026, trade deadline. The move signals a strategy to stabilize the receiving corps before potential further acquisitions are evaluated for the playoff push.
The addition of Valdes-Scantling provides the Steelers with insurance to maintain offensive production while Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. recover. This move allows the team to maintain depth in the receiving rotation without immediate adjustments to the active 53-man roster.
The takeaway
Depth signings are essential for teams navigating mid-season injuries to core personnel. Keeping veterans with existing experience in the system allows teams to adjust quickly during critical stretches of the schedule.
What happens next
The NFL trade deadline occurs on November 10, 2026, at which point the team may finalize additional changes to the receiving corps.
Further reading
For more on roster moves, visit the Pittsburgh Football section.
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