Logo

Steelers Newcomer Explodes for 3 TD and 233 Yards — Fans Say He Just Saved His NFL Dream

PITTSBURGH, PA — Under the humid Florida night at EverBank Stadium, Steelers newcomer Skylar Thompson delivered the kind of performance that can flip an NFL career. With his roster spot on the line, the veteran quarterback candidate erupted for 233 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and zero interceptions, leading Pittsburgh to a 31–25 preseason win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson (17) and offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

The game opened with both teams trading early punches, but Pittsburgh went into halftime holding a narrow 14–9 lead — a gap trimmed in dramatic fashion when Jaguars rookie kicker Cam Little drilled a stunning 70-yard field goal just before the break.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson (17) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL. (Mariah Wild / Pittsburgh Steelers)

When the second half began, Thompson turned up the heat. On the opening drive, he marched the Steelers 75 yards in eight plays, capping it with a 22-yard strike to rookie wideout Roman Wilson. Later in the third quarter, he connected deep with Calvin Austin III for a 43-yard touchdown, sending the small pocket of Steelers fans in Jacksonville into a frenzy.

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Ben Sauls (29) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Jacksonville rallied late, but Thompson’s composure on a final, clock-draining drive iced the game and showcased the kind of command coaches want in a backup — or even a spot starter.

"I'VE BEEN AROUND LONG ENOUGH TO KNOW HEART WHEN I SEE IT. THAT STEELERS NEWCOMER? HE DIDN'T FLINCH. DIDN'T PLAY LIKE A GUY FIGHTING FOR A ROSTER SPOT — HE PLAYED LIKE HE BELONGED IN BLACK AND GOLD. AND THOSE TOUCHDOWNS? THAT WAS STEEL CITY GRIT AT ITS FINEST."

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson (17) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Brought in this offseason as a low-risk, high-upside addition, Thompson entered camp with long odds to crack the 53-man roster behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. But after this performance, those odds just got a whole lot better.

If the rest of the preseason looks anything like this, Skylar Thompson won’t just make the team — he might make a real case to see the field when it matters most.

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722