Logo

Steelers Newcomer ‘Steals’ QB1 Spot from Aaron Rodgers After Outstanding Preseason – Locker Room Shaken

Gerry Dulac: Skylar Thompson helped answer Steelers' QB question for them |  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh, PA – August nights in the preseason aren’t supposed to matter. The stars sit, the depth chart feels like cement, and fans wait for September. But sometimes, a name climbs out of the shadows and shakes everything. This August, that name is Skylar Thompson.

Three games, three statements. Against Jacksonville, Thompson delivered with ice in his veins: 20 of 28 passes, 233 yards, and three touchdowns — a performance that felt like a spark in the dark. One week later, against Tampa Bay, he stumbled — 10 of 15, 113 yards, one interception — the kind of night backups usually disappear into. But instead of folding, he rose. In Carolina, he was nearly flawless: 11 of 13, 152 yards, one touchdown, finishing with a rating over 140 and silencing anyone who doubted he could bounce back.

Put it all together and the numbers feel less like preseason fluff, more like a résumé: 41 completions on 56 attempts, 498 yards, 4 touchdowns, just 1 interception. A quarterback rating north of 115. By every metric, one of the sharpest preseason arms in the league.

But numbers only tell half the story. On the sideline, teammates leaned in. In the huddle, voices grew louder. Energy followed him — the kind that can’t be charted, only felt.

And so, the whispers turned into a question: Is Skylar Thompson ready to be more than a camp body? Is he ready to be QB1 material?

The Steelers suddenly have a decision no one saw coming. With depth shaken, with health uncertain, Thompson has carved his way into the conversation. Maybe he’s the backup Pittsburgh didn’t expect. Maybe, just maybe, he’s more.

For now, one truth remains: in a league that rarely forgives mistakes, Skylar Thompson turned three preseason nights into a promise. And promises in Pittsburgh have a way of echoing louder than the scoreboard.

Comments (0)

Loading comments...

Pittsburgh Steelers Reach Agreement with Safety Shilo Sanders, Pending Medical Evaluation Amid Personal Drama, per source
The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding intrigue to their practice squad plans, reaching an agreement with safety Shilo Sanders. The deal remains subject to a medical evaluation before it can be made official, leaving his status uncertain. Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, brings both pedigree and baggage. Known for his ball-hawking instincts, he also carries a reputation for injuries and personal drama that have followed him throughout his career. Undrafted in 2025, Sanders signed with Tampa Bay and appeared in three preseason games. His stint ended abruptly after an ejection against Buffalo for unnecessary roughness, prompting the Buccaneers to waive him on August 24. Despite the setback, Pittsburgh sees potential value. Sanders collected 161 tackles, 11 interceptions, and six forced fumbles across 41 college games, with his 2023 season at Colorado highlighting his ability to create turnovers and lead a defense. The Steelers’ secondary has dealt with depth concerns, and Sanders’ versatility offers a possible solution. He can rotate at safety, provide nickel coverage, and contribute on special teams — all traits valued in Pittsburgh’s defensive culture. However, health remains the deciding factor. Sanders suffered an ACL tear in 2022 and missed time again in 2024 due to nagging injuries. Team doctors will determine whether his body can withstand NFL competition. Layered over the medical risk is the personal drama surrounding Sanders. Legal battles, financial trouble, and family headlines have raised questions about his focus, but the Steelers have a history of managing strong personalities. For Sanders, joining Pittsburgh would represent another opportunity to reset his NFL path. If he clears medical evaluation, he could find a stable environment to prove he belongs in the league despite the noise around him.