What happened: Pittsburgh restored safety DeShon Elliott, who returned to practice Oct. 8, to the active roster Saturday from the Reserve/Injured list alongside practice-squad elevations for wideouts Brandon Smith and Brandon Johnson. Smith, an Iowa product in his first NFL season as of Sept. 29, previously drew a practice-squad call-up on Oct. 10.

Why it matters: Reinforcing both the secondary and the receiving corps helps Pittsburgh protect the No. 6 playoff seed during the 2026 regular season. The wideout elevations also offset a multi-week absence for receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

What to watch: Elliott rejoins the active game-day lineup immediately, while Smith and Johnson will revert to the practice squad after the game under standard elevation rules.