Steelers list Week 8 inactives vs. Browns, reshuffle receiving depth with Brandon Smith

The Steelers entered their Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns with a short-handed receiving group and multiple defensive absences, according to the team’s official inactives list and game notes.

Pittsburgh again dealt with receiver depth issues, with Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson on the Reserve/Injured List and Ben Skowronek listed as inactive. To add to the position group, the Steelers signed receiver Brandon Smith from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Saturday.

Smith had previously been elevated to the active roster for Weeks 5-7, producing two receptions for 24 yards including a career-long 20-yard catch against New Orleans in Week 7. Another receiver move for Sunday included the elevation of Brandon Johnson from the practice squad to the Active/Inactive roster for the game; Johnson is expected to revert back after kickoff.

On the defensive side, Pittsburgh will be without cornerback Brandin Echols and safety/defensive back Doneiko Slaughter, both ruled out after missing practice all week. The team also is without linemen Derrick Harmon and Sebastian Joseph-Day, who are on the Reserve/Injured List.

There was also a noticeable personnel uptick in the secondary. Safety DeShon Elliott returned from missing most of the 2025 season, and he saw action against the Saints in Paris, appearing for 19 total defensive snaps (33% of the defensive package) plus three special-teams snaps. The Steelers also highlighted safety Jaquan Brisker’s continued availability as they adjust to injuries along the back end.

Below are the players listed as inactive for Pittsburgh: WR Ben Skowronek, QB Drew Allar, QB Will Howard, CB Brandin Echols, RB Eli Heidenreich, and DB Doneiko Slaughter. Cleveland’s inactive list included several players at the quarterback and skill positions, including third QB Dillon Gabriel and RB Audric Estime.