The Steelers head into today’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a mix of players missing, but getting a key back on the field.
Running back Rico Dowdle is active today after missing the last three games with a toe injury.
Ben Skowronek is inactive after being ruled out with a calf injury. Fellow receiver Roman Wilson was placed on the reserve/injured list on Saturday, while Michael Pittman Jr. is already on the reserve/injured list.
Skowronek’s absence will not only be felt on the offensive level, but also on special teams, where he was selected for the Pro Bowl Games in 2025.
“He’s a productive player,” special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said. “He’s made some game-changing plays over the years, so that’s the biggest thing you’re missing, guys being able to play at a high level and make impact plays.
“That’s the biggest thing you’re going to miss. We had to adjust during the (Colts) game. It’s unfortunate. He played the game the way it’s supposed to be played.
“We will miss him. I hope he is healthy and returns as soon as possible.”
Rookie receiver Germie Bernard has already played a big role in the offense and should play an even bigger role today with Wilson and Skowronek sidelined.
“I think he just continues to grow and get better every week, understanding the offense, understanding what’s expected of him,” offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said. “Germie has done that. I think every week we’ll see him get more comfortable and settle into the offense. Him and Aaron (Rodgers), the more they play together, the more Germ will anticipate what Aaron is going to do.
“Germ gives you so much flexibility because he’s a really good blocker and he’s good with the ball in his hands. He’s a good runner. He can break tackles. You can give him the ball on a jet sweep. You can throw him a ball in the flat. And he’s good enough to come in and block safeties and linebackers in the run game.
“We can do a lot of things with Germ.”
The team signed running back Lew Nichols from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Saturday. Nichols was activated from the practice squad to the active/inactive list for the Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Week 4 game against the Cleveland Browns and the Week 5 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Nichols spent the 2025 season on the Steelers’ practice squad and signed a Reserve/Future contract at the end of the 2025 season.
Nichols was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, spending most of the season on the reserve/injured list. Since then, he has spent time on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad.
Nichols played college football at Central Michigan where he rushed for 1,710 yards in 2021, leading the nation. He was the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.
Additionally, the team elevated receivers Brandon Johnson and Brandon Smith to the active/inactive roster from the practice squad. They will return to the practice squad after the game.
Johnson returned to the Steelers’ practice squad in 2026 after spending time there during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. In 2024, Johnson was brought up for the Week 7 game against the New York Jets and the Week 8 game against the New York Giants.
Johnson originally signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent time on the Broncos’ practice squad and active roster for two seasons. He also spent time on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad. Johnson has played in 23 games, including three starts, and has 26 receptions for 335 yards and five touchdowns. He played in 13 games in 2023, making 19 receptions for 284 yards and four touchdowns for the Broncos.
Smith, who was also elevated for the Week 5 game against the Colts, was signed to a Reserve/Future contract by the Steelers at the end of the 2025 season.
He spent parts of the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the New York Jets, both on the active roster and the practice squad. He appeared in three games with the Jets. Smith also spent time with the New England Patriots, on their practice squad at the end of the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals.
Smith also played for the UFL’s DC Defenders.
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