Ben

Skowronek

It was a play-action pass where Skowronek went against the flow of the defense and it almost operated like a screen, with Steelers receivers blocking downfield to create an easy crease for the 28-year-old receiver. Skowronek doesn’t need to be chased in fantasy leagues after only playing 10 of 53 snaps for the Steelers in this one. He’s operating more-or-less in a timeshare for Pittsburgh’s third receiver role with Roman Wilson.

Skowronek caught five passes for 69 yards with the Steelers last season while playing in a very limited role. Skowronek’s 46 routes run and five targets marked the second fewest amongst any receiver on the team in 2024. A good blocker and willing special teamer, Skowronek probably has an inside track to a roster spot even if what he does isn’t worthy of fantasy interest.

Skowronek was involved early, catching both targets for 25 yards, but departed early in the second quarter with a hip injury and was deemed questionable to return by the team. Already shorthanded at wide receiver due to the continued absence of George Pickens, it will be up to Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, and Mike Williams to step up for a team fighting to clinch the AFC North against their great division rivals.

The team also elevated Skowronek in Week 1, but he wasn’t a factor against the Falcons and shouldn’t be one this week either. If anything, it’s likely not a good sign for the chances that rookie WR Roman Wilson makes his NFL debut this weekend. Skowronek will have most of his value of special teams this weekend.

Skowronek should fill a depth role on offense while contributing to special teams and is not in the fantasy discussion for Week 1 barring injury. The elevation likely has a lot to do with rookie Roman Wilson’s absence for Sunday for a team lacking in depth at the wide receiver position.

Scott was let go by the Rams during final roster cutdowns and now lands with the Steelers. The veteran running back won’t be threatening for offensive snaps any time soon but could earn a look as a returner if somebody were to miss time with an injury. In addition to Scott, the Steelers also signed wide receivers Ben Skowronek and Brandon Johnson to the practice squad.

Skowronek signed with the Texans earlier this offseason after spending the first three years of his career with the Rams. The former seventh-round pick has caught 58 passes for 575 yards and one touchdown in his career and can be used both outside and in the slot. Skowronek also has valuable special teams experience and could find himself on another roster in the near future. The Texans also waived/released DT McTelvin Agim, LB Tarique Barnes, EDGE Solomon Byrd, WR Quintez Cephus, OG Dieter Eiselen, EDGE Malik Fisher, EDGE Ali Gaye, FB Troy Hairston, DT Marcus Harris, WR Johnny Johnson III, CB Troy Pride, RB J.J. Taylor, LB Max Tooley and OT Kilian Zierer.

It was rumored earlier in the day that the Rams were planning to release Skowronek, who was a seventh-round pick from the 2021 class. Now, the Rams are set to deal Skowronek and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Texans in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Skowronek, who has a receiving line of 58-575-1 through 45 career games, joins a crowded receiver room in Houston but can provide added depth both out wide and in the slot. He’s made 12 starts in his career but has surpassed 50 receiving yards just once in his career.

Skowronek made the Rams as a seventh-round pick from the 2021 draft class. The former Notre Dame receiver was named team captain last season and totaled 58 receptions for 575 yards and one touchdown during his three-year stint with the team. After playing on a career-high 698 offensive snaps in 2022, Skowronek was relegated to true backup duties last season, appearing on just 216 offensive snaps while running a career-low 83 routes. Capable of playing both outside and from the slot, Skowronek will likely find a new home ahead of training camp and have a chance to compete for a spot on a 53-man roster.

McVay said Higbee, who has yet to practice this week, would do some stuff at practice on Friday. It sounds like Higbee will be listed as a limited participant in the Rams’ final practice session of the week. Higbee should be able to play through the issue, though it will be worth monitoring when the Rams release their inactives ahead of kickoff. Left tackle Alaric Jackson and wide receiver Ben Skowronek are also questionable.