With Week 1 of the 2025-26 NFL season arriving, the Pittsburgh Steelers are ensuring they’re well-insulated in the case of injury. The franchise is adding to its talent pool, albeit at the expense of some recent cuts.
Per a September 3 announcement from the team, the Steelers are reuniting with wide receiver Lance McCutcheon. He’s signed to the practice squad and will join linebacker Jon Rhattigan following his visit.
McCutcheon takes the spot of the released Robert Woods, who requested out during the week. Rhattigan essentially fills the void left by the release of offensive lineman Aiden Williams.
Steelers Reunite With Lance McCutcheon to Take Robert Woods’ Spot
It’s a simple one-for-one swap regarding McCutcheon and Woods. Given that the latter is a veteran on the back nine of his career, he wanted a chance to play. That simply won’t happen in Pittsburgh, barring a slew of injuries.
Woods struggled during the preseason and saw fellow vets like Scotty Miller soar up the ranks and make the 53-man roster. Now, he gets an opportunity to latch on elsewhere and McCutcheon returns to a familiar environment.
McCutcheon, a 2022 undrafted free agent, got his first big break with the Los Angeles Rams. Playing in 10 games that year, he primarily logged special teams reps. He had 56 offensive snaps and 110 special teams reps. After briefly signing with the New York Jets a year ago, the Montana State product found his way to Pittsburgh in October of 2024.
This offseason allowed McCutcheon to build chemistry with the organization. That included quarterback Aaron Rodgers, although he didn’t get to catch passes from him this preseason. The 26-year-old wideout did play, though, hauling in 5 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. He was one of the team’s better receiving options.
For now, there isn’t a spot for McCutcheon on the active roster. All it takes is one play or practice rep for that to change, however, and it’s a good thing for both sides that he’s back.
Aiden Williams Released by Pittsburgh Ahead of Week 1 Play
This is the end of the line for Williams in Pittsburgh, at least temporarily. With that said, it likely isn’t his last chance to leave an impression on a team. The Minnesota-Duluth alum is a tantalizing athlete, boasting requisite size to be a tackle or a guard. His overall athletic profile was among the best in this year’s NFL Draft class.
After going unpicked in April, Williams signed with the Steelers. He was subsequently waived at mandatory roster cutdowns, only to revert to the practice squad. Now, he finds himself looking for work elsewhere.
Williams played guard during the preseason. Pro Football Focus loved his performance, giving him a 76.7 overall grade with a shiny 82.5 pass blocking mark. Among guards with 50-plus snaps in the month of August, the latter figure ranked fifth. His overall grade (13th) and run blocking grade (70.9; 24th) also slotted in high on the leaderboard.
With a Sunday showdown against the Jets quickly approaching, the Steelers are still looking to get a leg up on the competition.
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