The Pittsburgh Steelers have published their latest “Asked and Answered” column, addressing a range of fan questions about team operations, player trades, NFL rules, and more. The column states that the opinions expressed do not reflect the views of the Steelers organization.
One fan inquired about a penalty called during a preseason game against the Jaguars, where tight end Darnell Washington was flagged for dunking the football over the crossbar after a touchdown. The response explained: “Dunking the football over the crossbar became a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the NFL in 2014, and that change stemmed from Saints TE Jimmy Graham, who made that a part of his touchdown celebration. All was fine until Graham bent a crossbar during a game, and it created a 15-minute delay for the crossbar to be replaced.”
Another question focused on whether the current group of receivers is sufficient or if additional players should be added. The answer given was: “The answer to that would depend upon who would be available and at what cost, in terms of both money and draft capital, because there isn’t anyone to sign off the street who would provide a top-of-the-depth chart improvement. I’m not adding someone just to add someone.”
A question about how locker assignments are managed when returning from training camp with an expanded roster received this explanation: “There are accommodations made to handle the 90-man roster once the team returns from Saint Vincent College, but remember the locker room that the team uses during the regular season is for 53 players plus a 16-man practice squad plus the guys on the injured reserve list. So there are not as many spaces to ‘create’ as you might think.”
Regarding technology used in games, one fan expressed concern about virtual measurement systems replacing traditional methods for determining first downs. The response indicated support only if such systems are efficient: “If it’s efficient, used appropriately and correctly, and doesn’t unnecessarily waste time, I’m all for it. But from what I saw of its usage in the preseason game in Jacksonville, it wasn’t all of those things.”
On possible player trades to improve offensive production by targeting wide receivers using defensive assets like Cole Holcomb or Alex Highsmith, salary details were cited: “According to Spotrac.com, Cole Holcomb is scheduled to earn $2 million in 2025 before becoming an unrestricted free agent in March 2026, and Alex Highsmith is scheduled to earn $13 million in 2025 on a contract that binds him to the team until the end of the 2027 season.” The answer continued: “Which ‘proven No. 2 WR’ do you think could be added in exchange for either of those players… I believe Cole Holcomb and Alex Highsmith both are more valuable to the Steelers than they would combine to be on the trade market in return for a ‘proven No. 2 WR.'”
A question confirmed that Cedric Wilson Jr., currently playing for New Orleans Saints, is indeed “the son of former Super Bowl Champion and Steelers receiver Cedric Wilson.”
Discussion also covered injury reserve (IR) procedures regarding rookie quarterback Will Howard’s hand injury: “Sure, that could be done,” was noted about placing him on IR so he can heal fully before being needed as No. 3 QB. However concerns were raised about availability if multiple quarterbacks are injured at once since IR’d players cannot practice or play.
Finally, when asked humorously if boxer Butterbean could join as coach following an NFL Network segment referencing him during Steelers coverage, it was clarified: “Actually I was wondering whether you could hire Butterbean – and this is the correct way to spell Eric Esch’s nickname… – to help you with your submissions to Asked and Answered.”
