Aaron Rodgers is in fine form | Image Credits: IMAGO/ZUMA Press Wire
Aaron Rodgers wasn't the least bit unnerved when Tuesday's trading deadline came and went without the Pittsburgh Steelers adding a receiver.
"Whoever gets open usually gets the opportunity," Rodgers said on Wednesday.
Call it the simple approach but the four-time NFL MVP with 520 career touchdown passes is moving forward with the personnel on board as the Steelers prepare for Sunday night's contest against the Los Angeles Chargers in Inglewood, Calif.
The Steelers (5-3) rank 21st in passing offense at 200.9 yards per game despite having the future Hall of Famer at the controls. Rodgers' season high for passing yardage is just 249 and his season output of 1,692 yards is less than erratic Tennessee Titans rookie Cam Ward (1,760).
Offseason acquisition DK Metcalf leads the team with a modest 29 receptions, 467 yards and five scoring catches. The second-most receiving yards belong to tight end Pat Freiermuth (227).
That led to rampant speculation that Pittsburgh might have been shopping for an upgrade.
"There was probably more noise outside of the facility than maybe inside the facility," Rodgers said.
The Steelers did add receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad. He played four seasons (2018-21) with Rodgers when both were members of the Green Bay Packers. Valdes-Scantling caught 13 of his 20 career touchdown passes during that time and averaged 17.3 yards per catch.
The Chargers (6-3) excel at picking up yards through the air with Justin Herbert ranking second with 2,390.
Herbert passed for a career-best 420 yards in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 19, one of his three 300-plus outings this season.
The Chargers also have four players with more than 450 receiving yards: Ladd McConkey (524), Keenan Allen (520), Quentin Johnston (460) and Oronde Gadsden II (453). Allen has a team-best 50 catches. Finding targets isn't the problem. It is keeping offensive linemen healthy.
The Chargers lost star left tackle Rashawn Slater (knee) during training camp. So they moved standout right tackle Joe Alt to the left side and lost him for the season during Sunday's 27-20 win over the Titans. Right guard Mekhi Becton (knee) sat out the game and tackle Bobby Hart (knee/ankle) exited during it. Becton is set to play against the Steelers while Hart was ruled out.
Los Angeles acquired versatile lineman Trevor Penning from the New Orleans Saints prior to Tuesday's deadline. Penning said he received repetitions at both tackle spots after arriving in town on Wednesday morning.
"I'm excited to play anywhere they need me. I think I have the versatility," Penning said. "Brought in to play wherever I need.
"... Last year I played right tackle all 17 games, so probably a little more comfortable there than left tackle."
Despite the issues, Los Angeles has won two straight games and stands in second place in the AFC West.
"At the midway point, it's always good to remember fate is in our hands," Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. "... Fortune favors those who move on."
Pittsburgh halted a two-game slide with a 27-20 home win over the Colts last weekend. The defense held Jonathan Taylor to a season-low 45 yards while recording five sacks and forcing five turnovers. The Steelers caused a sixth turnover on special teams.
"Obviously, we didn't play perfect, and there's a lot of ways we can get better," said Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith, who had a crucial strip-sack of Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones.
"But those turnovers happen because guys are in the right spots, guys are playing hard, guys are getting after it. We know when we do that, we create turnovers, and we're a really good defense."
Highsmith (ankle) was a full practice performer on Friday and didn't receive an injury designation.
Fellow linebacker Cole Holcomb (illness) was one of four Steelers who were ruled out. The others are guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral), receiver Scotty Miller (finger) and safety Jabrill Peppers (quadriceps). Listed questionable are cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring/knee) and rookie quarterback Will Howard (right hand).
Cornerback Tarheeb Still (knee) is listed as doubtful for the Chargers. Five players are questionable: long snapper Josh Harris (chest), cornerbacks Deane Leonard (knee) and Benjamin St-Juste (groin), defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand (groin) and receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith.
Last season, Pittsburgh defeated the visiting Chargers 20-10.
