dq. Steelers Unexpectedly Rule Out Two Starters Ahead of Crucial Week 8 Clash vs. Packers

Pittsburgh, PA – October 23, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been hit with a late setback heading into their Week 8 showdown against the Green Bay Packers, as two key starters have been

ruled out just days before kickoff.

Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that center Zach Frazier and defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk will both miss Sunday’s game due to injuries. The announcement came as a surprise, particularly in Frazier’s case, as he was added to the injury report midweek with a

calf issue after being a full participant in previous sessions.

Frazier, a rookie standout anchoring Pittsburgh’s offensive line, was limited in Wednesday’s practice with a sleeve wrapped around his left leg. While Tomlin initially downplayed the concern, the team ultimately decided to sideline him for precautionary reasons.

Ryan McCollum is expected to start in his place.

Meanwhile, Loudermilk continues to recover from a high ankle sprain sustained in Week 2 against Seattle. The team had hoped for a return after the bye, but medical evaluations this week confirmed he’ll remain on

injured reserve for at least one more game.

The Steelers’ injury woes don’t stop there. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) returned to practice and remains questionable, while linebacker Malik Harrison

and quarterback Will Howard both had their 21-day practice windows opened after returning from IR.

On the long-term list, Miles Killebrew (knee) and Max Scharping (ACL) have been ruled out for the season, thinning Pittsburgh’s depth on both lines of scrimmage.

Despite the growing list, Tomlin expressed confidence in his roster depth:
“We’ve faced worse and always found a way to respond. This group knows how to adjust and compete — that’s what Steelers football is about.”

The Steelers (4–3) will host the Green Bay Packers (3–4) at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET, with Pittsburgh aiming to stay alive in the AFC North race — but they’ll have to do it without two of their most reliable starters in the trenches.

Speedy Bills Starter Faces Trade After Storming Off Field Early in Frustration Following Benching

Buffalo, NY – September 29, 2025

The Buffalo Bills may soon be moving on from Brandon Codrington. The speedy return specialist, scratched before kickoff against the Saints, stormed off the field early in frustration, sparking trade rumors inside the organization.

Head coach Sean McDermott defended the decision, telling reporters the team wanted to explore other return options. “We’re always evaluating the gameday roster to make sure the best guys are out there,”

McDermott explained following Buffalo’s 31-19 victory.

Codrington’s production has dipped in 2025, averaging 5.3 yards per punt return and 29.0 yards on kickoffs with one costly fumble. His sideline behavior, capped by leaving early, only worsened his uncertain future in Buffalo.

The Bills handed return duties to Curtis Samuel, activated for the first time this season. Samuel averaged 27.3 yards on three kickoff returns. Ty Johnson and Khalil Shakir also chipped in, showing Buffalo has multiple alternatives without Codrington.

Meanwhile, the team experimented with personnel changes elsewhere. Veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White was briefly benched for rookie Dorian Strong. McDermott insisted the decision was not performance-based, emphasizing it was about getting valuable reps for the young defensive back.

Pressure on the roster continues to grow. Injured starters Ed Oliver and Matt Milano are close to returning, while suspended linemen Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi will rejoin after Week 6. Two roster spots must be cleared for their activation.

With competition rising and discipline questions mounting, Codrington appears increasingly likely to be dealt. “You can’t storm off when things don’t go your way, not on a contender like the Bills,”

one AFC scout noted of his situation.

For now, Buffalo’s special teams identity is shifting. Whether Codrington remains part of it depends on the trade market. But his days in Orchard Park look numbered, as the Bills quietly weigh their next move.