Panthers Rookie Retires to Join the Military and Serve His Country

The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking another look at a familiar face as they continue to search for depth at wide receiver following a string of injuries. The team reportedly hosted several free agents for workouts ahead of Week 6, including linebackers Otis Reese and Ben Stille, offensive tackle Bayron Matos, and one notable wideout. That receiver is Brandon Johnson, a player the Steelers had previously signed during the preseason before releasing him after he suffered an ankle injury in the final exhibition game. Johnson was initially projected to make the team’s practice squad and looked strong in training camp before the injury derailed his progress. Now fully recovered, Brandon Johnson is trying to earn another shot with the organization that gave him his first NFL opportunity. The 25-year-old recently worked out with the New York Giants before heading to Pittsburgh, showing he’s healthy and ready to compete again. Johnson spent most of last season on the Steelers’ practice squad, appearing in three regular-season games and catching one pass for nine yards. His prior experience with wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni in Denver, as well as his time on Pittsburgh’s staff, makes him a strong candidate to rejoin the group as a reliable depth option. The Steelers’ interest in Johnson comes as Calvin Austin III continues to recover from a shoulder injury that has sidelined him indefinitely. With the team looking for capable reinforcements, Johnson could be signed to the practice squad rather than the active roster, giving Pittsburgh flexibility to rotate receivers as needed. Currently, the Steelers’ active wideout group features DK Metcalf, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, and Roman Wilson. With Austin’s timetable for return still uncertain, it seems likely that at least one new face will be elevated each week — and Johnson could be next in line to step up.