The Pittsburgh Steelers have elevated wide receiver Brandon Johnson to the active roster from the practice squad for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's the first time this year that Johnson has been elevated.
The Steelers signed Johnson for a fourth stint with the club on Sept. 1.
The Steelers signed Johnson, 27, in April, beginning his third stint with the team. His time with the Steelers was brief, however, as he was released in June. Throughout OTAs and minicamp, Johnson was one of three wideouts staying the latest after practice catching balls from the JUGS machine, joining Roman Wilson and Max Hurleman.
Johnson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders shortly after being released by the Steelers. He was waived by the Raiders during final roster cuts.
During stays with the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh, Johnson has totaled 26 career receptions for 335 yards and five touchdowns.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Brandon Johnson at OTAs on May 29, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Johnson first joined the Steelers in 2024, taking a spot on the practice squad after being released by the Broncos. He was called up for the maximum of three games, making one grab for nine yards. Johnson re-signed with Pittsburgh for last season, but suffered an undisclosed foot/ankle injury during the Steelers' preseason finale.
He was later released with an injury settlement and landed on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad for nearly two months before briefly returning to Pittsburgh's. He'd signed with the Broncos' practice squad shortly after being let go by the Steelers in January.
Johnson was originally an undrafted free agent out of UCF in 2022. He appeared in 20 games with the Broncos.
Johnson's cousin is former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson.
With the Steelers down three wide receivers, the team also elevated wide receiver Brandon Smith for Sunday's game. Roman Wilson (hand) was placed on injured reserve, joining Michael Pittman Jr. as the second WR to be placed on IR. Running back Lew Nichols was also signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad on Saturday.
Ben Skowronek is out against Tampa Bay due to a calf injury suffered in last Sunday's win.
Alan Saunders contributed.
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