The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing some familiar faces back into the fold, snagging former New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins for their practice squad, the team announced Tuesday. This isn’t just a quiet move, folks, because when you look at Hodgins’ past, there’s some real potential there.
Hodgins Brings Playoff Vibe and Catching Skills
Hodgins isn’t some fresh-faced rookie; he’s had stints on a few different rosters. But get this: his best season came in 2022 with the New York Giants, and what a year that was! The Giants were a total surprise playoff team back then, punching above their weight under then-head coach Brian Daboll. Hodgins was a key part of that Cinderella story, hauling in 33 passes and crossing the goal line for four touchdowns. That kind of production, that ability to contribute to a playoff squad, even a surprise one, tells you he knows how to make plays when it counts. Last year, he played seven games for the Giants, catching 10 passes and one touchdown. He even spent a brief period in Pittsburgh back in 2025, so he’s no stranger to the black and gold. This isn’t just a flyer on a new guy; it’s bringing in someone who has shown he can produce and has a history with the team.
Rush Joins a Familiar Backfield
But wait, there’s more! Pittsburgh isn’t stopping with just Hodgins. They’re also signing cornerback Darius Rush to the practice squad, another face who’s well-known in the Steel City. Rush has already appeared in five games for Pittsburgh across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. So, he’s been in that locker room, he knows the system, and he’s played on that field. Before that, Rush was a fifth-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft, showing he had some real upside coming out of college. Bringing back a guy who already understands the defense and has some game experience with the team? That’s smart depth, especially for a practice squad spot.
These aren’t blockbuster trades, but practice squad signings like these can quietly change the depth and future outlook of a team. Keeping an eye on Hodgins, with his proven playoff production, and Rush, who already knows the defensive scheme, is going to be important for what the Steelers are building. You never know when these guys will get their chance to step up and make a big impact.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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