The Steelers are shaking things up in their receiving corps right as Week 3 of training camp kicks off, bringing in Cornell Powell and Isaiah Winstead. This isn’t a simple roster shuffle; it’s a move that signals Pittsburgh is looking for some serious competition and maybe even a diamond in the rough as they head into preseason.
A Look at the New Faces
Let’s talk about Cornell Powell first. This isn’t his first dance with the Steelers, remember he had a brief stint on their practice squad back in 2025. He’s a Clemson product, and back in his final collegiate season, this dude absolutely balled out, racking up an impressive 882 receiving yards and snagging seven touchdowns. Talk about making a statement before the pros came calling! The Kansas City Chiefs grabbed him in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he put up some solid pre-draft numbers too, running a 4.53-second 40-yard dash for a 7.59 RAS. That’s good athletic testing right there. But here’s the kicker: his NFL career so far has been, well, quiet. He’s only seen action in three games, mostly grinding it out on special teams, and hasn’t logged a single career catch. Yeah, the guy’s been on a real journey, even had brief stops with our own Seahawks and the Texans, plus some time in the UFL. He’s clearly been trying to find a home, a place to really show what he can do. Standing at 6’0 and 204 pounds, he’s got the physical tools, so what’s been missing? And can the Steelers unlock it?
Shuffling the Deck for Preseason Action
Powell isn’t alone in this fresh start. The Steelers also snagged Isaiah Winstead, a former UFL and Jets receiver who was already on their radar. To make room for these new guys, wide receiver Colton Dowell was released, and offensive tackle Lorenzo Thompson was waived/injured. This is the kind of roster maneuvering you see when teams are really trying to fine-tune their depth charts before the regular season grind. Both Powell and Winstead worked out for the Steelers last week, so clearly, the coaching staff saw something they liked, something they think can make a difference. It’s all about finding that spark, that player who can contribute, especially on a team looking to solidify its receiving options.
All eyes will be on these new additions when the Steelers hit the field for their first preseason action. They’re set to face the Green Bay Packers this Thursday at 7 p.m. EST. For Powell and Winstead, this isn’t just another game; it’s their chance to prove they belong and to show Pittsburgh fans exactly what they bring to the table. Can they make an immediate impact and grab a spot on that 53-man roster? That’s the question every fan will be asking come Thursday night.
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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