With WR DK Metcalf suspended for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ final two regular-season games, the team is bringing back a familiar face, signing WR Brandon Johnson to its practice squad, per The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo.

The Steelers are signing WR Brandon Johnson to the practice squad, per source.

Johnson, who has played in 23 NFL games since 2022, was with the Steelers last year and in camp this season before he sustained a foot injury. He adds depth with DK Metcalf suspended.

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) December 24, 2025

Johnson spent time with Pittsburgh’s practice squad last season and was also elevated for three regular-season games, registering one reception for nine yards. He was with the Steelers over the offseason and throughout training camp and the preseason, but an injury limited him late in the process and he was waived during final roster cuts.

He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad in October but was waived on Dec. 15, and now he’ll head back to Pittsburgh. The Steelers worked Johnson out in October before he signed with Tampa Bay, and with him available again, he’ll help add receiver depth.

Prior to joining the Steelers last season, Johnson was a member of the Denver Broncos, with whom he had 25 receptions for 326 yards and five touchdowns in three seasons. In Denver, he worked under now-Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni, and during training camp Azzanni said he vouched for the team to sign Johnson initially.

Metcalf’s suspension likely means that WR Roman Wilson will get a helmet after being inactive for the team’s last three games, and Mike Tomlin said during his Tuesday press conference that he’s excited to see what Wilson can do. But Johnson could be another option for the Steelers as a practice squad elevation for their final two games. Entering today, the only listed receiver on the team’s practice squad is John Rhys Plumlee, a converted quarterback, while jack-of-all-trades Max Hurleman, who’s listed as a running back, played receiver for the Steelers in the preseason.

Adding a true receiver in Johnson is a good depth move, especially given his familiarity with the Steelers and vice versa. The team knows what to expect and Johnson knows the offense, which is important when bringing somebody in this late in the process. While this move may be purely for depth and Johnson never winds up playing a snap with the Steelers, it’s good business to protect themselves in case of future injuries and ensure they have enough at the receiver position.

Currently, the Steelers’ practice squad is full, so a corresponding move will have to be made to sign Johnson.

Metcalf’s loss is a big one, but the Steelers have been active in adding to the receiver room with the additions of Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, two players who will need to step up to compensate for the loss. While adding Johnson likely won’t be as impactful, there’s certainly a chance he can get an opportunity for the Steelers down the stretch.