A Steelers Depot daily segment. A quick hit of some Pittsburgh Steelers-related stories that may not require a complete article, but nuggets worth mentioning and passing on to you guys.

Your Depot After Dark for June 16.

KILLEBREW FOLLOWED DANNY SMITH

Safety Miles Killebrew was with the Steelers from 2021 to 2025 as a core piece of their special teams. That includes making two Pro Bowl selections, receiving one First-team All-Pro nomination, and being named a captain multiple times. Killebrew was great in Pittsburgh, but unfortunately, he suffered a major injury during the 2025 season, and his contract expired.

Therefore, Killebrew and the Steelers parted ways, but it was easy for the safety to pick his next destination. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reporter Greg Auman posted a video on Twitter of Killebrew explaining that special teams coach Danny Smith was a big part of why he joined the Bucs. Smith was the Steelers’ special teams coach from 2013-2025, but now, he reunites with Killebrew in Tampa Bay.

Video: Bucs safety Miles Killebrew says STC Danny Smith was a “giant factor” in him following his path from the Steelers to Tampa this spring. pic.twitter.com/fKwAGiVDvi

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) June 16, 2026

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FALCONS QB NOT CLEARED YET

The Steelers will open the 2026 season against the Atlanta Falcons. The two teams squared off in Week 1 of 2024, and the Steelers emerged victorious. However, the Falcons look very different this year compared to 2024, especially under center. Kirk Cousins is gone, and it’s still unclear who the Falcons’ starting quarterback will be for Week 1.

Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round in 2024 with the hope that he would be their franchise quarterback. However, he suffered a major knee injury last year, and ESPN insider Adam Schefter shared on Twitter that Penix still hasn’t been cleared to practice. There’s still time for that to change, but the Falcons’ starter for Week 1 could be Tua Tagovailoa. Pittsburgh should be in for a favorable matchup.

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. has not been cleared yet to resume practice due to last season’s knee injury but he told reporters, “(I’m) Right where I need to be.” pic.twitter.com/OcGs5mc6aB

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 16, 2026

ROOKIES ON WHAT BEING A STEELER IS

The Steelers are one of the NFL’s greatest franchises. They’re tied for the most Super Bowl wins by a team, and they consistently make the playoffs. While they’ve been stuck in a rut recently, they’re hoping to change that this season.

They added 10 rookies in the draft to help them accomplish that. The Steelers recently posted a video on Twitter where each of those rookies was asked to use one word to describe the Steelers. All of them said something along the lines of toughness and physicality, which feels appropriate. They haven’t been with the team for very long, but they know what it means to be a Steeler.