Depot After Dark: Former QB Caps Steelers’ Ceiling, Herbig’s Bye Week, Russini’s Return

Former NFL quarterback Alex Smith questioned the Pittsburgh Steelers' ceiling on The Rich Eisen Show, arguing that wide receivers must step up beyond tight ends Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth. Outside linebacker Nick Herbig spent his bye week training in Los Angeles with Chandler Washington following a surge of three sacks over his previous three games. Additionally, Pittsburgh sent a scout to evaluate quarterback prospects CJ Carr and Darian Mensah in the Notre Dame versus Miami matchup.

Media reports also indicate that reporter Dianna Russini is expected to return to NFL coverage. Russini had been out of the spotlight after resigning from The Athletic in April 2026 amid a scandal involving New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.