Team news: Pittsburgh Steelers

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year, $8 million deal.

This is a little surprising since it appeared that the two sides were headed for a split. The Ravens actually offered more money, but Smith-Schuster decided to take less and stay in Pittsburgh. He finished No. 18 in half-PPR but was No. 27 in per game production. His return helps Ben Roethlisberger's outlook, though it hurts both Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool, who were both likely to see an uptick in targets if Smith-Schuster had moved on. All three players will be in the WR2/WR3 mix with Johnson as the most consistent target of the three. - John Paulsen

Steelers have signed QB Ben Roethlisberger to a new contract for 2021.

It's highly unlikely we'll see a return to prior 2019 form for Ben Roethlisberger, but he remains the starter in Pittsburgh for 2021. Even without JuJu Smith-Schuster if he decides to sign elsewhere, the 39-year old QB does have plenty of surrounding offensive weapons and should be considered a QB2 heading into this season.

Ben Roethlisberger will indeed be back as the #Steelers starting QB this fall. Just connected w/ the two-time Super Bowl winner’s agent, Ryan Tollner, who said this:

"They want Ben back and will contact me soon to address his cap situation"

It appears Ben Roethlisberger will remain a Pittsburgh Steeler for an 18th season. The 38-year old is currently ranked QB27 in 4for4's never-too-early rankings.

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert doesn't give a strong endorsement for Ben Roethlisberger as QB in 2021: "As we sit here today, Ben is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. ... He reiterated to us that he wants to continue to play. We told him we have to look at this current situation."

Pittsburgh is currently over their cap amount and will have some tough decisions to make ahead of free agency. Ben Roethlisberger is still the favorite to be under center for the Steelers in 2021, but after Colbert's chosen words, it is not a given.

TE Eric Ebron played in Sunday's playoff loss after missing the regular-season finale in Cleveland because he was on the Reserve/Covid-19 list as a close contact. He tested positive on Monday, forcing the Steelers to close their South Side facility to players and coaches.

This is Eric Ebron's second stint on the list in 2021, but the first for testing positive himself. This news has zero fantasy impact, as the Steeler's are watching from home.

The Steelers have activated Eric Ebron and Cassius Marsh from the COVID-19 List.

Eric Ebron ended the regular season as TE15 in half-PPR points, despite missing Week 17. He offers a decent floor on Sunday night against the Browns in playoff contests.

We have placed CB Joe Haden, TE Eric Ebron & LB Cassius Marsh on the Reserve/COVID-19 List.

It appears Eric Ebron may have just been a close contact according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. The Steelers have already decided to rest some of their starters, so this shouldn't have an impact on their game script, or your fantasy plans.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will not back up Mason Rudolph Sunday, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Steelers are throwing in the towel this week.

Steelers Mike Tomlin just announced in his press conference that Mason Rudolph will start in place of Ben Roethlisberger against the Browns on Sunday.

The Steelers don't have a lot to play for in Week 17, and even a loss would keep them as a three-seed, while still hosting a playoff game. The Steelers are a game behind the Bills but the Bills won head to head and obviously hold the tiebreaker as a result.