Overview

• Backup QB Skylar Thompson went 11-of-13 for 152 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown to Lance McCutcheon, after Mason Rudolph started and threw an interception.
• Ben Sauls converted all four field-goal attempts, with three providing Pittsburgh’s only second-half points.
• Carolina rested its starters as Jack Plummer (7-of-14, 48 yards, TD, INT) and Bryce Perkins (10-of-11, 71 yards) handled quarterback duties.
• Steelers rookie defensive end Derrick Harmon was carted off with a first-half knee injury, and the team offered no immediate update.
• The game was carried nationally on NFL Network as both teams evaluated depth ahead of 53-man roster cuts due Aug. 26.