Who are the ‘cast-offs’ named by Aaron Rodgers after Steelers win?

The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to an 8-6 record with an impressive victory over the Miami Dolphins in Monday Night Football.

The Steelers move to the top of the AFC North and look set to return to the playoffs with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers refinding his best form. The 42-year-old threw two touchdowns and zero interceptions in the 28-15 win over Miami, completing 23 of his 27 passes.

After the game Rodgers chose to pay tribute to his teammates, many of whom arrived at Pittsburgh having been discarded by other teams. Rodgers told reporters: “There’s some castoffs if you look at our roster, which makes it really special.”

“Kenny Gainwell signed a next-to-nothing contract. Connor Heyward, an afterthought, had a touchdown run. Marquez [Valdes-Scantling] has been on a couple teams. Adam Thielen got cut. [Asante] Samuel was on the street for a long time. So says a lot about the character of the guys we brought in.”

It is certainly true that the Steelers have managed to coax real contributions from fringe players this season. That helped to cover for the absence of T.J. Watt as the star pass rusher remains sidelined after an emergency hospital visit earlier this month.

“It’s a testament to guys buying in,” defensive tackle Cam Heyward said, referencing the depth in this Steelers roster. “Coach always talks about jumping on a moving train. These guys are professionals. I’m watching, as soon as Thielen gets here, he’s opening up his playbook and still studying. They spend a lot time really learning the offense, learning the defense. Asante has been really chomping at the bit to get reps, and he played very well with them.”

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