The Pittsburgh Steelers did not trade for additional wide receiver help, leaving questions about whether the players already on the roster can step up. While some fans may look to DK Metcalf to regain his previous form or to Michael Pittman Jr. to get healthy, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has another player in mind: practice-squad receiver Max Hurleman.
Rodgers said he would like to get an opportunity to throw to Hurleman before the quarterback ends his career after the season. “We’ve obviously raised up a couple of our P-Squad guys who are talented. Still would love to get some opportunities for Max [Hurleman] at some point whenever he comes off,” Rodgers told reporters while discussing the receivers available to the team.
Hurleman signed with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent in spring 2025. He has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game, but caught two passes for 29 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut as a rookie. The Steelers released him on August 30, the final day of roster cuts, then brought him back on the practice squad.
## Hurleman’s College Career
Hurleman, 25, spent four seasons at FCS program Colgate, contributing as both a runner and receiver. He rushed for 814 yards at an average of 4.1 yards per attempt and recorded 80 receptions for 841 yards. He scored four total touchdowns during his time there. In 2024, he transferred to Notre Dame as a walk-on and played on special teams.
Rodgers has had a productive final campaign. Through eight games, he has completed 60.8% of his passes for 1,871 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, averaging 6.5 yards per completion.
