The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly nearing a trade to acquire tight end Nick Vannett of the Seattle Seahawks for a fifth-round pick. The NFL trade surfaced after starting tight end Vance McDonald injured his shoulder after the Steelers loss to the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday.

Citing sources, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Steelers are finalizing the trade with the Seahawks for Vannett. It was Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network who added that Pittsburg would be giving up a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

It would be best to note that even though McDonald was last seen with his arm in a sling, he is not expected to miss significant time. However, the injury compounds the woes of the Steelers. Before the tight end's injury, Pittsburgh also lost starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the season.

Before the injury, McDonald was considered the safety valve to Mason Rudolph. With no timetable set, Vannett looms as an alternative as the Steelers try to do their best with their available resources.

As reported previously, the Steelers are left with plenty of questions to address for the current NFL season. Ironically, it was against the Seahawks were Roethlisberger injured his shoulder. Rudolph had to step up when 37-year-old had to leave in the first half. The 24-year-old had a shaky start but eventually settled down.

In their last game, Rudolph made a good account for himself despite losing to the 49ers. Probably aware that he holds a more important role, the third-round pick of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Steelers knows he has to do more to keep things together. He was 14-of-27 for 174 yards in his first NFL start

"Those possession downs, those third downs, gotta convert … I gotta be better in those situations and give our teams chances to extend drives," said Rudolph in a report from CBS Sports.

It will be interesting what Vannett can bring to Pittsburgh. So far, he has caught four passes on five targets for 38 yards in three games. He led all Seahawks tight ends in receiving yards and receptions last season but became expendable with the return of Will Dissly. The Steelers, currently 0-3, will try to get their first win Monday night against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with wide receiver Antonio Brown #84 after a play in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
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