Steelers Re-Sign Eight to Practice Squad
The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed eight players to their practice squad that were released on cut-down day on Tuesday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed eight players to their practice squad that had been with the team during training camp and released on Tuesday, including tight end Rodney Williams II, who spent the entire 2023 season on their active roster.
Williams, running back Jonathan Ward, fullback Jack Colletto, , defensive tackle Jacob Slade, outside linebacker Marcus Haynes, cornerback Anthony Averett, cornerback Zyon Gilbert and defensive back Thomas Graham were all re-signed to the practice on Thursday, the team announced.
As a veteran, Ward was signed directly to the practice squad after his release. The rest of the players had to clear waivers on Wednesday. They can resume practicing with the Steelers when the team re-convenes after the weekend off on Monday.
The Steelers have also added three external players to their practice squad, though those signings were not officially announced. Running back Boston Scott (Los Angeles Rams), wide receiver Brandon Johnson (Denver Broncos) and offensive lineman Doug Nester (Minnesota Vikings) have all agreed to terms with the team, but have not been announced yet.
That leaves the Steelers’ practice squad at 11 players out of a maximum of 17. If the team wishes to fill the squad to the maximum of 17 players, one will have to be an exempt international player. Julius Welschof, who had been the team’s exempt player, will spend the season on the injured reserve list after a preseason knee injury.
Two players that the Steelers released on Tuesday that were not signed stood out. Wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick and quarterback/kick returner John Rhys Plumlee were not announced as part of the team’s practice squad, despite still having lockers at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Wednesday.
They could be announced at a later date, or the players could be looking for opportunities elsewhere with easier paths to a spot on the 53-man roster.
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