Ex-Steelers RB Back from Injury, Looking for Opportunity

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Boston Scott has healed from his early season injury and is ready to get back into the NFL.

Scott signed with the Steelers practice squad on Aug. 27, and he appeared set to join the running back completion behind the three players on the active roster: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson.

But Scott suffered an injury, partially tearing his meniscus in practice, and was placed on the practice squad injured list on Sept. 4. The Steelers released Scott with an injury settlement on Sept. 14.

Scott is now fully healthy, according a report by Aaron Schultz of Bleacher-Report. The Steelers must wait three weeks beyond the period of the injury settlement before they can re-sign Scott, but any other NFL team is free to sign him immediately.

Without Scott, the Steelers turned to veteran Jonathan Ward and youngster Aaron Shampklin to serve as running back depth, and that depth was needed after injuries to both Warren and Patterson in the early part of the 2024 season.

Ward has played in four games and rushed five times for 22 yards. Shampklin played in three games and rushed six times for 17 yards. Ward is currently on the active roster, with Shampklin on the practice squad.

Warren returned from his injury against the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 13 and has played in three straight games. Patterson is expected to return from his ankle injury this week against the Washington Commanders.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott in a game against the Washington Commanders on Jan. 2, 2022. — All Pro Reels Photography

Scott, 29, spent all six of his NFL seasons with the Eagles. Philadelphia signed him off the New Orleans practice squad after being selected by the Saints with a sixth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Since then, Scott played in 75 games and made 12 starts for the Eagles over six seasons. His best statistical season came in 2021, when he played in 16 games, started four and rush 87 times for 373 yards and seven touchdowns.

Last season, Scott played in 14 games, but saw his role in the offense significantly diminished. He carried just 20 times for 86 yards on the season. His contract with the Eagles ended in March and he was not retained. 

Scott signed with the Los Angeles Rams on May 1 and spent training camp and the preseason in L.A. He was a preseason workhorse for the Rams, rushing 36 times for 157 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and also catching three passes for 10 yards. He also returned kicks, grabbing two for 40 yards.

He was released by the Rams on Aug. 25, and was the first player signed by the Steelers to their practice squad following roster cuts.