Falcons Poach OLB David Anenih from Steelers Practice Squad

The Atlanta Falcons have signed outside linebacker David Anenih from the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad, the team announced on Tuesday.

Anenih has been with the Steelers since Sept. 15, when they signed him from the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad. They released him from the 53-man roster in October and re-signed him to the practice squad. He has not been active for a game this season.

The Steelers signed Anenih for additional depth after the injury to starter T.J. Watt, but the emergence of rookie defensive end DeMarvin Leal as an option at outside linebacker reduced their need for additional depth, and now Watt has returned, making it unlikely that Anenih was going to see the field with the Steelers this season.

An undrafted free agent out of Houston, Anenih racked up 20.5 sacks, 31.5 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles over his five year career with the Cougars. His best season was a breakout 2021 season, where he put up five sacks, ten tackles for loss, and a forced fumble in 14 starts for Houston. He was named a First-Team All-Conference player in the American Athletic Conference.

Because he was signed to an active roster from the Steelers practice squad, the Falcons must keep Anenih on their 53-man roster for at least the next three weeks, which will be the rest of their 2022 season.

The Steelers now have one vacancy on their 16-man practice squad ahead of their first practice of the week on Wednesday in preparation for their Week 16 game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday.

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