Former Steelers Running Back Gets NFL Tryout

UFL Steelers RB Anthony McFarland
Pittsburgh Steelers running back and kickoff returner Anthony McFarland in a game against the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 19, 2023. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. got another NFL look on Monday, as he tried out with the Washington Commanders, accordion to a report by Howard Balzer of CardsWire.

McFarland had a very brief stint in the NFL in 2024, signing with the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 19. He was waived on Aug. 27 and re-signed to the practice squad, but was released a day later.

The Steelers’ fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft,  McFarland spent four seasons with the club, playing in 17 games and rushing 42 times for 146 yards. He also caught 11 passes for 87 yards. McFarland dealt with multiple knee injuries which limited him during his time in Pittsburgh.

Steelers RB Anthony McFarland
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. catches the ball in warmups on Nov. 12, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

McFarland became a free agent this past offseason when his rookie contract with the Steelers expired and he signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL, and had a strong season in his most extensive game action since his rookie season.

McFarland played in seven total games for the Brahmas, five in the regular season and two in the postseason. In the regular season, he rushed 47 times for 192 yards and one touchdown and caught 15 passes for 2078 yards and three scores. In two playoff games, he had another 147 rushing yards and 42 receiving yards.

The Brahmas were shut out, 25-0, by the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL title game on June 16.

McFarland is currently unsigned in both the NFL and the UFL. The spring league, which was formed out of a merger of the USFL and XFL last season, will begin play in its second season in late March.

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