The Pittsburgh Steelers signed OLB Marcus Haynes to their practice squad today in a flurry of roster activity.
Haynes previously signed with the Steelers on August 20 and was waived and signed to the practice squad on August 27, 2024. The Steelers then released Haynes once again on September 10, 2024.
The move comes after Steelers starting outside Alex Highsmith expects to be out for a few weeks following a groin injury suffered during the Week 3 matchup versus the Los Angeles Chargers. Highsmith initially injured his groin during training camp and didn’t dress until the team’s final practice at Saint Vincent’s College on August 14.
Nick Herbig, the 22-year-old Wisconsin Badgers product, will play in Highsmith’s place this Sunday. The Steelers only have two natural outside linebackers on their active roster, though defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal can also play outside linebacker. Ade Ogundeji is also on the practice squad at outside linebacker, and he or Haynes could be candidates to be elevated to the active roster this week when the Steelers visit the Indianapolis Colts.
The 26-year-old Haynes began his NFL career by signing as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos following the 2023 NFL Draft. During the past two seasons, he’s spent time on the Broncos practice squad in 2023 and training camp with the Cleveland Browns in 2024.
Haynes also signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL on August 2, 2024, only to have his contract terminated four days later when he signed with the Cleveland Browns. His tenure with the Browns was short-lived, as he was released six days later.
The Bowie, Maryland native graduated high school as a three-star recruit and played college football at Old Dominion. Haynes’ best year as a Monarch was in 2022 when he recorded 47 tackles and eight sacks—eight of those tackles and two sacks in a monster game versus James Madison University.
Haynes is the older sibling of Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Christian Haynes.