Source: Mark Gilbert to Join Steelers Practice Squad

Former Duke cornerback Mark Gilbert will be joining the Steelers’ 16-man practice squad, a source told Steelers Now.

The upstart Gilbert was cut on Tuesday but showcased some solid traits during the preseason that allowed him staying power, and now he will be rewarded with a spot on the practice squad. Gilbert racked up four pass breakups throughout the preseason over the games he played.

After suffering a traumatic hip injury that knocked him out of football for years, Gilbert went undrafted. However, starting on the third-team defense, showed enough throughout the preseason to jump up to the second-team defense after a strong showing against the Dallas Cowboys in Canton.

He continued to prove strong, going up against players like James Washington and holding his own throughout training camp. Now, he will stay with the Steelers and potentially have a shot to crack the roster in 2022.

The Steelers can add a total of 16 players to their practice squad for the 2021 season. Gilbert joins running back Jaylen Samuels as players that have signed so far.