Steelers Elevate Running Back Ahead of Week 5
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be playing in primetime Sunday night as they host the Dallas Cowboys in week 5. Ahead of the NFL-lore matchup, the Steelers announced a series of roster moves. Among these moves, the Steelers addressed their ailing running back position.
The Steelers already lost Jaylen Warren in Week 3 to a knee injury that has kept him out since then. Then their kick returner and third running back Cordarrelle Patterson was lost in a Week 4 loss against the Indianapolis Colts. Though the Steelers brought back Aaron Shampklin to the 53-man roster, they would only have two health backs this week. Among the roster moves, the Steelers will be elevating Jonathan Ward to the active roster for the Cowboys game.
Ward, an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan, entered the league with the Arizona Cardinals where he spent his rookie 2021 season. In 2022, he spent parts of the offseason and regular with the Cardinals and New York Jets. He then found himself on the Tennessee Titans squad for the 2022 and 2023 season. During his 2023 season with the Titans, he didn’t get many opportunities on offense. Instead, his opportunities on the field were found with special teams.
In May, Ward was invited for a veteran tryout where he stood out in participation with the Steelers rookie minicamp. He was signed to the 90-man roster where he remained until the final roster deadline. However, he was brought back to the practice squad where he has remained since.
Ward will join Shampklin and Najee Harris on game day against a Cowboys defense that will be down a few defensive starters.
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