The Steelers have signed quarterback Taryn Christion to their practice squad and released tight end Alize Mack.
Christion, 22, is on his third NFL team since graduating from South Dakota State this spring. A 6-foot-2, 225-pound athlete, Christion made a name for himself as a runner and a passer with the Jackrabbits.
A full-time starter in each of his final three seasons, Christion finished with at least 3,000 yards passing, 30 touchdowns, 300 yards rushing and six rushing touchdowns in each of them.
He signed with the Seattle Seahawks right after the draft but was released before training camp. He caught on with the Dallas Cowboys on the eve of camp and played in their final two preseason games.
Christion finished the 2019 NFL preseason completing 12 of 20 passes for 148 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also had seven carries for 25 yards and lost one fumble. With Dallas, he also worked as a wide receiver and special teams player.
The Cowboys released Christion at the end of the preseason. He worked out for the Jets in September but was not signed.
The Steelers have three other quarterbacks at practice: starter Mason Rudolph, backup Devlin Hodges and Paxton Lynch on the practice squad.
Christion’s signing coincides with the Steelers’ week of practice preparing for Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson, the first dual-threat quarterback the Steelers have faced this season.
Mack was added to the Steelers’ practice squad last week after injuries to Vance McDonald and Xavier Grimble. Grimble was placed on injured reserve when the Steelers acquired Nick Vannett from the Seattle Seahawks.
Vannett started against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday and rookie Zach Gentry also played. The Steelers also have Kevin Rader on Christian Scotland-Williamson on the practice squad.