Steelers Bring Back Blocking Specialist Tight End

The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed tight end Matt Sokol to their practice squad, the team announced on Wednesday.

Sokol will be on his third stint with the Steelers, and his signing comes one day after fifth tight end Rodney Williams II was placed on waivers.

Sokol first signed with the Steelers as a free agent on July 20, after Williams suffered a shoulder injury in training camp, and the 28-year-old Michigan State product impressed enough with his blocking abilities to keep his job, even after Williams returned.

Sokol played in three preseason games, but did not catch a pass and was targeted just once. He also played on four phases of special teams in the preseason, a role Williams had been playing for the Steelers until his release on Tuesday to make room for traded deadline acquisitions Mike Williams and Preston Smith.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Matt Sokol at training camp on Aug. 12, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Steelers released Sokol during their final cuts after the preseason. He was re-signed to the practice squad on Sept. 18 after an injury to MyCole Pruitt caused Williams to be promoted to the active roster. Sokol spent just a week on the practice squad before he was released that time around.

Before joining the Steelers, Sokol spent the last two seasons with the New England Patriots and played three games. He originally signed with the Los Angeles Chargers following the 2019 NFL Draft. He has spent time on the practice squads of the Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions and Patriots. He also spent time on the Chargers active roster, appearing in two games.

In 52 career games at Michigan State, Sokol recorded 31 receptions for 348 yards and two touchdowns.