Steelers Cut former Penn State Running Back

UNITY TWP., Pa. — The Pittsburgh Steelers have waived former Penn State running back John Lovett, the team announced on Tuesday.

Lovett was signed by the Steelers on Aug. 1, after the start of training camp. He was injured in one of his first practices, the same day he was absolutely crushed by Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson in back-to-back backs on backers reps.

Lovett remained with the team for two weeks after his injury, but never returned to full participation in practice. He was not released with an injured designation.

To replace Lovett on the 53-man roster, the Steelers signed Arizona State rookie Xazavian Valladay, who had been released earlier in the week by the Houston Texans.

Lovett played with Penn State in 2021 after transferring out of Baylor, where he played from 2017 to 2020. During his time at college with the Nittany Lions and Baylor, he put up 1980 yards and 17 touchdowns over five years in the NCAA. His best season was in 2019 when Lovett posted 655 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 103 rushes with the Baylor Bears.

After going undrafted out of Penn State, he signed with the Carolina Panthers but could not catch on for long there. Once released, Lovett went to the XFL to try his fortunes there, and it worked out.

Playing with the Vegas Vipers under the direction of head coach Rod Woodson, he posted 227 yards on 59 carries and 3 touchdowns. However, he added in 14 receptions for 269 yards, flashing some real skill out of the backfield as a receiver that could make him intriguing.