Steelers Cut former Pine-Richland, Youngstown State TE Kevin Rader

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released veteran tight end Kevin Rader, as part of the team’s final cuts to get to a 53-man roster.

Rader completed his third training camp with the Steelers, and has been cut at the outset of both previous sessions, though has remained with the team by ending up on the practice squad.

In 2020, he got his first taste of NFL action, playing in one regular season game and one playoff game as a practice squad call-up. He did not have any catches.

Rader competed with Zach Gentry for the No. 3 tight end spot throughout training camp, losing out to the former fifth-round draft pick who Rader replaced on the roster after an injury in 2020.

In four preseason games this summer, Rader caught four of six targets for 33 yards.

Rader was among 14 players removed from the active roster on Tuesday as the Steelers cut down to the NFL-mandated 53-man limit before the 4 p.m. deadline.

The Steelers also cut guard Rashaad Coward, running back Trey Edmunds, guard B.J. Finney, cornerback Mark Gilbert, tackle Chaz Green, tackle John Leglue, outside linebacker Cassius Marsh, cornerback Arthur Maulet, outside linebacker Quincy Roche, running back Jaylen Samuels, safety Donovan Stiner and wide receiver Cody White.

Additionally, quarterback Josh Dobbs was placed on injured reserve.