Steelers Cut Linebacker after Just One Week on Roster

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kyahva Tezino pressures the quarterback in a preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Aug. 24, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Alan Saunders |

Updated: Aug 26, 2024

Pittsburgh Steelers LB Kyahva Tezino — Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kyahva Tezino pressures the quarterback in a preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Aug. 24, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released linebacker Kyahva Tezino the team announced on Monday, as one of nine early cuts before the 53-man roster deadline. Tezino spent just one week with the team after being signed as a free agent on Aug. 19.

The Steelers signed Tezino after Tyler Matakevich (ankle) and Payton Wilson (concussion protocol) were both injured during the team’s second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. He played in one preseason game with the Steelers, making three tackles in the finale against the Detroit Lions on Saturday.

“Just catching eyes and making plays,” Tezino said of his mindset upon being signed one week until roster cuts. “[The Lions game], that’s probably my biggest opportunity to show what I can do.”

Tezino, a 6-foot, 235-pound San Diego State alum, played with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL this spring. Before that, he played for the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL in 2023, though the team never played in Pittsburgh, making its home in Canton, Ohio.

USFL Championship Steelers Maulers Reuben Foster

CANTON, OH – JUNE 10: Michigan Panthers running back Stevie Scott III (2) is tackled by Pittsburgh Maulers middle linebacker Kyahva Tezino (31) and Pittsburgh Maulers middle linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during the first quarter of the USFL game between the Michigan Panthers and Pittsburgh Maulers on June 10, 2023, at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)The Steelers also announced the release wide receivers Jacob Copeland and T.J. Luther, running back Daijun Edwards offensive guard Tyler Beach, offensive tackle Devery Hamilton, defensive tackle Marquiss Spencer, and cornerback Kiondre Thomas on Monday.

Additionally, it has been reported that the team released cornerback Kyler McMichael, though that was not officially announced.

The team has until 4 p.m. on Tuesday to cut from 91 players on the offseason roster down to 53. After nine cuts, their roster is currently at 82 players.