In a series of roster moves on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that they have released wide receiver Lance McCutcheon from the practice squad.
The Steelers signed former All-Pro wide receiver and return man Jamal Agnew to the practice squad on Tuesday, so McCutcheon’s services were no longer needed.
Agnew, 29, suffered serious rib and shoulder injuries last year while playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars that have had him sidelined ever since. The Steelers had previously worked out Angew back in September as he was rehabbing his injury.
The Steelers signed McCutcheon to the practice squad on Oct. 14. McCutcheon spent the past two seasons on the New York Jets practice squad. Ironically, he was signed by the Steelers in the week leading up to their Week 7 contest against the New York Jets. Prior to his time with the Jets, he entered the league in 2022 as an undrafted free agent out of Montana State; signing with the Los Angeles Rams. He spent part of the 2023 season on the Houston Texans practice squad as well.
McCutchen, who’s a Bozeman, Mont. native, finished his career at Montana State with 94 catches for 1,741 yards (10th in MSU history) and 13 touchdowns (8th).His 19.1 yards per catch in his career and 19.3 yards per catch in 2021 are school records and his five 100-yard games in 2021 is second-most in MSU history.
The Steelers also announced on Tuesday that they’ve re-signed running back Jonathan Ward to their practice squad and released veteran offensive lineman John Leglue.from the PS.
Ward cleared waivers after being waived by the Steelers on Saturday.
Ward has been playing a key special teams role for Pittsburgh in recent weeks, in addition to serving as the team’s third running back. Ward first joined the Steelers on a veteran tryout contract back during rookie minicamp. He impressed with his blocking ability and versatility, first earning a contract and then a spot on the team’s practice squad with another strong showing at training camp.
In total, Ward has played in four games for the Steelers. He’s seen just 10 snaps of offense, running the ball five times for 22 yards. His more significant contributions have been as a part of the Steelers’ league-best special teams units. Ward has been playing a role on kickoff, kick return, punt and punt return units for the Steelers, earning a season-high 19 reps in the team’s last game against the New York Giants in Week 8
The Steelers brought Leglue back to their practice squad on Aug. 30. Leglue was elevated for the Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Chargers but he didn’t record any snaps.
Leglue, 28, was with the Steelers from 2020-22, playing in six games for the team while spending most of his time in Pittsburgh on the practice squad. The Steelers initially signed the Tulane alum on Dec. 29, 2020, and he spent the remainder of that season on the practice squad without appearing in a game.