Steelers Elevate Rashaad Coward, Trey Edmunds, John Simon from Practice Squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers have elevated running back Trey Edmunds, outside linebacker John Simon and guard Rashaad Coward to their active roster as COVID-19 replacements for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the team announced on Saturday.

Coward will fill in for tackle Zach Banner, Edmunds for running back Anthony McFarland, and Simon for linebackers Devin Bush and Marcus Allen.

Coward has been elevated from the practice squad twice this season to serve as offensive line depth. He played five snaps at Minnesota in Week 14 and six snaps against the Tennessee Titans last week, most of which came on special teams.

Edmunds is in his fourth season with the Steelers, but will be in his first action of the season if dressed on Sunday. Since 2018, he has played in 19 games for the Steelers, rushing 22 times for 92 yards and catching six passes for 48 yards. Edmunds is also a reliable special teams performer, where he should be able to help replace Allen’s usual contribution.

Simon is one of the newest additions to the Steelers, signing with the club on Dec. 13. The 31-year-old is in his ninth NFL season. He has played in 99 NFL games and was the starter at right defensive end for the New England Patriots in 2019 and 2020 and was a key reserve when New England won Super Bowl LIII after the 2018 season.

The Steelers are down to three healthy inside linebackers, with Joe Schobert, Robert Spillane and Ulysees Gilbert III expected to be the only healthy players with Allen and Bush on the COVID-19 list and Buddy Johnson out with an injury.