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Steelers Sign Training Camp Standout WR
PITTSBURGH — The Steelers will soon have a new contributor in the wide receiver, Training camp standout Dez Fitzpatrick is getting called up to the active roster, he Steelers Now. Jim Wexell of 247sports was the first to report that Fitzpatrick would get the elevation on Thursday.
Fitzpatrick comes up following injuries to Diontae Johnson and Miles Boykin. While Johnson is out for a considerable time, Boykin says he is battling an ankle injury but should be okay to go. Regardless, Fitzpatrick is a shield against the injury bug for the wide receiver room.
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This could be a practice squad elevation, or the Steelers could sign him to the 53-man roster. If they sign him, there must be a corresponding move, which could be Cam Heyward heading to injured reserve following his core muscle surgery. Regardless, Fitzpatrick is now on the active roster for the Steelers after a standout training camp where he made plays on special teams and as a receiver.
Fitzpatrick appeared in 76 offensive snaps for the Steelers over three games, seeing increased playing time as the preseason went on, but finished with zero catches on just two targets.
A college star at Louisville, the Tennessee Titans selected Fitzpatrick with the 109th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Fitzpatrick was waived before his rookie season but re-signed with the Titans’ practice squad.
After Julio Jones was injured, Fitzpatrick was promoted to the team’s active roster. In four appearances, Fitzpatrick hauled in five of his eight receptions for 49 yards and one receiving touchdown. His first career touchdown came against the Houston Texans as he caught an 18-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill.
Fitzpatrick has played in five games over his first two seasons, totaling five catches, 49 receiving yards, and one touchdown. He joins Boykin, Johnson, Gunner Olszewski, Calvin Austin III, George Pickens, and Allen Robinson II on the active roster as a receiver. He can play as a gunner and be a key special teams piece if they need him to do that.
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