The Steelers announced on Wednesday that they’ve placed running back Jeremy McNichols (shoulder) on injured reserve and signed undrafted free agent running back Master Teague III.
In 31 career games, McNichols has rushed for 364 yards and one touchdown, along with 40 receptions for 295 yards and one touchdown. In 2021, McNichols rushed for 156 yards on 41 carries (3.8 average) and had 28 receptions for 240 yards (8.6 average) and a touchdown. He was signed by the Steelers at the beginning of training camp.
Teague was an undrafted free agent in the 2022 NFL Draft who ended up being signed by the Chicago Bears afterward. When playing at Ohio State, Teague ended up a two-time All-Big 10 selection, being a second-team selection in 2020.
The signing now brings back some numbers for the Steelers in the running back room. Najee Harris suffered a foot injury and has not practiced in the last two days. McNichols will now be placed on injured reserve to free up the roster spot for Teague.
Running backs like Jaylen Warren have taken advantage of the opportunity given to them by the injury. It will now be Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland, Mataeo Durant, Warren, and Teague in the backfield. Teague joins the group that is looking to compete for the RB2 job in Pittsburgh.
As of now, it is Snell who is taking first team reps followed by McFarland and Warren in the backfield. Teague will have to catch up quickly to close the gap in the competition.