Steelers Promote Versatile RB to Active Roster
The Pittsburgh Steelers have promoted running back Jonathan Ward to the active roster ahead of Monday Night Football.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed running back Jonathan Ward to their active roster from the practice squad, the team announced on Monday.
Ward has played in three games for the Steelers already this season as a practice squad elevation, and the team was required to add him to the active roster in order for him to play on Monday night against the New York Giants.
Ward played in each of the team’s last three games, getting five carries for 22 yards while playing in nine snaps of offense. He also played in 40 snaps of special teams and recorded one tackle.
The Steelers have been dealing with a pair of injuries at the running back position, with Jaylen Warren finally looking like himself last Sunday after knee and hamstring injuries on the same leg, and Cordarrelle Patterson set to miss his fourth game with an ankle injury.
Both Ward and Aaron Shampklin were on the Steelers training camp roster and were placed on the practice squad after being part of the final cut-downs in August. Shampklin was added to the 53-man roster, but Ward has earned more playing time, and he will now replace Shampklin on the active roster.
The 27-year-old Ward is in his fifth NFL season, and has previously played with the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans and also spent time with the New York Jets. His most significant contributions came in 2021, when he rushed nine times for 33 yards and caught three passes for 34 yards in 13 games with the Cardinals.
He first joined the Steelers as a tryout during rookie minicamp, and Ward immediately impressed with his pass blocking prowess.
The Steelers also announced that they have released Shampklin, placed wide receiver Roman Wilson on injured reserve, and elevated wide receiver Brandon Johnson for Monday’s game.
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