The Steelers have re-signed running back Trey Edmunds to their active roster, the team announced on Tuesday.
Edmunds had been with the Steelers for the entire 2020 season until he was released late last week in part to make room for recently acquired linebacker Avery Williamson.
The Steelers also appeared to no longer have a need for Edmunds, who was promoted from the practice squad to help replaced injured fullback Derek Watt, who has missed extensive time with a hamstring strain.
Watt was not on the team’s injury report heading into the team’s Week 9 game at Dallas, but was a late scratch due to a flare-up of the injury. Head coach Mike Tomlin said that there is a chance Watt could return this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Edmunds, 25, brings the ability to play both running back and fullback and significant special teams experience. Tomlin expressed his displeasure with the Steelers’ special teams performance against Dallas multiple times.
In three seasons with Pittsburgh, Edmunds has played in 18 games and recorded 22 carries for 92 yards and caught six passes for another 48 yards. He played 210 snaps of special teams for the Steelers in 2019, which was sixth-most on the team. He recorded six tackles and an interception on a fake punt.
Edmunds took the place of tight end Vance McDonald, who was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list on Monday. The Steelers have multiple open spots remaining on their 53-man roster after placing four more players on the COVID-19 list on Tuesday, including running back Jaylen Samuels. Edmunds should be able to practice with the team this week if he remained in Pittsburgh and continued taking part in testing after being released.