Steelers Re-Sign Versatile Running Back
The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed running back Jonathan Ward to their practice squad, the team announced on Friday afternoon. Ward cleared waivers after being waived on Wednesday to make room for cornerback Cory Trice Jr., who had to be reinstated from the injured reserve list by Thursday, or he would’ve been lost for the remainder of the 2024 season.
In a corresponding move, the Steelers released defensive tackle Domenique Davis from the practice squad.
Ward, 27, has spent the entire season bouncing between the Steelers’ active roster and practice squad. Ward initially joined the Steelers as a pro tryout at rookie minicamp. He earned a contract there and was with the club through the offseason, training camp and preseason. He was released in August and re-signed to the practice squad.
As the team dealt with injuries to both Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson, Ward was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster the maximum of three times. He was then promoted to the active roster on Oct. 28 and waived on Nov. 9. He was re-signed to the practice squad on Nov. 13 and then once again added to the 53-man roster on Nov. 16.
Ward has been inactive in each of the team’s last three games since his last promotion. In total, Ward has played in four game for the Steelers this season, rushing five times for 22 yards. He also has two tackles on special teams.
Ward’s most significant contributions have been as a part of the Steelers’ league-best special teams units. Ward played a role on kickoff, kick return, punt and punt return units for the Steelers, earning a season-high 19 reps in the team’s Week 8 about the New York Giants.
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.
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