Steelers Release Versatile Linebacker

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released linebacker Tariq Carpenter from the practice squad after their loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, the team announced.

Carpenter, 24, made his Steelers in the 23-19 win over the Green Bay Packers after he was elevated from the practice squad on that Saturday. He played ten snaps, all on special teams, and made one tackle. During his time with the team, he was elevated for three games, but he was out of time to come up from the practice squad, and seemed to be in limbo. When he was added, Carpenter has been a key factor in special teams.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Georgia Tech alum has played all over the defense in his career, with time at safety, edge rusher and inside linebacker while playing with the Green Bay Packers after being selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

As a rookie in 2022, he played in 14 games, playing mostly on special teams, and recorded eight tackles with the Packers. With the Steelers, he will primarily play on special teams, helping to backfill the jobs vacated when Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson were moved into bigger roles at linebacker after injuries to Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb.

Steelers linebacker Tariq Carpenter against the Packers, Nov. 12, 2023 – Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Carpenter has now been elevated three times. He can only be elevated three times before the Steelers will be forced to add them to the 53-man roster in order to continue playing him. So, that could be a decision that will come this week, especially after the Steelers added Myles Jack and Blake Martinez to the room for veteran insurance.