Steelers Release Athletic Rookie Linebacker

The Pittsburgh Steelers released athletic rookie linebacker Craig Young from their practice squad in a series of moves on Tuesday.

Pittsburgh Steelers ILB Craig Young
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Craig Young makes a tackle at practice on Oct. 25, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released rookie inside linebacker Craig Young from the practice squad on Tuesday, the team announced.

Young signed with the Steelers on Oct. 16 and had not been elevated from the practice squad for any games. The Steelers appear to be close to getting veteran inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich back from the injured reserve list. In addition to the four inside linebackers on the active roster, Devin Harper is also on the practice squad, giving coach Aaron Curry a deep group to work with.

Young originally signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent after going undrafted out of Kansas this spring. In three preseason games, Young finished tied for sixth on Colts with eight tackles, but he was waived in the final cuts on Aug. 27, 2024.

At Kansas, Young played in a hybrid safety role. He appeared in 26 games and recorded 101 tackles, 71 of them solo stops, 10.5 tackles for a loss, eight passes defensed, six sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. He transferred to Kansas for his final two seasons of college football after starting out at Ohio State. He played in 26 games over three seasons as a Buckeye at linebacker. Young finished his career at Ohio State recording 23 tackles, two interceptions and a touchdown.

Young, who stands at 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, ran a 4.57 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day. He also did the three-cone drill in 7.27 seconds. He posted an overall Relative Athletic Score of 7.04 out of 10.

The Steelers also released wide receiver Andy Isabella from their practice squad and waived tight end Rodney Williams II on Tuesday.

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