Steelers Release Bruising Running Back

The Steelers are releasing running back Qadree Ollison from the practice squad, the team announced on Monday. The move was made to create space for rookie outside linebacker David Perales. Perales joins the team due to Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt entering concussion protocol after suffering injuries against the New England Patriots.

Ollison was elevated for two games earlier this season to play special teams after losing Anthony McFarland to a knee injury. Godwin Igwebuike eventually replaced Ollison on those special teams units until McFarland returned, but now Igwebuike is now the team’s kick returner.

Ollison, a 2019 Pitt alum, has played plenty of games at Acrisure Stadium in his career, and the fifth-year pro had the chance to appear in an NFL game there this season. Ollison was in training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars and signed with the Steelers out of the first cut-down period. Still, his experience and familiarity with the offense have allowed him to pick things up quickly.

A fifth-round pick by the Falcons in the 2019 NFL Draft, Ollison spent three seasons in Atlanta from 2019-21. His most productive season was in 2021, when he rushed 21 times for 105 yards and a touchdown and caught four of six targets for 12 yards. 

Ollison was waived by the Falcons last August and signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. He was elevated for three games, but played almost exclusively on special teams, getting just two snaps of offense. Ollison has been a regular special teams performer throughout his career.