The Steelers have released veteran running back Jaylen Samuels, the team announced on Tuesday as part of its final cuts to a 53-man roster.
Samuels was the Steelers’ fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and spent three seasons with the team, largely as a third or fourth option at running back.
Samuels had his least productive season as a pro in 2020, rushing for 28 yards on nine carries and adding another 46 yards on nine catches.
Samuels lost touches to rookie Anthony McFarland Jr. and second-year back Benny Snell Jr., who started when first-stringer James Conner was injured.
Samuels saw extensive playing time in his first two seasons in Pittsburgh. He rushed 56 times for 256 yards and caught 26 passes for 199 yards as a rookie in 2018.
In four games this preseason, Samuels rushed 31 times for 89 yards and scored a touchdown.
Samuels was among 14 players removed from the active roster on Tuesday as the Steelers cut down to the NFL-mandated 53-man limit before the 4 p.m. deadline.
The Steelers also cut guard Rashaad Coward, running back Trey Edmunds, guard B.J. Finney, cornerback Mark Gilbert, tackle Chaz Green, tackle John Leglue, outside linebacker Cassius Marsh, cornerback Arthur Maulet, tight end Kevin Rader, outside linebacker Quincy Roche, safety Donovan Stiner and wide receiver Cody White.
Additionally, quarterback Josh Dobbs was placed on injured reserve.