Steelers Release Veteran RB, Intend to Sign to Practice Squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released veteran running back Jonathan Ward and intend to sign him to their practice squad.

Alan Saunders |

Updated: Aug 27, 2024

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jonathan Ward — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Ward during a preseason game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 10, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released veteran running back Jonathan Ward, and hope to sign him to their practice squad, a league source told Steelers Now.

Ward, 26, had appeared to separate himself from the pack in the Steelers’ battle for a fourth running back spot early in training camp, but a late hamstring injury hampered his efforts to secure a roster spot. The Steelers had also been using Ward as a kickoff returner, alongside Cordarrelle Patterson and Jaylen Warren, before his injury.

Playing in just one preseason game before the injury, Ward carried seven times for 29 yards, caught one pass for five yards and returned one kickoff for 25 yards against the Houston Texans.

Ward returned to practice before the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, but was held out of that game, as well.

“Definitely [frustrating],” Ward said last week. “There’s a lot of actors and what-ifs. Definitely not ideal to be hurt in any situation, especially not in preseason.”

The Steelers brought Ward in to rookie camp as a tryout way back in May, where he impressed and earned a contract. The 26-year-old is in his fifth pro season, having spent two and a half years each with the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans.

Ward’s best NFL season came in 2021, when he rushed nine times for 33 yards, caught three passes for 34 yards, and scored one touchdown.

In addition to Ward, fullback Jack Colletto, cornerback Thomas Graham, wide receiver Quez Watkins and linebacker Kyron Johnson were released before the deadline on Tuesday.