Steelers Release Wide Receiver One Day after Debut

The Pittsburgh Steelers have waived wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick, the team announced on Monday.

Fitzpatrick, 25, had been promoted to the active roster from the practice squad on Sept. 14. He made his first appearance of the season and his Steelers career in the team’s Week 4 loss to the Houston Texans. In that game, he played three snaps, all of which came on special teams. He did not record any statistics.

Fitzpatrick was promoted to the active roster after an injury to star wide receiver Diontae Johnson. But even after backup Gunner Olszewski was also injured, he did not find a role in the offense. Only three receivers — George Pickens, Allen Robinson II and Calvin Austin III — have played more than 10% of the team’s offensive snaps in Johnson’s absence. Miles Boykin and Olszewski are now the only other wide receivers on the active roster.

Fitzpatrick will now be placed through waivers. If he clears waivers, he will be eligible to be added back to the practice squad.

The Steelers have not announced another signing, so they will now have an open spot on their 53-man roster.

Fitzpatrick appeared in 76 offensive snaps for the Steelers over three preseason games, seeing increased playing time as the preseason went on, but finished with zero catches on just two targets. A college star at Louisville, the Tennessee Titans selected Fitzpatrick with the 109th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Fitzpatrick was waived before his rookie season but re-signed with the Titans’ practice squad.

Fitzpatrick has played in five games over his first two seasons, totaling five catches, 49 receiving yards, and one touchdown.