Steelers Waive Injured DE Calvin Taylor

The Steelers have waived injured defensive end Calvin Taylor, the team announced on Monday.


Taylor participated in the team’s preseason opener against the Cowboys on Thursday, but did not record any statistics. He was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent before the 2020 season. Taylor was cut by the Steelers at the end of training camp and re-signed to the practice squad, where he spent the entire 2020 season.

The 6-foot-9, 310-pound defensive end was an All-SEC selection as a senior at Kentucky in 2019. Taylor finished his Wildcats career with 85 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, five pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

The Steelers return nearly all of their defensive line depth from 2020 and added fifth-round pick Isaiahh Loudermilk to the mix, as well. Taylor had been in a battle to retain his practice squad spot.

If Taylor clears waivers, he will revert to the team’s injured reserve list. He would then be eligible to return to the active roster at least eights weeks into the season, or sooner if the NFL adopts the 2020 roster rules for this season.

Taylor is the fifth player that the Steelers have waived with an injury designation this offseason, joining defensive tackle Demarcus Christmas, tight end Dax Raymond, cornerback DeMarkus Acy and offensive lineman Anthony Coyle. All of the other four cleared waivers and reverted to the injured reserve list.