Steelers Waive Running Back, Make Roster Space for IR Return

The Pittsburgh Steelers have waived running back Jonathan Ward, the team announced on Wednesday. 

The move will clear space on the 53-man roster for the return of cornerback Cory Trice Jr., who must be reinstated from the injured reserve list by Thursday, or he will be lost for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Ward, 27, has spent the entire season bouncing between the Steelers’ active roster and practice squad, and should he clear waivers, would likely re-join that unit.

Ward initially joined the Steelers as a pro tryout at rookie minicamp. He earned a contract there and was with the club through the offseason, training camp and preseason. He was released in August and re-signed to the practice squad. 

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Ward in a preseason game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 9, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

As the team dealt with injuries to both Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson, Ward was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster the maximum of three times. He was then promoted to the active roster on Oct. 28 and waived on Nov. 9. He was re-signed to the practice squad on Nov. 13 and then once again added to the 53-man roster on Nov. 16.

Ward has been inactive in each of the team’s last three games since his last promotion. In total, Ward has played in four game for the Steelers this season, rushing five times for 22 yards. He also has two tackles on special teams.