Steelers Work Out Blazing-Fast Rookie Running Back

The Pittsburgh Steelers worked out rookie running back Jaden Shirden on Friday. Shirden was previously with the Carolina Panthers.

Chris Ward |

Updated: Aug 18, 2024

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jaden Shirden — Jaden Shirden, Monmouth Athletics

The Pittsburgh Steelers worked out running back Jaden Shirden on Friday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. Shirden, who signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in May, was waived on Aug. 11.

Steelers running back Jonathan Ward (hamstring) was held out of practice on Thursday, so the Steelers could be doing their due diligence in getting another running back on the roster. Mike Tomlin said he won’t make a decision on Ward and other injured players’ availability for Saturday night’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills until the “11th hour.”

Shirden, who stands at 5-foot-8, 187 pounds, ran a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and led all running backs with a 1.51 second 10-yard split.

Shirden had a standout collegiate career at Monmouth University, where he racked up 3,697 career rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, including 14 touchdowns of at least 50 yards. He averaged a program-record 7.3 yards per attempt and ranks third in school history in rushing. In 33 career games, Shirden went over the 100-yard mark 17 times, including a program-record six 200-yard performances.

Shirden’s best season at Monmouth was in 2022 when he rushed for 1,700 yards and 13 touchdowns. He averaged a whopping 8.4 yards per carry on the ground.

In 2023, Shirden rushed for 1,478 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was named the inaugural recipient of the Walter Camp Foundation FCS Player of the Year after he was a unanimous All-American selection. The two-time CAA Offensive Player of the Year ended the 2023 regular season as the nation’s leading rusher for the second consecutive season. Shirden also finished third in the Walter Payton Award voting in each of the past two seasons.

In addition to being invited to the NFL Combine, Shirden participated in the 99th annual East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas.

Shirden rushed for 12 yards on four carries in his NFL debut against the New England Patriots on Aug. 9. He was released by the Panthers two days later.