Steelers WR Clears Waivers, Re-Joins Practice Squad

Wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick cleared waivers on Tuesday after he was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday and has re-joined the team’s practice squad, the club announced on Wednesday.

Fitzpatrick was released one day after making his Steelers debut in the team’s Week 4 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Fitzpatrick, 25, had been promoted to the active roster from the practice squad on Sept. 14. Against the Texans, 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. Johnson will miss at least one more game while recovering from his hamstring injury.

The Steelers used the spot on the 53-man roster created by releasing Fitzpatrick to promote tight end Rodney Williams from the practice squad.  The team’s practice squad is now full, as well, with Williams and tight end Noah Gindorff being signed on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the team signed wide receiver Denzel Mims and tackle Obinna Eze to the practice squad while releasing running back Greg Bell, wide receiver Jalen Camp and wide receiver Jacob Copeland.