Category: Steelers practice squad

Steelers add former first-round CB to practice squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers added former Jacksonville Jaguars first-round NFL draft pick C.J. Henderson to their practice squad.

With the unfortunate news of second-year cornerback Cory Trice Jr. heading to injured reserve, the Pittsburgh Steelers added some depth on Wednesday.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Steelers signed cornerback C.J. Henderson to their practice squad.

Henderson, a former first-round selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 NFL draft, has appeared in 49 games (32 starts) for Jacksonville and the Carolina Panthers (2021-2023). In those matchups, Henderson has recorded 172 tackles (139 solo), 16 passes defensed, six tackles for a loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one sack and a fumble recovery.

Henderson signed with the Houston Texans as a free agent, appearing in only one preseason game.

Henderson spent three seasons with the Florida Gators, appearing in 33 games and recording 93 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, six interceptions, 22 pass deflections and two defensive touchdowns. He excelled in single coverage, logging 172 single-coverage snaps and allowing only one touchdown on 49 targets.

https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1838949249288905121

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers sign Quez Watkins to practice squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue compiling their practice squad, adding a third wide receiver in Quez Watkins.

The compilation of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 practice squad has been painfully slow, but they added their eighth reserve on Friday with the signing of wide receiver Quez Watkins.

Watkins is the third receiver on Pittsburgh’s current practice squad, joining Brandon Johnson and Ben Skowronek. Given how thin the team is at the position, he likely won’t be the last.

The Steelers initially signed Watkins as a free agent in March, but he was released as part of the cutdown to 53 players. He logged two receptions on three targets for 34 yards and one carry for six yards during the preseason.

Watkins’ best season came in 2021 when he hauled in 43 receptions for 647 receiving yards as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

https://twitter.com/steelers/status/1829636176942415922

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers sign former Russell Wilson target to practice squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed former Russell Wilson target, Brandon Johnson, to its practice squad.

On Friday, the Pittsburgh Steelers began constructing their 2024 practice squad by adding seven players, including Brandon Johnson, a former Russell Wilson target.

Johnson spent two seasons with the Denver Broncos between the practice squad and active roster. He caught 44 passes for 610 yards and nine touchdowns after signing with Denver as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL draft.

Mike Klies, Broncos reporter for 9 News, shared on X that Denver attempted to sign Johnson to its practice squad. Instead, Johnson chose to come to Pittsburgh, where he had two established connections with Wilson and former Broncos wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers signing ex-Eagles RB Boston Scott to practice squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing former Philadelphia Eagles, L.A. Rams running back Boston Scott to the practice squad.

A wide receiver? A slot cornerback? Nope, the Pittsburgh Steelers are adding a running back to their practice squad roster after Tuesday’s cutdowns.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Steelers are signing former Philadelphia Eagles back Boston Scott, who was cut after spending the summer with the Los Angeles Rams.

Scott was released in December 2018 by his drafted team, the New Orleans Saints, and immediately signed with the Eagles, where he’d spend six seasons.

During his time in Philadelphia, Scott logged 1,295 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground, and 566 yards and one touchdown as a pass-catcher.

The Steelers could’ve been attracted to Scott because of his success as a kick returner, a spot that left a muddled picture after the preseason. In 2020, Scott finished the season 4th in kick returns and eighth in kick return yards. In 2022, he finished with the eighth-longest kick return of 66 yards.

Known as the “Giant Killer,” 10 of Scott’s 17 career touchdowns have come against the New York Giants. He has 86 carries for 414 yards (4.81 yards per carry) and 10 rushing scores to go along with 17 receptions for 222 yards versus New York.

The Steelers welcome the New York Giants to Acrisure Stadium in Week 8. Something tells me Scott will magically be a practice squad activation.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers sign ex-Browns safety Nate Meadors to practice squad

The Steelers signed safety Nate Meadors to their practice squad.

The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed their need for depth at inside linebacker with the addition of Jaylon Smith on Tuesday and did the same at the safety position.

Journeyman Nate Meadors originally signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 as an undrafted free agent and has had stints with the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans, and, most recently, the Cleveland Browns. He also played in the XFL for the St. Louis Battlehawks.

Meadors’ last game action came in 2020 via the Vikings’ special teams. He played 11 defensive snaps for Minnesota in 2019.

With Keanu Neal on injured reserve and injuries to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson, safety has been widdled down to Patrick Peterson, Eric Rowe, Miles Killebrew and Elijah Riley. Damontae Kazee is serving a three-game suspension handed down by the NFL for an illegal hit against the Colts in Week 15.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers add kicker to protected practice squad, Chris Boswell remains in concussion protocol

With starter Chris Boswell still in concussion protocol, Steelers take precautionary measure.

While kicker Chris Boswell still remains in concussion protocol, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed former Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo to their practice squad on Tuesday.

Per the NFL transaction wire, the Steelers chose Lambo as one of four players on their protected practice squad. Only three players were protected when Tuesday’s transaction wire was released.

[lawrence-related id=503212]

“There’s nothing that alarms us in terms of the process that’s he’s in, but it is a process. If Bos is cleared and ready to go, he’ll be our kicker on Monday night,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in a press conference on Tuesday.

If Pittsburgh needs to activate Lambo, we’ll have to hold our breath with each kick. After a rough start to the 2021 season, the Jags released Lambo and elevated former Steelers kicker Matthew Wright.

[vertical-gallery id=503214]

[listicle id=503223]

Steelers practice squad: Pittsburgh’s protects 4 PS players for Week 5

Here are the four players the Pittsburgh Steelers protected for their Week 5 matchup with the Denver Broncos.

The NFL carried over some successful rules from the 2020 season, including practice squad protections. Teams can protect up to four of the most valued players on their practice squad each week, preventing them from being signed by other teams.

Teams that play on Sundays can designate protected players each Tuesday at 4 p.m.

For the third straight week, the Steelers protected former Cleveland Browns defensive back Karl Joseph and defensive lineman Taco Charlton. Wide receiver Cody White and tackle Chaz Green were also protected. These four are not eligible to sign with another team until after Sunday’s game.

Pittsburgh plays host to the 3-1 Denver Broncos on Sunday at 1 p.m. eastern.

[vertical-gallery id=497415]

[listicle id=495947]

Steelers practice squad: Pittsburgh’s protects 3 PS players for Week 4

Here are the three players the Pittsburgh Steelers protected for their Week 4 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

The NFL carried over some successful rules from the 2020 season, including practice squad protections. Teams can protect up to four of the most valued players on their practice squad each week, preventing them from being signed by other teams.

Teams that play on Sundays can designate protected players each Tuesday at 4 p.m.

For the second straight week, the Steelers protected former Raiders defensive back Karl Joseph, defensive lineman Taco Charlton and running back Jaylen Samuels. These three are not eligible to sign with another team until after Sunday’s game.

Pittsburgh heads northwest for their rumble with the 2-1 Green Bay Packers this Sunday, Oct. 3 at 4:25 eastern.

[vertical-gallery id=497415]

[listicle id=495947]

Steelers practice squad: Taco Charlton, Karl Joseph among Pittsburgh’s protections for Week 3

Taco Charlton, Karl Joseph are among the 4 Steelers PS protections this week.

The NFL carried over some successful rules from the 2020 season, including practice squad protections. Teams can protect up to four of the most valued players on their practice squad each week, preventing them from being signed by other teams.

Teams that play on Sundays can designate protected players each Tuesday at 4 p.m.

The Steelers protected former Raiders defensive back Karl Joseph and newly-signed defensive end Taco Charlton. Running back Jaylen Samuels and linebacker Derrek Tuszka round out Week 3 protections. These four are not eligible to sign with another team until after Sunday’s game.

Pittsburgh welcomes the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals for its second consecutive home game this Sunday, Sept. 26.

[vertical-gallery id=497415]

[listicle id=495947]

Steelers practice squad: Karl Joseph among Pittsburgh’s 4 protections for Week 2

Former Raiders safety Karl Joseph was among the 4 Steelers PS protections this week.

The NFL carried over some successful rules from the 2020 season, including practice squad protections. Teams can protect up to four of the most valued players on their practice squad each week, preventing them from being signed by other teams.

Teams that play on Sundays can designate protected players each Tuesday at 4 p.m.

The Steelers protected former Raiders defensive back Karl Joseph for the first time since joining the practice squad in early September. Protected for the second week are tight end Kevin Rader, running back Jaylen Samuels and defensive end Henry Mondeaux. These four are not eligible to sign with another team until after Sunday’s game.

Pittsburgh welcomes the Las Vegas Raiders to Heinz Field for its 2021 season home opener this Sunday, Sept. 19.

[vertical-gallery id=497415]

[listicle id=495947]