Steelers host former Tampa Bay Buccaneers center for tryout

The Steelers will need depth at the center position if backup J.C. Hassenauer steps in at guard on Monday versus Bengals.

Zach is back! According to the NFL transaction wire, the Pittsburgh Steelers brought center Zach Shackelford in for a Friday tryout. Shackelford had a tryout earlier this month shortly after Maurkice Pouncey was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

The Texas Longhorns product started 40 of 43 games at center. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL draft but released him on cut-down day.

With injuries to guards Matt Feiler (pectoral) and Kevin Dotson (shoulder), offensive line depth is thin. Backup center J.C. Hassenauer stepped in at guard during the Buffalo Bills game, and he’ll likely do the same on Monday.

If signed, Shackelford could be backing up Pouncey.

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