2 former Steelers sign with San Antonio Brahmas of UFL

The San Antonio Brahmas have signed former Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr.

Two former members of the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed to play in the United Football League. Running back Anthony McFarland Jr. and punter Brad Wing have both signed with the San Antonio Brahmas franchise of the league, which is scheduled to begin play next month.

McFarland spent four seasons with the Steelers after playing his college ball at Maryland. Despite his game-breaking speed, McFarland never found a spot on the depth chart. The team finally released him during the 2023 season after firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada.

Wing was the Steelers’ primary punter in 2014. The Steelers also brought Wing back in 2023, when he appeared in two games and had 11 punts for an average of 45 yards. It was the first time Wing had played in the NFL since 2017.

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Steelers re-sign RB Anthony McFarland to practice squad

And, just like that, Anthony McFarland is back.

Almost as quickly as he left, Anthony McFarland is back. The Pittsburgh Steelers released the veteran running back on Thursday and, per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, re-signed him to the practice squad yesterday.

Cutting McFarland was the most obvious move when Pittsburgh needed to make room to suit up linebacker Kyron Johnson for the Cincinnati Bengals game. He’d been inactive for four games after playing in two upon his return from injured reserve.

This season, McFarland has two catches for 11 yards and returned six kickoffs for 164 yards.

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Steelers release veteran RB Anthony McFarland Jr.

The Steelers released Anthony McFarland this afternoon.

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the release of veteran running back Anthony McFarland Jr. this afternoon.

McFarland never blossomed into the player the Steelers hoped when they drafted him in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL draft.

He landed on injured reserve after Pittsburgh’s Week 1 loss to the San Fransisco 49ers and has played in just three games this season.

McFarland has been a healthy scratch the past four games in favor of returner Godwin Igwebuike, whom the team signed off the Falcons practice squad in September.

In 17 games, McFarland logged 42 carries for 146 career yards and 11 receptions for 87 yards.

‘Fresh’ Steelers RB Anthony McFarland expected to provide special teams boost

It’ll be exciting to see what Anthony McFarland can bring in his first game back.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are slowly getting back key players from all three phases of the game, and just in time for the last leg of the 2023 regular season.

Cam Heyward is the most recent after Diontae Johnson‘s return in Week 7. Now special teams get a boost from Anthony McFarland, who’ll suit up for the first time in eight weeks after injuring his knee leading up to the Cleveland Browns.

“I am very anxious,” McFarland told Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. “I haven’t played since Week 1. I feel fresh. Ready to be out there with the team.”

In addition to being the Steelers’ primary kick returner, it appeared from McFarland’s lone full game of the 2023 season that Pittsburgh had intentions to get him involved in the passing game this year.

He caught two targets, one for a first down, from Kenny Pickett for 11 yards. McFarland’s biggest contribution came via the return game, something he hadn’t done since his rookie season. He returned three kicks for 91 yards, including a 34-long.

But after appearing on the team’s injury reports during Browns week, McFarland landed on injured reserve the day of the Monday Night Football matchup — along with Diontae Johnson.

Johnson’s back, now McFarland, as the Steelers host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

“I feel good. I feel healthy,” said McFarland. “These last few weeks, getting back on my feet. I am practicing hard.”

McFarland, a full participant in every practice session since he was designated to return from IR, did not have an injury designation for Pittsburgh’s last two games against the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. Both are good signs that he’s physically ready to get back on the field.

After coming over from the Atlanta Falcons, Godwin Igwebuike played well in McFarland’s absence. Though he was inactive for his first three games in Pittsburgh, he’s averaged 23.25 yards on four kick returns, one a 36-yard long versus Jacksonville.

Thanks, Igwebuike, but it’ll be exciting to see what McFarland can bring in his first game back.

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Pittsburgh Steelers make two early-week roster moves

Cole Holcomb is heading to IR, while Anthony McFarland comes off.

It was something we all knew Thursday night the moment Cole Holcomb exited the field at Acrisure via medical cart. The Pittsburgh Steelers confirmed today that Holcomb is on injured reserve with a knee injury, ending his first season in the Black and Gold.

Though the extent of the injury is unknown, he is expected to make a full recovery, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Mike Tomlin could shed some light on the situation in his Tuesday presser.

Pittsburgh cleaned inside linebacker house in the offseason and brought Holcomb in on a three-year deal as part of the rebuild. He emerged as the team’s top inside linebacker, having recorded 59 tackles, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Other offseason additions, Kwon Alexander and Elandon Roberts, will have increased roles. Roberts started all games but one — versus the Las Vegas Raiders — when Alexander had his only start. Second-year linebacker Mark Robinson, a 2022 seventh-round draft pick, could also see some time, but the team will likely add another free agent.

Running back Anthony McFarland, who’d been on injured reserve since injuring his knee in Week 2, was activated. He was designated to return on Oct. 16 and has been a full practice participant since.

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Diontae Johnson, Anthony McFarland return to practice for Steelers

Diontae Johnson and Anthony McFarland returned to practice today.

Two important pieces of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense are one step closer to taking the field. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) and running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (knee) returned had their 21-day practice window opened on Monday. They’re permitted to practice but still remain on injured reserve.

Should Johnson or McFarland not be taken off IR within 21 days, he will be out for the season.

Before the Steelers headed for a bye-week break, Johnson said that he would be back for Pittsburgh’s upcoming matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.

The offense has struggled overall throughout the first five games. Having Johnson back, combined with game plan adjustments made during the bye, will hopefully give it that spark they so desperately need.

We’ll see how their first practice back went when it ends at 12:30 and players speak with the media.

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Steelers vs. Ravens: RB Wendell Smallwood called up from practice squad

With James Conner on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, the Steelers called up veteran Wendell Smallwood for reinforcement versus Ravens.

With Steelers running back James Conner on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, Wendell Smallwood was called up from the practice squad today. He’ll join the rotation of Benny Snell, Jr. and Anthony McFarland, Jr.

In five seasons, this will be Smallwood’s 52nd career game and first with the Steelers. He came to Pittsburgh as a member of the practice squad in September.

Smallwood’s best season came in 2018 with the Philadelphia Eagles when rushed for 364 yards and three touchdowns. He also logged 230 receiving yards and two more scores.

It’s hard to predict how often Smallwood will be used versus the Ravens, given his inexperience with the Black & Gold, but his sure hands as a receiver could come into play.

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Behind Enemy Lines: Week 11 Q&A with Steelers Wire

Steelers Wire’s Curt Popejoy talks about the undefeated Steelers as they approach their Week 11 game with the Jags.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ and Pittsburgh Steelers’ rivalry is one we’ve covered heavily here from 2017-18, and we’ve now come upon a time where the two rivals will meet again. While they both are on opposite ends of the spectrum record-wise, history says this could be a close battle for Week 11.

To get more intel on the Steelers, we sat down with Steelers Wire’s Curt Popejoy. Here are five burning questions he was able to answer for Sunday’s battle as the Steelers travel to TIAA Bank Field:

Jaguars Wire: This Steelers team is rolling and their record is proof. That said, what are their weaknesses — if there are any and what worries the Steelers’ fanbase about the Jags?

Curt Popejoy: I think both these answers are the same. The Jaguars have a great run game, and the Steelers are very up and down stopping the run. If there is a place where the Jaguars can attack the Steelers, it is with what they do best.

JW: What has been the biggest factor in the fantastic season Pittsburgh is having?

CP: It’s all about the return of Ben Roethlisberger. This team without him went 8-8 last season thanks to the defense when the offense stunk. Big Ben’s return has changed everything.

JW: While there were only six selections, the Steelers rookie class had some interesting names within it like Chase Claypool. Alongside him, how are they coming along?

CP: Claypool is becoming a star in a hurry. He’s got the confidence of Roethlisberger, and it’s paying off huge for him. The rest of the class has been a bit good when called upon. Guard Kevin Dotson is going to be a star once he’s a full-time starter, and I think the same can be said for outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. Both guys are just waiting for their opportunities.

JW: Who are some under-the-radar names to watch from this Steelers team on offense and defense?

CP: On offense, it’s rookie running back Anthony McFarland. Mike Tomlin said he wants to get the run game going, and his speed might be the key to it. On defense, the return of former Jaguar Tyson Alualu is the thing to watch. The run defense nosedived when he was out, but he’s back to 100% and playing like his old team.

JW: What’s your final predictions for the outcome of the game?

CP: The last two weeks have been trap games for the Steelers, and they won them both in very different ways. This week, I do look for Pittsburgh to win, but it will fall somewhere in between. This won’t be a blowout against a well-coached team like Jacksonville, but at the same time, I don’t think the Steelers take it to the final play either.

Steelers 31, Jaguars 21

Steelers RB Anthony McFarland misses Thursday practice with illness

The rookie running back was on the Steelers injury report on Thursday.

A new name popped up on Thursday when the Steelers released their injury report — rookie running back Anthony McFarland. He didn’t participate in practice due to an undisclosed illness.

We remember all too well what happened just last week. Tight end Vance McDonald was on Friday’s injury report with an illness designation, and he wound up testing positive for COVID-19 that following Monday.

Of course, it’s too soon to tell if McFarland has a run-of-the-mill cold or if he contracted the coronavirus. In McDonald’s case, he tested negative for the virus in the days leading up to traveling with the team. It wasn’t until after he returned to Pittsburgh that a test came back positive.

Since McFarland was at practice on Wednesday, there’s no telling how many players could be impacted if he ends up testing positive in the future.

All we can do is hope for good news when updates are announced.

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Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin pulled one over on us

At long last, it appears that Tomlin has opened his mind to an RBBC approach to the Steelers’ run game.

Remember all that talk in the offseason from Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin about not utilizing a rotational running back system? Yeah, me, too. And I fell for it. Why? Because in 13 seasons, Tomlin has never done it — except when the unit has been riddled by injury (2019, 2015).

“It was good to get Anthony McFarland involved,” said Tomlin in Sunday’s postgame press conference. “I thought our utilization of all the backs was a good element of play for us.

In reference to McFarland, Jr., Tomlin said game circumstances hadn’t allowed his role to develop. He was inactive Week 1 and suited up but didn’t play in Week 2.

“We like the overall trajectory of [McFarland’s] game,” he said. “He’s been working hard and practicing hard and has professional detail in his work. We had trust in his abilities. He brings a different skill set than the others, and they complement each other well.”

Games through three weeks have played out as such that they’re able to close games on the ground — where they’re winning but need to run out the clock and play mistake-free football in the final minutes.

“All these games are close,” Tomlin said. “Everything in the National Football League is a one-score game, so your ability in the waning moments to possess the ball and not put your defense in harm’s way, to win the critical possession downs, to be able to run or run-like action.

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“I can’t say enough about what Ben was able to do in some of those short-yardage situations. We did supplement the run with some quick RPO options that allowed us to sustain drives and possess the ball.”

The shuffling of James Conner, McFarland and Benny Snell, Jr. worked in Week 3. Every game will dictate its own set of circumstances, but it’s great to see Tomlin open to a rotational running back approach finally.

“James is our feature runner,” Tomlin said for the umpteenth time since July. “It doesn’t mean that we won’t play others, but it does mean as we distribute carries, particularly as we find our rhythm in the game, that will include Conner unless someone has an unusually hot hand.”

Tomlin added that that’s the approach from now on — he doesn’t care who gets the credit or who makes the plays.

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