With injuries piling up, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a shortage of experienced veterans and addressed some of that need on Wednesday. The team announced the signing of defensive lineman Cassius Marsh from the Indianapolis Colts practice squad.
Marsh, now in his seventh season, opened the season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he registered nine tackles (seven solo), two hurries and a quarterback hit in four games (one start). He logged five solo tackles and a hurry in three games with the Colts after being activated as a COVID-19 replacement. According to Colts Wire, Indianapolis’ defensive line is nearing full strength, and there likely would not have been a role for him on the active roster.
Greatful for this opportunity! https://t.co/7HQLfe76XS
— Cassius Marsh (@KingCash_7191) December 9, 2020
The Seattle Seahawks selected the UCLA product in the fourth-round of the 2014 NFL draft. In 91 games (nine starts), Marsh contributed 14 sacks, 173 tackles (25 for loss), five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 29 quarterback hits and 121 hurries. He’s been utilized heavily on special teams during his career, logging 1,607 snaps.
Pittsburgh marks the seventh stop for Marsh, which also includes the Arizona Cardinals (2019), San Francisco 49ers (2017-18) and New England Patriots (2017).
Marsh’s versatility makes him a perfect fit in Pittsburgh. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s spent most of his career at left and right end, but he’s also seen plenty of snaps at outside linebacker.
Currently listed at defensive end on Pittsburgh’s roster, at 6’4, 245 pounds, Marsh projects as more of an EDGE, or outside linebacker, in the Steelers system. He’s nearly identical to Alex Highsmith in stature. Marsh is likely to rotate off the right edge with Highsmith and Ola Adeniyi and spell T.J. Watt on the left.
Football is in the blood of the Marsh family. Cassius’ father, Curtis Marsh Sr., played the 1997 season with the Steelers at wide receiver. His brother, Curtis Marsh Jr., was a cornerback who last played for the Denver Broncos in 2015.
Marsh will be wearing No. 49.
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