Former Steelers Returner To Miss Week 1 Matchup Due To Wrist Injury; Benny Snell Jr. Heads To NFC North

McCloud spent two seasons in Pittsburgh before signing with the 49ers on a two-year, $10+ million deal last offseason. He is set to enter his second year with the NFC West team, and now he will have to miss the first few games. The Steelers missed his return presence in 2022, as Gunner Olszewski failed to fill the hole left by McCloud. Additionally, 49ers tight end George Kittle is dealing with an adductor strain. His injury however, is much less severe.

The injury will sideline Kittle for a week, which means he will likely be ready for the Week 1 matchup. Quarterback Brock Purdy, who returned way ahead of schedule from his elbow injury, has been performing well at 49ers training camp. He's listed as the starter, while Sam Darnold and Trey Lance are listed as co-backups ahead of the preseason. That means, barring an injury or something unforeseen, the Steelers defense will face Purdy in Week 1. 

Former Steelers Players Find New Homes

Elsewhere in the world of former Steelers players, Benny Snell Jr. has finally found a home. After four years in Pittsburgh, the team let him walk this offseason. While he became a core special teams member, he didn't quite become the running back that he was expected to be. He had visited with the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts earlier this summer, but was unable to reach a deal with either team. 

On Thursday though, he signed with the Detroit Lions in the NFC North. The Lions are the favorites in the wide open division, as they have a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Running back Justin Jackson suddenly retired, which left an opening in the Lions running back room. Now, Snell will have a month to try and make the team's 53-man roster. 

Myles Jack, whom the Steelers cut this offseason halfway into his two-year deal, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the week. He wasn't expecting to be signed, as he was ready to go be an electrician. Now, he'll have a legit shot at a Super Bowl ring with the NFC East squad.