Godwin Igwebuike. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers sign speedy RB, massive DT with latest injuries

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 9/20/23

The Steelers made a pair of moves Wednesday in an effort to fill the holes left by a couple of injured players.

First, Pittsburgh signed veteran RB Godwin Igwebuike off of the Falcons' practice squad after RB Anthony McFarland landed on injured reserve Monday.

Igwebuike is now the third back on the Steelers' roster, behind running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. However, Pittsburgh will likely use him as a special teams returner as it did with McFarland.

The 29-year-old is certainly in the later stages of his career but still brings an element of high-end speed. Igwebuike ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash when he entered the league and had this impressive run against the Steelers a few years ago.

Godwin Igwebuike versus the Steelers as a member of the Lions a few years ago #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/p7a1efdwM3
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) September 20, 2023

Pittsburgh's second move of the day was signing DT Breiden Fehoko from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Fehoko impressed in training camp this offseason but was the odd man out on a crowded defensive line. He will now help fill the void left by All-Pro DT Cameron Heyward, who is expected to miss up to eight weeks with a groin injury.

The addition of the massive 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive lineman is important as he will be an asset in plugging up holes in the run game. The Steelers have allowed a league-worst 193 rushing yards per game through the first two weeks of the season and must find a way to fix it. Fehoko could be the answer.

Although the two moves don't jump off the screen, both are necessary for Pittsburgh to stay competitive as the team heads to Las Vegas to face the Raiders on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 3.

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