Veteran running back earns a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers after stealing the show at rookie minicamp

Sermon most recently played for the Indianapolis Colts, serving as a backup back to Jonathan Taylor. The Steelers' current room doesn’t employ someone of Taylor’s status, but it is crowded to say the least. 

The obvious headliners are Kaleb Johnson and Jaylen Warren, but Kenneth Gainwell was an offseason addition that the Steelers are high on in terms of his capabilities on third down and in the passing game, 

And while his words and actions often suggest otherwise, there is still Cordarrelle Patterson to remember about, who will could carry a roster spot as a running back, even if he is remotely used as a returner this year. 

So Sermon faces an uphill battle to make the roster, to say the least. It’s highly unlikely the team carries more than four backs. Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren and Kenny Gainwell are locks.

That means it will likely come down to Cordarrelle Patterson and Sermon for the fourth and final spot on the 53-man roster. Considering Sermon is not a special teams player, or at least in not in terns of being a returner, his best shot at sticking in Pittsburgh will be via a practice squad spot. 

Even still, going to a tryout and earning a contract, albeit for one year is no small feat and should be commended. We’ll see what the future looks like for Sermon in Pittsburgh.