Who’s back on the Steelers practice squad?

As the Steelers trim their roster and gear up for the season, the practice squad is quietly stacked with developmental talent, veteran depth, and a few preseason standouts who refused to fade.

Here’s a breakdown of who’s still in the building — and why they’re worth keeping on your radar as the season unfolds.

Defensive Backs

• Beanie Bishop made noise in 2024 as an undrafted rookie out of West Virginia. He had four interceptions and earned a Defensive Rookie of the Month nod, after his two-pick game against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets. A fan favorite, he’s back on the team after recent additions, such as Jalen Ramsey, crowded the available spots for the defensive backs room.
• Sebastian Castro, an Iowa product, brings physicality and turnover instincts. His college résumé includes 163 tackles and 5 forced fumbles. He provides safety depth, as the team initially rostered only three at that position on their initial 53-man roster.
• D’Shawn Jamison logged 15 games with the Carolina Panthers last year. His versatility and experience make him a valuable insurance policy, akin to Castro.
• James Pierre is a familiar face—now entering his sixth season with the Steelers, he is a reliable hand on special teams and can double with spot duty as a backup corner.
• Daryl Porter entered camp late but made an immediate impression, so much so that the Steelers brought him the second generation player back. He has a nasty demeanor that fits the Steelers style.

Defensive Line & Linebackers

• Kyler Baugh signed on the same day as Friday Night Under the Lights in Latrobe, Baugh bounced around the NFC South and played in the XFL before landing in Pittsburgh. He’s a high-motor defensive tackle with upside.
• DeMarvin Leal, the former 2022 third-rounder has been disappointing, but namely due to injuries and an undefined role. He appears to be transitioning back to outside linebacker. He is a project, but the skills are there.
• Julius Welschof, a German edge rusher via the International Pathway Program, Welschof spent 2024 on IR after an impressive preseason. He didn’t standout as much this preseason, but his physical traits and athleticism offer upside.

Offensive Line

• Dylan Cook, a former college quarterback turned tackle, Cook has been on and off of the Steelers active roster over the last few seasons. He has a large frame that Mike Tomlin and offensive line coach Pat Meyer covet.
• Steven Jones showed versatility across the line in preseason, which earned him a longer-term look.

Running Backs

• Lew Nichols, the 2021 NCAA rushing leader, Nichols ran angry, averaging 7.9 yards per carry in the preseason. If the Steelers struggle at the goal line, we may see Nichols called up on game days soon.
• Trey Sermon, a former third-round pick who’s been on several rosters, Sermon brings NFL experience and downhill power as a change-of-pace from their other options.

Tight End

• JJ Galbreath turned heads at FCS powerhouse South Dakota, the same school as Eagles’ standout Dallas Goedert, and had a great camp. He provides necessary depth for Arthur Smith’s tight end heavy system.

Wide Receivers / Returners

• Max Hurleman played everywhere—RB, WR, CB—and was impressive in the preseason. He’s a true Swiss Army knife that Tomlin covets.
• Ke’Shawn Williams racked up over 2,600 all-purpose yards in college. He was primarily used as a returner in the preseason, a position the Steelers are still seeking options at.
• Robert Woods, the 12-year vet, was released after camp but rejoined the practice squad after offers from multiple teams. He wants to play for the Steelers and Mike Tomlin, which is a good thing: with 8,233 career yards and a Super Bowl ring, he’s a reliable veteran in an unproven receiver room.