The Steelers announced on October 16 that Ogundeji had been re-signed to their practice squad, just two days after releasing him from the 53-man active roster.
Ogundeji, 26, has had a busy few days. He was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of the Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Ogundeji joined the Steelers’ roster at a time when they were dealing with injuries to key players like Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig. The team also placed defensive end DeMarvin Leal on injured reserve on October 12.
During Week 6, Ogundeji played 16 defensive snaps, recording 1 pass defense but no tackles.
The day after the game, the Steelers released him, but with his return to the practice squad, Ogundeji could be elevated again for Week 7.
In addition to Ogundeji, the Steelers also signed linebacker Craig Young to the practice squad on October 16. Young went undrafted in 2024 and spent time with the Indianapolis Colts during training camp before being waived in the final roster cuts.
Ade Ogundeji Returns to Steelers Practice Squad
It wasn’t unexpected for the Steelers to bring Ogundeji back. While he didn’t make a major impact in his Pittsburgh debut on October 13, he performed well enough to stay in the mix.
The Steelers are still dealing with injuries at the edge rusher position. Head coach Mike Tomlin announced on October 15 that Nick Herbig would not play in Week 7 against the New York Jets.
Tomlin sounded more hopeful about Highsmith’s return, but Ogundeji could still be called up to the active roster for additional depth.
Steelers Lose 23-Year-Old Prospect Weeks After Re-Signing Him: Report
Ogundeji was originally a fifth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 draft. He started 27 games for the Falcons between 2021 and 2022.
Before his appearance in Week 6 this season, Ogundeji hadn’t played in an NFL regular season game since Week 18 of 2022.
In 33 career NFL games, Ogundeji has recorded 75 total tackles, including 8 for loss, along with 3 sacks and 3 quarterback hits.
He earned a player grade of 63.8 (out of 100) from Pro Football Focus for his Week 6 performance.
Steelers Sign Linebacker Craig Young
Along with re-signing Ogundeji, the Steelers added Craig Young to their practice squad on October 16.
Young, a former 3-star recruit, committed to Ohio State in 2019. After three years with the Buckeyes, he transferred to Kansas, where he became a standout player, tallying 101 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks in 25 games from 2022-23.
Young joins a group of four linebackers on Pittsburgh’s practice squad, which includes Devin Harper and Eku Leota.
The Steelers also had linebacker Jacoby Windmon on their practice squad until October 15, when he was signed by the Carolina Panthers, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
