The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into their Week 9 bye and appear to be starting their break with some roster adjustments.
On October 29, KPRC 2 NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported that the Steelers “waived [outside linebacker] Adetokunbo Ogundeji from [the] 53[-man roster].” He also noted that “[running back] La’Mical Perine and [defensive back] Thomas Graham” have been released from the practice squad.
Ogundeji has fluctuated between the active roster and practice squad this season, so he may re-sign on a practice squad deal in the coming days. However, Perine and Graham may have concluded their time with the Steelers.
Perine, a former fourth-round pick by the New York Jets in 2020, has spent time on various practice squads since 2021. Earlier this year, he played three games with the Kansas City Chiefs, logging 22 carries for 77 yards. With the Steelers’ running backs now largely healthy, the need for Perine as a reserve has decreased.
Graham had competed for the Steelers’ nickel cornerback role over the summer but ultimately lost out to undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop, who has made a strong impact with three interceptions in the past two games. Graham, a former sixth-round pick of the Chicago Bears in 2021, has played in 12 career games, including one with Pittsburgh this year.
Per Steelers Depot, the team also had “veteran cornerback Cameron Sutton” reinstated from suspension on October 29. This development likely contributed to the decision to part ways with Ogundeji and Graham, as Sutton will return to a cornerback group featuring Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Bishop, C.J. Henderson, and James Pierre after the Week 9 bye.
Steelers Granted ‘Roster Exemption’ for Returning CB Cameron Sutton
According to Steelers Depot, Sutton received a “roster exemption” from the NFL Commissioner on October 29 to help him get back into football shape. The exemption will remain in place until November 4, temporarily leaving him off the 53-man roster.
This exemption allows the Steelers some flexibility for potential additions during the bye week, with the NFL trade deadline approaching on November 5. As Steelers Depot highlighted, “the Steelers’ active roster now sits at 51 players” due to the exemption. Sutton will take up one of the remaining two roster spots when his exemption expires.
Steelers Also Have OT Dylan Cook & LB/Special Teamer Tyler Matakevich Returning From Injury
This could be a busy week for Steelers GM Omar Khan. Besides Sutton’s return and the trade deadline, the team also has two players recovering from injuries.
As Steelers Depot pointed out, “[offensive tackle] Dylan Cook and ILB Tyler Matakevich are inside their opened 21-day windows” to return. “There may be some minor 53-man roster shuffling after [the] bye week.”
Cook, previously key depth on the offensive line, has been out since August with a foot injury. His return would be significant, given the line’s injury struggles. Matakevich, re-signed as a core special teamer this offseason, suffered a hamstring injury on September 15 and has been on IR, while starting linebacker Cole Holcomb continues to recover from knee surgery.
