Pittsburgh Steelers release five players to cut down roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers released five players Tuesday to bring their roster from 85 to 80, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported. Linebacker Genard Avery, receiver Christian Blake, running back Mateo Durant, quarterback Chris Oladokun and kicker Nick Sciba were all cut from the team.

The move was expected, as all NFL teams are allowed a maximum of only 80 players for the final week of the preseason. However, it was a bit surprising to see them cut Avery, whom they signed to a one-year deal in March. The linebacker started 12 games for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021, recording 43 tackles and a sack.

Pittsburgh has one more preseason game scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET Sunday against Detroit. After that, the Steelers will again be required to cut their roster down from 80 to 53 ahead of their regular season opener on Sept. 11 against Cincinnati.

Steelers claim Ryan McCollum off waivers, cut offensive lineman

In another roster move from last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that they claimed former Texas A&M offensive lineman Ryan McCollum off waivers from the Detroit Lions. The team waived former Wake Forest offensive lineman Nate Gilliam in a corresponding move.

Both players are listed at center, leading the team to avoid a roster jam as cuts continue throughout the preseason.

After becoming a team captain at Texas A&M, Ryan McCollum entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans. After beginning with the practice squad, the Lions claimed the rookie and pit him on the active roster. He made 13 appearances with one start in 2021.

Now on his third NFL team, McCollum will look to make an impact on the revamped offensive line which has seen massive turnover in recent seasons as veterans move on or retire, giving way to young talent and veteran acquisitions.

On3’s James Fletcher contributed to this report.