Steelers linebacker Ulysees Gilbert waived by team with injury designation

On3 image — KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ulysees Gilbert (54) in the third quarter of an NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs on Dec 26, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire)

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced another roster move in preparation for their opening preseason game. According to ESPN’s NFL reporter Brooke Pryor, the Steelers are waving linebacker Ulysees Gilbert.

“Steelers are waiving LB Ulysees Gilbert with an injury designation, per source. UGIII has been in a boot on his right foot. Gilbert, primarily a special teamer, was having a good camp at ILB before his injury, which unfortunately has been a common theme in his career,” wrote Pryor via Twitter.

Ulysees Gilbert joined the Steelers in 2019 after being selected by the team in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. The former Akron Zips star was a solid special teams contributor in Pittsburgh early on before landing on the team’s reserve/injured list in his rookie season. Gilbert’s rookie season was limited to seven games while he dealt with persistent back problems. In his second year, injuries were a big problem again as he only played in four games. Last season Gilbert was available and played in all 17 games for the Steelers. But it now appears that his lengthy list of injury problems has finally caught up to him as he is now officially a free agent.

Overall in his career, he has recorded a total of 25 tackles, 17 solo, and eight assisted. Of the 602 snaps he took, 533 were on special teams, and 69 were on defense.

Steelers update injury status of receivers Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson

There has been a positive update to the injury status of Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Chase Claypool, with NBC’s Pro Football Talk reporting Monday that he took part in practice. It was the first time Claypool has seen the field since July 29, when injured his shoulder.

But while good news arrived for Claypool, bad news followed for another Steelers receiver. Diontae Johnson was held out of practice Monday with a hip flexor injury. Coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that the team’s hope is that it is merely a day-to-day injury.

A Pro Bowler this past season, Johnson led Pittsburgh with 1,161 yards receiving and eight touchdowns on 107 catches. Claypool finished second on the team with 59 catches, 860 yards and two touchdowns. The pair are likely to continue to serve as the No. 1 and No. 2 options for the Steelers this upcoming season as they look to replace longtime starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.