Pittsburgh Steelers work out former Dallas quarterback Ben DiNucci on Tuesday

suzhalliburton

ben dinucci steelers — Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers invited former Dallas Cowboys reserve quarterback Ben DiNucci to work out for them Tuesday as the team prepares to open training camp in Latrobe, Pa.

DiNucci is a hometown kid, so there’s a sentimental factor. He played at Pine-Richland High School, which is in a Pittsburgh suburb. Then he stuck around the city, playing three seasons for the Pitt Panthers. After making six starts for Pitt, he transferred to James Madison. DiNucci helped lead James Madison to the 2019 FCS title game.

The Cowboys selected him in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He stuck around in Dallas for three seasons, then spent last year on the practice squad with the Broncos. Coincidentally, DeNucci was teammates with Russell Wilson, who is expected to be the Steelers new starting quarterback. He also did a stint in the XFL with the Seattle Sea Dragons, leading the spring league in 2023 in passing yards (2,671) and completions (272).

In addition to DiNucci, the Steelers worked out several receivers including Tarik Black, Slade Bolden and Greg Ward Jr. Black played his college ball at both Michigan and Texas. Bolden started at Alabama, while Ward used to be the quarterback for the Houston Cougars. They’ve all kicked around the NFL.

The Steelers worked out Ben DiNucci this week. The quarterback spent last season on the practice squad for the Broncos. He was a reserve quarterback for the Cowboys 2020-22. ( Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)

So why did the Steelers bring him in? It’s unclear since Pittsburgh already has four quarterbacks on the roster. Of course, there’s Wilson. The Steelers traded for Justin Fields, a former first-rounder and three-year starter for the Bears. They added Kyle Allen, a veteran journeyman. Then as soon as the draft was over in late April, the Steelers signed undrafted free agent John Rhys Plumlee. The dual-threat quarterback started his career at Ole Miss, then finished it at Central Florida. He can play other positions, with Plumlee seeing snaps at running back and receiver.

The Steelers quarterback position battle could be one of the most scrutinized in the NFL. The team started over at the position after Pittsburgh hired Arthur Smith as the offensive coordinator. Smith was head coach of the Falcons the past three seasons, but before that, he was OC of the Titans.

Steelers veterans and rookies report to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA today to check in at training camp. The first practice is Thursday morning.