Steelers sign Ryan Anderson and Rodney Williams to practice squad, cut Justin Rigg and Jaquarii Roberson

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed linebacker Ryan Anderson and tight end Rodney Williams to their practice squad, Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson reported Tuesday. The Steelers also cut tight end Justin Rigg and receiver Jaquarii Roberson in a corresponding move.

A former second round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Anderson spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Washington Commanders. There he totaled 86 tackles (seven for loss), six sacks and five forced fumbles.

Last year, he was with the New York Giants on a one-year, $1.12 million deal. However, he made headlines when he faced a six-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. He did not record a stat in 2021 with the Giants.

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Williams signed with the Denver Broncos this spring after going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, the team released him in mid-August. He played his college ball at UT-Martin, where he caught 99 passes (ninth-most in school history) for 1,217 yards and nine touchdowns across 53 games.

The move to add a linebacker comes after it was reported earlier Tuesday that TJ Watt is expected to miss six weeks with a pectoral injury. If the six-week timeline remains true, Watt should be back for the Week 8 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

A starting outside linebacker, Watt led the NFL in sacks during each of the past two seasons. His absence will certainly leave a void and the Steelers adding Ryan Anderson will help their depth at the position as they await his return.

Following a 23-20 overtime victory against Cincinnati in Week 1, Pittsburgh is set to take on the Patriots at 1 p.m. ET in Week 2. After that, they have a quick turnaround against a divisional opponent as they face the Cleveland Browns at 8:15 p.m. ET on Sept. 22 in Week 3’s Thursday Night Football game.