the Pittsburgh Steelers declared that veteran running back Jonathan Ward was removed from the team’s active roster. Cornerback Cory Trice Jr. will probably occupy the place that becomes available on the active roster as a result of that trade. The Steelers chose not to activate Trice, who has been practicing for the past three weeks, as he continues to recover from a seven-week absence due to a hamstring injury. Trice must be activated by Pittsburgh before practice tomorrow, and it appears that this will most likely occur.
Trice was a seventh-round pick out of Purdue who missed his rookie season with a torn ACL. He had a strong start to the year, even grabbing his first career interception against the Denver Broncos, before suffering the hamstring strain.
As for Ward, he will likely be brought back to the team’s practice squad as a running back depth. However, he must clear waivers, even as a vested veteran, due to the rules after the trade deadline. If the Steelers do want to bring him back, they would have to release someone from the practice squad.
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently made a roster move by releasing veteran running back Jonathan Ward in order to clear space for promising cornerback Cory Trice Jr. The decision underscores the team’s commitment to bolstering their defensive backfield, as Trice Jr. is a highly regarded prospect who brings significant potential to the cornerback position.
Ward, who has been with the Steelers for a brief period, was not a major contributor in the team’s offense during his time in Pittsburgh. His departure opens up a spot on the roster, which the team chose to fill with Trice Jr., a player they believe can add value to their defensive unit.
Trice Jr. was initially drafted by the Steelers and has impressed coaches and scouts with his physicality, speed, and ball skills. His inclusion on the roster represents a strategic move to further strengthen a secondary that has seen a mix of veteran and young talent. As a cornerback, Trice Jr. brings the ability to challenge wide receivers and improve the team’s overall pass defense.
Ward’s release, while a tough decision, reflects the Steelers’ ongoing efforts to fine-tune their roster. It is not uncommon for teams to make such moves as the season progresses, with roster spots constantly shifting to reflect evolving team needs. Ward’s future remains uncertain, but he will likely be a candidate for other NFL teams looking to add depth to their running back corps.
For the Steelers, the focus is now on maximizing the impact of Trice Jr., who could become an important asset to the defense in the coming seasons. By cutting Ward, the team has made a calculated decision to strengthen its defensive depth, which is critical to the team’s ambitions in the competitive AFC.
