The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly brought back running back Anthony McFarland Jr., signing him to their practice squad just days after releasing him. McFarland had been released as part of the team’s roster moves ahead of Week 16, but he quickly returned to the Steelers.
The running back spent the entire 2023 season with the Steelers before his release. In three games during the season, McFarland recorded 2 catches for 11 yards and returned 6 kickoffs for 164 yards, averaging 27.3 yards per return.
The decision to release McFarland came ahead of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 23, as the Steelers needed to make room for inside linebacker Kyron Johnson. Godwin Igwebuike replaced McFarland on the kick return unit.
McFarland, drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft, played a special teams role early in the 2023 season, averaging over 30 yards per kickoff return in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. However, a knee injury forced him onto injured reserve after that game, and he returned to action in Week 10.
The Steelers have primarily relied on running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, both of whom have played in all 15 games of the season, logging at least 450 offensive snaps each. Igwebuike, who also contributes on special teams, has not seen offensive playing time this season.
While McFarland’s return to the practice squad gives the Steelers insurance in case of injuries at running back, it remains to be seen if he will be elevated to the active roster for the remaining games of the season. The move provides the team with flexibility and depth at the running back position as they approach the final stretch of the 2023 campaign.
