For Week 12 practice squad protections, Pittsburgh again tabbed rookie safety Antoine Brooks, wide receiver Deon Cain, running back Wendell Smallwood and punter Corliss Waitman. These four are not eligible to sign with another team until after Thursday’s game.
Everyone’s favorite linebacker/long snapper, Christian Kuntz, is back with the Steelers. Pittsburgh signed him to the practice squad on Tuesday.
Practice squad “protection” is a new concept for the 2020 season. It’s a concession for the potential personnel shortages that could occur if the virus strikes the locker room.
Teams can designate protected players each Tuesday beginning at 4 p.m., except for clubs that played on the previous Monday night; their designations go into effect prior to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
On Thanksgiving, the Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football.
