For Week 13 practice squad protections, Pittsburgh tabbed offensive tackles Jarron Jones and Anthony Coyle, wide receiver Deon Cain and running back Wendell Smallwood. These four are not eligible to sign with another team until after Monday’s game.
There is currently one spot open on the practice squad roster. The Steelers signed rookie safety Antoine Brooks to the 53-man roster on Thursday. This will be Brooks’ fifth time being elevated to the active/inactive roster.
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.
With the exception of the rescheduled Steelers-Ravens Week 12 game, 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 Monday at 5 p.m. EST, the Steelers host the Washington Football Team.
