For Week 14 practice squad protections, Pittsburgh tabbed wide receiver Deon Cain, offensive tackle Anthony Coyle, running back Wendell Smallwood and kicker Matthew Wright. These four are not eligible to sign with another team until after Sunday’s game.
Wright started in place of Chris Boswell versus the Washington Football Team on Monday, as Boswell injured his hip last Saturday in practice. Though Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is hopeful he’ll be available for Sunday’s Buffalo Bills game, it’s too soon to tell.
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.
Pittsburgh travels to Buffalo to take on the Bills Sunday night.
