RB Anthony McFarland, OL John Leglue among 8 added to Steelers practice squad

Chris Adamski
Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022 6:16 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022 6:16 p.m.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland sprints past Robert Spillane during a training-camp practice earlier this month at Saint Vincent College. McFarland was part of final cuts Tuesday but added to the Steelers’ practice squad Wednesday.

Running back Anthony McFarland and offensive lineman John Leglue were among eight players added to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad Wednesday, the first day teams around the league were able to begin assembling the supplemental additions to their rosters.

The NFL expanded the size of the practice squad to 16 players during the covid-19 pandemic and elected to keep it that size going forward. The Steelers announced half of their available spots Wednesday after myriad players from across the league cleared waivers following the deadline for final preseason cuts Tuesday.

A speedy former fourth-round pick from 2020, McFarland appeared poised for a breakout as a change-of-pace offensive weapon last summer. But he suffered a knee injury as the regular season drew close and never found a niche. This year, McFarland had his moments during camp and even the Steelers with 56 rushing yards in their preseason opener. But he lost out to undrafted rookie Jaylen Warren to be one of two backups to workhorse starter Najee Harris.

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Leglue last season started the final five regular-season games and the Steelers’ postseason loss at the Kansas City Chiefs at left guard. But the Steelers chose Kendrick Green and J.C. Hassenauer ahead of him as backup offensive linemen and then traded for veteran Jesse Davis.

Also added to the practice squad were two offensive linemen signed late in camp: William Dunkle and Ryan McCollum. Dunkle is an undrafted rookie guard from San Diego State; McCollum appeared in 13 games (starting one) for the Detroit Lions last season.

Each of the other four signings to the practice squad announced Wednesday also has NFL regular-season experience.

Defensive lineman Carlos Davis has appeared in 15 games for the Steelers since being a seventh-round pick of theirs in 2020. The son of newly hired director of pro scouting Sheldon White, Cody White had five catches and four special-teams tackles in 15 games for the Steelers last season.

Hamilcar Rashed made one appearance as a New York Jets defensive end as a rookie last season but joined the Steelers late in this camp after being waived. Rashed, who will play outside linebacker in the Steelers’ scheme, got some first-team practice reps soon after arriving in Pittsburgh.

Elijah Riley was the final player the Steelers acquired before Tuesday’s roster cutdown to 53. A safety, Riley started seven games for the Jets last season and has 13 games of NFL regular-season experience.

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Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.