A former NFL starting defensive back, a veteran offensive lineman and a familiar former quarterback-turned-wide receiver were part of a mini-makeover of the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad Wednesday.

Safety Darrick Forrest, guard/tackle Jack Driscoll and receiver John Rhys Plumlee were announced as joining the 16-player practice squad, adding depth to a trio of positions that have experienced recent attrition via injuries to DeShon Elliott, Isaac Seumalo and Scotty Miller, respectively.

Forrest started 17 of the 40 games he played for Washington over the four most recent full seasons. But he was cut by the Buffalo Bills at the end of their preseason and again let go from the Indianapolis Colts after four days on their practice squad last month.

Forrest said he woke up Tuesday with a nasty cold but pushed through to get to Pittsburgh for a tryout. He has extensive experience at free safety, strong safety and in the nickel/slot.

“You play everything. It’s definitely like that (as an NFL safety) now,” Forrest said. “It’s how defenses are played now. It really doesn’t matter what that position is labeled as.”

“Wherever and whatever the spot is, whatever they need me to do, I’m down for it.”

Although Driscoll has played tackle in the NFL, he is most thought of as a guard. He appeared in 67 games and started 18 with the Philadelphia Eagles between 2020-24.

Plumlee was a quarterback for Ole Miss and UCF in college. But at some points during college he played wide receiver, and during the 2024 Steelers training camp Plumlee did a little of each. Cut at the end of last year’s preseason, Plumlee has since spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks.

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