Derrek Tuszka’s play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday was good enough to get him promoted back to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 53-man roster.
Called up from the practice squad on Saturday, Tuszka, a second-year outside linebacker, had six tackles while playing 27 snaps in the Steelers’ 24-10 loss. He reverted to the practice squad after the game, but the Steelers brought him back Tuesday and waived outside linebacker Jamir Jones.
Jones played 20 snaps against the Bengals but lost playing time to Tuszka in the second half. He had one special teams tackle and didn’t register on the stat line on defense.
Tuszka was a seventh-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos in 2020, and he spent six games on the active roster. He was waived in final roster cuts this year, and the Steelers signed him to the practice squad Sept. 1.
“I know the whole playbook, and I feel really confident,” Tuszka said Monday. “Obviously, I’m still learning the whole scheme overall and learning all positions which makes my position easier once I know that. The day I got here, I got into the playbook and I’ve been studying since. I’m always prepared every week if I’m playing. It doesn’t matter if I’m on the practice squad or if I’m activated.”
Jones, who played at Notre Dame, could be re-signed to the Steelers practice squad if he clears waivers.
