Steelers promote DT Breiden Fehoko, sign RB Godwin Igwebuike

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a pair of moves to replenish their active roster, signing defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko off their own practice squad and adding running back Godwin Igwebuike via the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad.

Fehoko signed in March but was part of final roster cuts off of a deep defensive line group. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds, Fehoko has appeared in 19 regular-season NFL games, all with the Los Angeles Chargers over the past three seasons. The majority of his action for the Steelers during training camp and the preseason came as a nose tackle, but Fehoko is capable of playing up and down the Steelers’ line.

“I am excited,” Fehoko said before practice Wednesday. “However the coaches decide to use me, I will be ready. I’ll be a good teammate along the way, and I’ll be an asset to the guys in the room and ultimately just provide whatever they need from me.”

The move again gives the Steelers seven defensive linemen on their 53-man roster. Cameron Heyward went on injured reserve last week because of a groin injury suffered in the season opener.

Igwebuike’s addition again gives the Steelers three true running backs on the roster. No. 3 Anthony McFarland also went on IR last week because of a knee injury suffered in the Sept. 10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Igwebuike, 29, has 30 regular-season games of NFL experience. The Steelers would be the sixth team for which he appears in a game, not counting two others he spent time with nor an XFL stint in 2020.

Godwin Igwebuike with an absolutely incredible rushing TD for the Lions.

RT if you started him in fantasy today! pic.twitter.com/JKtZdnt6pQ

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 14, 2021

While playing for the Detroit Lions in 2021, Igwebuike had a 42-yard touchdown run during a game in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.

“That was fun,” Igwebuike said. “Hopefully I can do that with the Steelers jersey.”

Aside from that play, though, Igwebuike has 20 carries for 80 yards and eight catches for 63 yards in his NFL career. He’s played extensively on special teams, including during Weeks 1-2 for Atlanta.

Igwebuike has extensive experience returning kickoffs in the NFL, as well. The Steelers have a need there after McFarland’s injury and with replacement Gunner Olszewski entering concussion protocol this week.

“I’d like to consider myself being the full package,” Igwebuike said. “Definitely a hard runner, gonna hit the hole, able to make guys miss and finish with speed. Excited to be here, especially of course for special teams as well. I feel like I can contribute being a ‘core four’ (special teams) guy, and being able to take kickoff returns as well. So wherever they might have me, I’ll play. I definitely feel like I have a lot to contribute.”

The moves get the active roster back to its maximum 53 players. The Steelers placed three players on injured reserve last week but signed only one to the active roster (receiver Dez Fitzpatrick).

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