The Pittsburgh Steelers began their first regular-season week of practice by filling their final available roster spot, signing defensive back Ayo Oyelola to their practice squad.

Born and raised in England, Oyelola qualifies under the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program and therefore affords the Steelers a 17th slot on their practice squad.

Oyelola, 25, spent last season on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad under the IPP program, which is intended to encourage growth of football globally. He also has been part of multiple teams in the Canadian Football League.

Though he initially took up the sport as a speedy linebacker, the 5-foot-11, 213-pound Oyelola was listed as a safety by Jacksonville last season. As a youth, he was playing soccer at a high level, according to a 2021 story by the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers, before attending law school at the University of Nottingham and joining the club American football team.

The Steelers carried a rookie outside linebacker from Germany, Julius Welschof, throughout training camp and the preseason. But Welschof suffered a knee injury during the preseason finale and was placed on injured reserve last week.

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